Exodus 30:22-38

the Anointing Oil and the Incense

Exodus 30:22

The anointing oil was extremely rich and costly. Pure myrrh; sweet cinnamon, imported probably from Sumatra or China; sweet calamus, the product of India or Mesopotamia; cassia, from Java, were the principal ingredients. Such a combination must have produced a delightful fragrance! The use of this oil was restricted to the holy service of the Tabernacle, and reminds us of “the unction of the Holy One”- i.e., the anointing by the Holy Spirit. See Leviticus 8:10 and 1 John 2:20.

Christ is the Anointed, and He sheds the oil of joy on our heads, as one by one we yield ourselves to His service. See Acts 2:33. The oil was not to be poured on “the flesh of man.” We must deny the flesh, with its affections and lusts, that we may be filled with the Spirit. Calvary before Pentecost!

The incense also was carefully prepared, and thus we are taught that prayers should not be uttered rashly or lightly; but with reverence, deliberation and forethought.