Exodus 29:38-30:16

29:42-46 | Tabernacle of meeting means a “rendezvous tent.” There, the Lord promised to meet with His people. God’s special presence was limited to the tabernacle at that time, whereas today, His presence is in every believer through the Holy Spirit.

30:1-10 | The small altar for incense was similar to the ark of the covenant; it was to have four horns, one at each corner, along with the same type of molding, rings, and poles for transport. Its sweet, pure incense was intended to perpetually provide a holy aroma to the Lord. Annual atonement was to be made for the incense altar, perhaps to show the association of things with people.

30:11-16 | A census of the nation would be taken (Num. 1:2), and a ransom payment would be required from every man over the age of 20. That payment was the same, whether one was rich or poor, was perhaps a symbol that every life has equal value before the Lord.

30:17-21 | The business of sacrifice was dirty; constant washing of the priests’ hands and feet in the bronze laver was necessary for purity and cleanliness. Purity for the believer is necessary as well, and Christ is the only source of continual cleansing from sins.

30:22-38 | The holy anointing oil and the incense were exclusively for the priests’ use. The oil is thought to represent Jesus as the Christ – the anointed of the Lord (Ps. 45:8). Christians understand the incense to be a symbol of the sweet life and sacrifice of Jesus (Eph. 5:2).