Exodus 30:24 is part of the instructions for making the holy anointing oil, which was used to consecrate the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests. Let's break down the verse:
"and of cassia five hundred": This refers to 500 shekels of cassia, a fragrant spice. Cassia is similar to cinnamon and was likely used in powdered form.
"after the shekel of the sanctuary": This is crucial. It specifies that the weight measurement of the cassia (500 shekels) must be according to the standard "shekel of the sanctuary," which was a standardized and accurate weight kept at the temple to prevent fraud and ensure correct measurements for sacred items. This means that the correct weight of the cassia, as measured in common shekels, must be recalibrated based on the "shekel of the sanctuary."
"and a hin of olive oil": This specifies the quantity of olive oil to be used: one hin. A "hin" was a liquid measure, roughly estimated to be around 3.7 to 6 liters (approximately 4-6 quarts or 1 gallon) depending on the exact estimation used. In context, it likely refers to the standard hin measure of the time.
In essence, the verse is instructing the makers of the anointing oil to use the following ingredients:
500 shekels (as measured by the standard shekel of the sanctuary) of cassia.
One hin of olive oil.
The purpose of this specific recipe was to ensure that the anointing oil, which was a symbol of God's presence and consecration, was made according to God's precise instructions. The emphasis on the "shekel of the sanctuary" highlights the importance of accuracy and holiness in the preparation of items used for sacred purposes.
Exodus 30:24 is part of the instructions for making the holy anointing oil, which was used to consecrate the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests. Let's break down the verse:
"and of cassia five hundred": This refers to 500 shekels of cassia, a fragrant spice. Cassia is similar to cinnamon and was likely used in powdered form.
"after the shekel of the sanctuary": This is crucial. It specifies that the weight measurement of the cassia (500 shekels) must be according to the standard "shekel of the sanctuary," which was a standardized and accurate weight kept at the temple to prevent fraud and ensure correct measurements for sacred items. This means that the correct weight of the cassia, as measured in common shekels, must be recalibrated based on the "shekel of the sanctuary."
"and a hin of olive oil": This specifies the quantity of olive oil to be used: one hin. A "hin" was a liquid measure, roughly estimated to be around 3.7 to 6 liters (approximately 4-6 quarts or 1 gallon) depending on the exact estimation used. In context, it likely refers to the standard hin measure of the time.
In essence, the verse is instructing the makers of the anointing oil to use the following ingredients:
500 shekels (as measured by the standard shekel of the sanctuary) of cassia.
One hin of olive oil.
The purpose of this specific recipe was to ensure that the anointing oil, which was a symbol of God's presence and consecration, was made according to God's precise instructions. The emphasis on the "shekel of the sanctuary" highlights the importance of accuracy and holiness in the preparation of items used for sacred purposes.