v1-10  The golden altar of incense was placed inside the Tabernacle.

v2        This altar was much smaller than the bronze altar for the offerings. This altar, once consecrated, would be used only for the burning of incense.

v7-8     When Aaron tended the lamps, he also had to burn incense. The link speaks of our response in worship to Christ. Aaron himself burned the incense, just as true worship is in the Name of Jesus. Pure incense was offered daily, for we draw near with a pure heart (Heb 10.22), having been sprinkled and washed.

v9        Only pure incense could be offered, reflecting God’s absolute purity, and the need for pure devotion to Him.

v10      Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, Aaron would be required to make atonement on the altar.

v12-15            Each Israelite had been redeemed. As a sign of this, he had to pay one silver shekel, whether rich or poor. The silver was to be used in the service of the Tabernacle.

v18-19            The bronze laver was placed outside the Tabernacle, between the tent and the bronze altar. The priests had to wash in water taken from the laver.

v22-33            Pure anointing oil, speaking of the Holy Spirit.

v23      The spices were designed to produce a sweet smelling aroma. “Cinnamon” and “cane” means “erect”, speaking of the upright character of Christ.

v26-30            The oil was used to anoint and sanctify the priests and the items of the Tabernacle. We need God’s anointing upon us, that we might serve in true holiness.

v32      The oil was not to be poured on men’s flesh, for the Spirit is wholly different from human nature. For this reason, also, no one was allowed to make any perfume like it. In the New Testament, the flesh lusts against the Spirit (Gal 5.17), for there is enmity between them.

v34-38            The making of the incense.

v34            Fragrant spices, gum resin (stacte), onycha, galbanum, and frankincense, in equal amounts.

v35      Holy and pure and sacred, reflecting God’s character.

v36      The spices were ground to powder; Christ was beaten by men. In Ps 22.6, Christ, in prophecy, speaks of His appearance as a “worm”, indicating the severe bruising. But out of such suffering comes a pure sweetness.

            The incense was to be placed inside the Tabernacle. Here is something precious, only for the worshipper of God.

v37-38            As with the oil, no one was to make anything like the incense.

            The Song of Solomon makes references to incense; 1.3,13; 3.6; 4.6,10,14,16; 5.1,5; 6.2; this points us to the fragrance of a deep, loving relationship with Christ.

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