Exodus 30:35 describes the specific instructions for creating the holy incense to be burned in the Tabernacle. Let's break it down:
"and you shall make incense of it": This refers to the ingredients previously mentioned in Exodus 30:34 (stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense). These were to be combined to create the incense.
"a perfume after the art of the perfumer": This emphasizes that the incense wasn't just a simple mixture, but a carefully crafted perfume, made with skill and expertise. The person creating it needed to be a skilled artisan, a perfumer. The Hebrew word translated "perfumer" implies someone with specialized knowledge in blending aromatic substances.
"seasoned with salt": The addition of salt is significant. Salt had a preservative effect, preventing decay. Spiritually, it symbolized purity, permanence, and the covenant between God and Israel. Salt's role was to enhance and preserve the fragrance, similar to its use in food. It also likely served to make the incense burn properly.
"pure and holy": This highlights the sacred nature of the incense. It was not for common use but exclusively for offering to God in the Tabernacle. The incense was to be made with the utmost care and reverence, as it was a symbol of prayer ascending to God.
In essence, the verse outlines that the incense was to be a meticulously crafted perfume, made with specific ingredients, preserved with salt, and considered utterly holy for use only in God's presence. It emphasizes both the physical components and the spiritual significance of the incense. It was more than just a pleasant smell; it was a sacred offering.
Exodus 30:35 describes the specific instructions for creating the holy incense to be burned in the Tabernacle. Let's break it down:
"and you shall make incense of it": This refers to the ingredients previously mentioned in Exodus 30:34 (stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense). These were to be combined to create the incense.
"a perfume after the art of the perfumer": This emphasizes that the incense wasn't just a simple mixture, but a carefully crafted perfume, made with skill and expertise. The person creating it needed to be a skilled artisan, a perfumer. The Hebrew word translated "perfumer" implies someone with specialized knowledge in blending aromatic substances.
"seasoned with salt": The addition of salt is significant. Salt had a preservative effect, preventing decay. Spiritually, it symbolized purity, permanence, and the covenant between God and Israel. Salt's role was to enhance and preserve the fragrance, similar to its use in food. It also likely served to make the incense burn properly.
"pure and holy": This highlights the sacred nature of the incense. It was not for common use but exclusively for offering to God in the Tabernacle. The incense was to be made with the utmost care and reverence, as it was a symbol of prayer ascending to God.
In essence, the verse outlines that the incense was to be a meticulously crafted perfume, made with specific ingredients, preserved with salt, and considered utterly holy for use only in God's presence. It emphasizes both the physical components and the spiritual significance of the incense. It was more than just a pleasant smell; it was a sacred offering.