Exodus 30:7 describes a daily ritual performed by Aaron, the High Priest, involving incense and the lamps of the golden lampstand (Menorah) in the Tabernacle. Let's break down the meaning:
"Aaron shall burn incense of sweet spices on it every morning...": This refers to a specific type of incense, a carefully prescribed mixture of aromatic spices (Exodus 30:34-38). "It" likely refers to the golden altar of incense (Exodus 30:1-6), which stood in the Holy Place, directly in front of the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. The burning of incense was a significant act of worship, representing the prayers of the people rising to God. It was done every morning.
"...When he tends the lamps, he shall burn it.": "Tending the lamps" means trimming the wicks and adding fresh oil to the golden lampstand to keep it burning throughout the night. This was also a daily task. The verse implies that the incense was burned at the same time as, or immediately following, the tending of the lamps.
Overall Meaning:
The verse establishes a regular, twice-daily (morning and evening, as specified later in Exodus 30:8) ritual of incense burning connected to the lighting and maintenance of the lamps in the Tabernacle. The simultaneous performance of these acts emphasized their importance and their connection to each other.
Symbolic Significance:
Incense: Represents prayers ascending to God, a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
Lamps: Symbolize God's presence, guidance, and the light of revelation. The light also represents the need for continual spiritual awareness and obedience to God's commands.
Regularity: The daily nature of the ritual signifies the importance of consistent worship and communion with God.
Practical Significance: The incense may also have served to purify the air in the Tabernacle and create a sacred atmosphere.
New Testament Connection: In the New Testament, incense is sometimes used symbolically to represent the prayers of the saints (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). The High Priest's role in this ritual is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ's role as our High Priest, who intercedes for us before God.
Exodus 30:7 describes a daily ritual performed by Aaron, the High Priest, involving incense and the lamps of the golden lampstand (Menorah) in the Tabernacle. Let's break down the meaning:
"Aaron shall burn incense of sweet spices on it every morning...": This refers to a specific type of incense, a carefully prescribed mixture of aromatic spices (Exodus 30:34-38). "It" likely refers to the golden altar of incense (Exodus 30:1-6), which stood in the Holy Place, directly in front of the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. The burning of incense was a significant act of worship, representing the prayers of the people rising to God. It was done every morning.
"...When he tends the lamps, he shall burn it.": "Tending the lamps" means trimming the wicks and adding fresh oil to the golden lampstand to keep it burning throughout the night. This was also a daily task. The verse implies that the incense was burned at the same time as, or immediately following, the tending of the lamps.
Overall Meaning:
The verse establishes a regular, twice-daily (morning and evening, as specified later in Exodus 30:8) ritual of incense burning connected to the lighting and maintenance of the lamps in the Tabernacle. The simultaneous performance of these acts emphasized their importance and their connection to each other.
Symbolic Significance:
Incense: Represents prayers ascending to God, a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
Lamps: Symbolize God's presence, guidance, and the light of revelation. The light also represents the need for continual spiritual awareness and obedience to God's commands.
Regularity: The daily nature of the ritual signifies the importance of consistent worship and communion with God.
Practical Significance: The incense may also have served to purify the air in the Tabernacle and create a sacred atmosphere.
New Testament Connection: In the New Testament, incense is sometimes used symbolically to represent the prayers of the saints (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). The High Priest's role in this ritual is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ's role as our High Priest, who intercedes for us before God.