Exodus 30

2 the height thereof. About 42 inches high, and 20 square.

7. Aaron. This was apparently not a duty belonging exclusively to the high priest, though regarded as a priestly function. See Luke i. 9, 10; from which it also appears that it became the practice of the people to pray in the outer court of the temple at the time of offering incense, and that when the priest came out he blessed the people.

10 an atonement. By sprinkling the blood of the sacrifice upon the corner of the altar. This direction shows that sacrifice is required in order to give efficacy to intercession.

12 a ransom. All the people were to pay equally to the maintenance of the service, that they might feel that all of every rank equally needed and equally benefited by the atonement and offerings. The amount was small, being little more than twenty-five cents. (See Matt. xvii. 24, for Christ’s compliance with this law.)

18 brass (copper). As the sacrifices represented the atonement of Christ, so the laver with its rites represented the “washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” No one is permitted to approach God without undergoing the double purification of the altar and the laver—the blood and the Spirit of Jesus. There were two washings of the priests—the one general and entire, performed once for all on their consecration and admission to the sanctuary (xxix. 4); the other partial, and repeated daily within the court of the tabernacle. See Heb. x. 19-22.

19 their hands . . . their feet. The hands being in constant use, and the feet exposed to dust, particularly required frequent cleansing (Matt. xv. 2; John xiii. 10).

25 oil. This seems to represent the communications of the Holy Spirit, both enlightening (1 John ii. 20) and cheering (Psa. xlv. 7, 8), as well as qualifying for official work (Isa. lxi. 1-3). Hence anointing oil was used to inaugurate priests (ver. 30), kings (1 Kings i. 39), and prophets (1 Kings xix. 16).

32. Upon man’s flesh. That is, not upon other men’s; as perfumes were commonly used as a welcome to guests and for personal comfort. That which is peculiarly consecrated to the service of God must not be used as a common thing.

34 stacte. Probably the gum called opobalsamot.

35 a perfume, etc. Rather, “incense, a perfume after the art of the perfumer” (R.V.). The word apothecary is now obsolete in this sense.