Meaning of Exodus 31:11

This verse, Exodus 31:11, situates the commandment concerning the anointing oil and fragrant incense within the broader context of God's instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Following the detailed specifications for the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altar of incense, Moses is commanded to ensure these specific sacred substances are prepared. The emphasis on "just as I commanded you" underscores the divine origin and precise nature of these elements, highlighting their critical role in the worship and presence of God among the Israelites. This is not merely about crafting aesthetically pleasing objects, but about establishing a divinely ordained system for approaching a holy God.

Context and Background

Exodus 31 follows a series of chapters (25-30) where God meticulously details the design and construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary for God's presence among His people in the wilderness. These instructions include the Ark, the lampstand, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering, the laver, and the priestly garments. Chapter 31 then shifts focus to the artisans chosen by God to carry out these intricate tasks, specifically mentioning Bezalel and Oholiab, who are filled with the Spirit of God for skill and understanding. Verse 11, therefore, is a direct instruction to Moses regarding the preparation of the materials for two vital components of the Tabernacle's sacred apparatus: the anointing oil and the fragrant incense. These were not to be produced haphazardly but according to God's specific divine blueprint.

Key Themes and Messages

Several key themes emerge from this verse. Firstly, Divine Authority and Precision: God's commands are absolute and require exact obedience. The repetition of "just as I commanded you" emphasizes that there is no room for human innovation or deviation in matters of divine worship. Secondly, Sanctification and Separation: Both the anointing oil and the incense were set apart for sacred use, signifying holiness and consecration. They were not to be used for common purposes. Thirdly, Access and Presence: These elements played a crucial role in facilitating a purified access to God's presence within the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The anointing oil consecrated persons and objects, signifying their set-apartness for God, while the incense symbolized the prayers of the saints ascending to God.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The anointing oil is a potent symbol of the Holy Spirit's anointing, empowering and setting apart individuals for God's service. In the New Testament, believers are described as being "anointed" by the Spirit (1 John 2:20, 27), signifying their consecration to God and their empowerment to live a life pleasing to Him. The fragrant incense represents the prayers of believers ascending to God, a sweet aroma pleasing to Him (Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4). This verse, therefore, speaks to the ongoing need for both personal consecration through the Spirit and the vital importance of consistent, fervent prayer in our relationship with God.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This directive is foundational to understanding the Old Testament sacrificial and worship system. It illustrates God's desire for a relationship with His people, but one that is governed by His holiness and mediated through divinely appointed means. The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle, including these elements, foreshadow the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. He is the true dwelling place of God (John 1:14), the High Priest who consecrates His people, and the ultimate sacrifice whose atoning work makes our prayers acceptable to God. The Old Testament rituals, therefore, serve as a shadow and a pointer to the reality found in Christ.

Analogies

One analogy for the anointing oil is that of a king anointing a chosen servant for a specific task, signifying their authority and empowerment. In the context of the Tabernacle, God Himself is the ultimate source of this anointing, setting apart the priests and the very instruments of worship. For the incense, one might imagine a beautiful perfume, designed to be pleasing and to fill a space with its fragrance. In the spiritual realm, this fragrance represents the heartfelt prayers and worship of believers, rising to God's throne.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is closely linked to other passages that detail the composition and use of the anointing oil and incense. For the anointing oil, see Exodus 30:22-33, which provides the recipe and specific uses. For the incense, Exodus 30:34-38 details its preparation and its exclusive use in the Tabernacle. The concept of anointing is further developed in the Old Testament with the anointing of kings and priests, and in the New Testament with the believer's anointing by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 1 John 2:20). The imagery of incense as prayer is echoed in Psalm 141:2 ("May my prayer be set before you like incense") and Revelation 5:8.