Exodus 37 29

Exodus 37:29 kjv

And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.

Exodus 37:29 nkjv

He also made the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the perfumer.

Exodus 37:29 niv

They also made the sacred anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense?the work of a perfumer.

Exodus 37:29 esv

He made the holy anointing oil also, and the pure fragrant incense, blended as by the perfumer.

Exodus 37:29 nlt

Then he made the sacred anointing oil and the fragrant incense, using the techniques of a skilled incense maker.

Exodus 37 verses

Exodus 37 29 Meaning

Exodus 37:29 states that Bezalel crafted the holy anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense. These were not ordinary compounds but specifically formulated substances, meticulously prepared by a skilled perfumer according to divine prescription, designated solely for the consecration of sacred objects and for reverent worship in the Tabernacle. This verse emphasizes the precise fulfillment of God's instructions for the preparation of holy materials essential for divine service.

Exodus 37 29 Context

Exodus chapter 37 forms part of the detailed account of the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, led by Bezalel and Oholiab, under divine instruction. The preceding chapters (Exo 25-31) provide the exact blueprints given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, outlining every detail for the holy dwelling. Chapters 36-39 then describe the diligent execution of these commands, highlighting the precise craftsmanship of those entrusted with the work. Verse 29 specifically focuses on the preparation of the anointing oil and incense, two critical elements required for consecration and worship within the newly constructed Tabernacle, signifying the imminent establishment of formal worship. Historically, in the ancient Near East, precise rituals and designated sacred substances were common, but Israel's system was distinct due to its divine origin and strict prohibition against imitation for common purposes, underscoring the holiness of Yahweh and His unique requirements for worship.

Exodus 37 29 Word analysis

• He: Refers to Bezalel (from Exo 37:1). This highlights the divine empowerment of an individual for specific, sacred craftsmanship, as detailed in Exo 31:3 and 35:31, where it's stated he was "filled with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship."
• made (עָשָׂה, 'asah): A broad verb meaning "to do, make, produce." In this context, it signifies not mere assembly but the precise creation and formulation according to exact specifications, reflecting careful attention to detail required for sacred objects.
• the holy anointing oil (שֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחַת קֹדֶשׁ, shemen ha-mishchat kodesh):
  • Shemen: Oil, particularly olive oil in biblical contexts.
  • Ha-mishchat: The anointing, signifying its specific purpose of consecration and setting apart.
  • Kodesh: Holy, sacred, set apart for God's exclusive use. This oil was explicitly defined in Exo 30:22-25 with specific proportions of costly ingredients (myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia) mixed with olive oil. Its purpose was to sanctify persons (priests, kings) and objects (Tabernacle, ark, vessels), marking them as dedicated to God.
• and the pure, fragrant incense (וְאֵת קְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים הַטָּהוֹר, wə'et qetoret ha-sammim ha-tahor):
  • Qetoret: Incense, smoke, associated with aroma rising in worship.
  • Ha-sammim: The spices, referring to a mixture of specific fragrant resins and herbs (Exo 30:34: stacte, onycha, galbanum, frankincense).
  • Ha-tahor: The pure, clean, undefiled, signifying its ceremonial and ritual purity, essential for offering to God. This incense was distinct from any other, reserved for the altar of incense inside the Holy Place.
• the work (מַעֲשֵׂה, ma'aseh): Emphasizes the skilled handiwork, the crafted product.
• of a perfumer (רֹקֵחַ, roqeach): Also translated as apothecary or compounder of spices. This term denotes a highly skilled artisan capable of precise compounding, blending various aromatic ingredients to create specific fragrances. It underscores the technical expertise required for both the oil and incense, ensuring their correct composition and thus their efficacy for sacred use.

Words-group analysis:

• "He made the holy anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense": This phrase links the skilled divine work of Bezalel to the creation of two paramount sacred substances. Both the oil and incense serve to distinguish sacred from common, marking the divine presence and access in Israel's worship.
• "the work of a perfumer": This qualification highlights that the substances were not casually mixed but meticulously prepared by an expert. It conveys the concept that anything intended for God's service must be of the highest quality, skillfully rendered, and precisely aligned with divine prescription. This precision further reinforces their exclusive holiness and prohibits their common replication or profane use.

Exodus 37 29 Bonus section

The distinction between the "holy" anointing oil and "pure, fragrant" incense and any common varieties used for everyday purposes was incredibly stringent (Exo 30:32-33, 37-38). This separation highlighted a core theological principle: God's holiness demands complete exclusivity and dedication. Any attempt to replicate or misuse these sacred items was met with severe divine judgment, as seen in the story of Nadab and Abihu offering "unauthorized fire" (Lev 10:1-2), a principle extended to using unauthorized incense. The sensory experiences associated with these items – the fragrance of the incense rising, the tactile feel of the anointing oil – served as powerful, multi-sensory reminders to the Israelites of the divine presence and the sanctity of the Tabernacle rituals. These elements pointed beyond themselves to a God who is to be approached with reverence, purity, and according to His established way.

Exodus 37 29 Commentary

Exodus 37:29 serves as a brief but significant declaration of Bezalel's meticulous execution of divine instructions regarding two supremely holy substances: the anointing oil and the fragrant incense. These compounds, precisely formulated "by a perfumer," underscored God's demand for perfection and specific protocol in His worship. The anointing oil consecrated objects and priests for sacred duty, setting them apart, while the incense represented the ascent of pure prayer and worship to God's presence. The act of making them underscores that only God-ordained substances, crafted by divinely gifted individuals, could bridge the gap between a holy God and His people, foreshadowing the ultimate sanctification and intercession brought by Christ. This verse reminds believers that service to God requires intentionality, skill, and adherence to His revealed will, treating all that pertains to Him with utmost reverence.