Exodus 30:38 - Whoever shall make any like that, to smell of it, he shall be cut off from his people.”
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What does "Exodus 30:38" mean?
This verse from Exodus 30:38 is a very serious prohibition against anyone creating a personal or commercial copy of the sacred incense blend described in Exodus 30:34-37. Let's break it down:
"Whoever shall make any like that..." - This refers to anyone who tries to replicate the specific incense formula God commanded Moses to create.
"...to smell of it..." - The key here is the intent. The prohibition isn't just about possessing the ingredients, but about making a similar blend for the purpose of enjoying its aroma. It's about using the sacred incense for personal pleasure or any use other than its divinely ordained purpose in the Tabernacle.
"...he shall be cut off from his people." - This is the most severe part. "Cut off from his people" (Hebrew: kareth) is a serious divine penalty, often interpreted in a few ways:
Excommunication/Banishment: The individual could be ostracized from the community.
Premature Death: Some interpretations suggest God would shorten the offender's lifespan.
Spiritual Separation: The person would be cut off from God's covenant and blessings.
Offspring Cut Off: Some interpret it as the person's lineage being cut off, meaning they will not have descendants.
In Essence:
The verse emphasizes the sacredness and exclusivity of the incense. God commanded a specific formula to be used only in the Tabernacle for worship. Replicating it for personal use was considered a grave offense, a violation of God's holiness, and deserving of severe punishment.
Why such a harsh punishment?
To emphasize God's holiness: The incense was a symbol of prayer ascending to God and of God's presence. To treat it as a common fragrance would diminish its sacred meaning and disrespect God.
To prevent commercialization: God didn't want the sacred incense to become a product for sale or personal gain.
To maintain the integrity of worship: By strictly regulating the creation and use of the incense, God ensured that the worship in the Tabernacle remained pure and focused on Him.
In short, Exodus 30:38 highlights the importance of respecting the boundaries God sets around holy things and the consequences of violating His commands.
Exodus 30:38 - Whoever shall make any like that, to smell of it, he shall be cut off from his people.”
What does "Exodus 30:38" mean?
This verse from Exodus 30:38 is a very serious prohibition against anyone creating a personal or commercial copy of the sacred incense blend described in Exodus 30:34-37. Let's break it down:
"Whoever shall make any like that..." - This refers to anyone who tries to replicate the specific incense formula God commanded Moses to create.
"...to smell of it..." - The key here is the intent. The prohibition isn't just about possessing the ingredients, but about making a similar blend for the purpose of enjoying its aroma. It's about using the sacred incense for personal pleasure or any use other than its divinely ordained purpose in the Tabernacle.
"...he shall be cut off from his people." - This is the most severe part. "Cut off from his people" (Hebrew: kareth) is a serious divine penalty, often interpreted in a few ways:
Excommunication/Banishment: The individual could be ostracized from the community.
Premature Death: Some interpretations suggest God would shorten the offender's lifespan.
Spiritual Separation: The person would be cut off from God's covenant and blessings.
Offspring Cut Off: Some interpret it as the person's lineage being cut off, meaning they will not have descendants.
In Essence:
The verse emphasizes the sacredness and exclusivity of the incense. God commanded a specific formula to be used only in the Tabernacle for worship. Replicating it for personal use was considered a grave offense, a violation of God's holiness, and deserving of severe punishment.
Why such a harsh punishment?
To emphasize God's holiness: The incense was a symbol of prayer ascending to God and of God's presence. To treat it as a common fragrance would diminish its sacred meaning and disrespect God.
To prevent commercialization: God didn't want the sacred incense to become a product for sale or personal gain.
To maintain the integrity of worship: By strictly regulating the creation and use of the incense, God ensured that the worship in the Tabernacle remained pure and focused on Him.
In short, Exodus 30:38 highlights the importance of respecting the boundaries God sets around holy things and the consequences of violating His commands.