Exodus 30

1. The Altar of Incense (Exodus 30:1–10)
Construction: Made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, with horns on its corners.

Placement: Set in front of the veil before the Ark of the Covenant.

Purpose: To burn incense daily, symbolizing prayers rising to God (see Psalm 141:2).

Priestly Role: Aaron was to burn incense every morning and evening as part of daily worship.

Warning: No strange incense, burnt offerings, or grain offerings were to be offered on it—only sacred incense.

2. Atonement Money (Exodus 30:11–16)
Census Tax: Every Israelite man 20 years and older was to give half a shekel when counted.

Purpose: A ransom for their lives—reminding them that life belongs to God.

Equality: Rich and poor gave the same amount, showing that all are equal before God.

Use: The money supported the tabernacle, symbolizing shared responsibility in worship.

3. The Bronze Basin (Exodus 30:17–21)
Purpose: For the priests to wash hands and feet before entering the tabernacle or offering sacrifices.

Symbolism: Cleanliness represented spiritual purity—uncleanness meant death.

Lesson: Those who serve God must be pure in heart and action.

4. Anointing Oil (Exodus 30:22–33)
Ingredients: A specific blend of myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil.

Use: To anoint the tabernacle, altar, furnishings, and priests—setting them apart as holy.

Prohibition: It was not to be used for common purposes or made for personal use.

5. Holy Incense (Exodus 30:34–38)
Ingredients: Stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense.

Usage: Burned only in the sanctuary as an offering to God.

Warning: No imitation or personal use—it was holy to the Lord.

Key Takeaways:
Prayer is Central: The incense altar shows that prayer is a daily, sacred offering to God.

Holiness Is Not Optional: Everything associated with God’s presence had to be clean, holy, and consecrated.

Everyone Has a Role: The ransom offering taught that all are responsible for supporting and honoring God’s presence.

God Sets Boundaries: Sacred things are not for common use—God defines what is holy.