Today's passage: Exodus 30
Helpful thoughts:
- The Altar of Incense is the final piece that was to be included in the Holy Place along with the Golden Lampstand and the Table for the Bread of the Presence. The Altar of Incense stood in front of the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
- The Lord instituted a tax for whenever a census was taken of the nation.
- The Bronze Basin was place outside the Holy Place and was given for the priests to wash themselves before entering the Holy Place to offer sacrifice. The priests were to be cleansed before the Lord.
- A special recipe is given for oil to be used for anointing and for incense. God wanted this recipe to kept separate and special for this purpose. The unique smell was to be kept entirely unique. Because it was to be used in service for the Lord, it was not to be used for any other purposes.
Questions to consider:
- In what ways do we see the Lord's passion for His glory and holiness displayed in this passage? How did He give instructions to His people in ways to help them see and enjoy Him more?
- What were the consequences for breaking these laws? How serious was the Lord about these commands? If He determines they are important, are we to disagree? Are there any commands in Scripture you tend to think aren't very important? How should you think about them in order to bring yourself under submission to God?
- When the people ever smelled the oil or the incense, what were they to know was near? How can certain senses bring you to a pleasant or perhaps even an unpleasant mindset or remembrance? How would restricting the use of these recipes for oil and incense have enhanced the people's worship?