- Book: [[Exodus]] - Previous chapter: [[Exodus 29]] - Next chapter: [[Exodus 31]] > [!summary] Summary > - The golden incense altar is specified: placed before the inner curtain, fragrant incense burned every morning and evening > - A half-shekel census tax provides atonement money for the service of the [[Tabernacle]] > - A bronze basin for priestly washing, sacred anointing oil formula, and sacred incense formula are given — each restricted from common use > [!info] Why is this here? > - The incense altar completes the [[Holy Place]] furnishings and represents prayer ascending daily before God > - The atonement money (equal for rich and poor) embodies that all are equally in need of ransom before God > - The anointing oil and incense formulas mark a sharp distinction between the holy and the common — imitation is grounds for being cut off # Overview ## v. 1-10: The incense altar - Acacia wood overlaid with gold; square, 1 × 1 × 2 cubits, with horns; gold molding and rings for carrying poles - Placed in the [[Holy Place]] directly in front of the inner curtain, before the [[Ark of the Covenant|Ark]] - Fragrant incense burned every morning and evening when [[Aaron]] tends the lamps - No other incense, burnt offering, or grain offering on this altar - Once a year ([[Day of Atonement]]) [[Aaron]] makes atonement on its horns with blood ## v. 11-16: Atonement money / census ransom - When [[Israel]] is counted, each person pays a half shekel as a ransom for his life - Rich and poor alike pay the same — no favoritism before God - Used for the service of the tent of meeting; a memorial before the Lord > [!note] Equal ransom > No one's life is worth more than another's before God — the rich cannot pay more to secure better standing. The flat half-shekel ransom declares everyone equally in need of redemption. ## v. 17-21: The bronze washing basin - Placed between the tent of meeting and the altar - [[Aaron]] and his sons wash their hands and feet before entering the tent or approaching the altar — "so that they will not die" - A lasting ordinance ## v. 22-33: Sacred anointing oil - Formula: liquid myrrh, fragrant cinnamon, fragrant calamus, cassia, and olive oil - Used to anoint: the tent and all its furnishings; [[Aaron]] and his sons - Most holy; whoever uses it on a common person is cut off from the people - The distinction between holy and common is not negotiable ## v. 34-38: Sacred incense - Formula: gum resin, onycha, galbanum, pure frankincense — equal portions, salted - Ground and placed before the [[Ark of the Covenant|Ark]]; most holy - Whoever makes it for personal use is cut off