Exodus 35:8
olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense;
olive oil for the light;

The Israelites supplied pure olive oil to fuel the seven lamps of the golden lampstand in the Holy Place. The lamps were tended regularly and burned before the Lord, bearing witness to His holy presence among His covenant people. Light also fittingly portrays God’s guidance, for His word directs the path of His people. The oil’s sustaining role anticipates the Spirit’s illuminating work in those who belong to Christ.

Exo 25:6 olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil…
Exo 27:20-21 And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil…
Lev 24:2-4 Command the Israelites to bring you pure oil for the light,…

spices for the anointing oil

Costly spices were blended according to God’s command for the sacred anointing oil. Moses used this oil to consecrate the tabernacle, its furnishings, and Aaron and his sons for priestly service. Nothing set apart for the worship of God was common; every object and servant belonged wholly to Him. Anointing often accompanied divine appointment and empowerment, pointing forward to Jesus Christ, the Messiah, meaning “Anointed One”, upon whom the Spirit rested without measure.

Exo 30:22-25 Then the LORD said to Moses,…
Exo 40:9-11 Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle…
Lev 8:10-12 Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle…

and for the fragrant incense;

A prescribed blend of fragrant spices was burned on the altar of incense before the veil. Its continual fragrance accompanied Israel’s worship and pictured prayers rising acceptably before God. The incense was holy and could not be reproduced for ordinary use, teaching that worship must be offered according to God’s will. Christ now intercedes continually for His people, bringing them near to the Father through His own perfect sacrifice.

Exo 30:34-38 The LORD also said to Moses, “Take fragrant spices—…
Lev 16:12-13 Then he must take a censer full of burning coals…
Rev 8:3-4 Then another angel, who had a golden censer,…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who is conveying God's instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle.

2. Israelites
The people of God who are called to contribute materials for the Tabernacle.

3. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people during their journey in the wilderness.

4. Olive Oil
Used for lighting the lamps in the Tabernacle, symbolizing the presence and guidance of God.

5. Anointing Oil and Incense
Used for consecrating the priests and the Tabernacle, representing holiness and the prayers of the people ascending to God.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Light
The olive oil for the light in the Tabernacle symbolizes God's presence and guidance. As believers, we are called to be lights in the world, reflecting God's presence in our lives.

Holiness and Consecration
The anointing oil and incense signify holiness and dedication to God. We are called to live lives set apart for God's purposes, consecrated by His Spirit.

Generosity and Willingness
The Israelites were asked to bring offerings willingly. Our giving should be a reflection of our gratitude and commitment to God, done with a willing heart.

Prayer as Incense
Just as incense was a pleasing aroma to God, our prayers are a sweet fragrance to Him. We should cultivate a life of prayer, continually lifting our hearts to God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the use of olive oil for light in the Tabernacle relate to Jesus' teaching about being the light of the world in Matthew 5:14-16?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our lives are a "fragrant incense" to God, as described in Psalm 141:2 and Revelation 5:8?

3. What does the willingness of the Israelites to contribute materials for the Tabernacle teach us about our own attitudes towards giving and service in the church?

4. How can the concept of anointing and consecration in Exodus 35:8 be applied to our daily lives as Christians?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt guided by God's "light" in a decision or situation. How can you continue to seek His guidance in your daily walk?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 24:2
This verse also discusses the use of olive oil for the lamps, emphasizing the importance of keeping the light burning continually before the Lord.

Psalm 141:2
The psalmist likens prayer to incense, connecting the fragrant incense in Exodus to the prayers of the faithful.

Matthew 5:14-16
Jesus calls His followers the light of the world, drawing a parallel to the light in the Tabernacle and the role of believers to shine in the world.

Revelation 5:8
The prayers of the saints are described as incense, linking the Old Testament practice to New Testament worship.
The New StartJ. Orr
People
Aaron, Ahisamach, Aholiab, Bezaleel, Dan, Hur, Israelites, Moses, Shoham, Uri
Places
Sinai
Topics
Anointing, Burning, Drugs, Fragrant, Holy, Incense, Lighting, Lights, Oil, Perfume, Perfumes, Spice, Spices, Sweet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 35:8

     4488   oil
     4490   ointment
     7386   incense

Exodus 35:4-9

     4312   bronze

Exodus 35:5-9

     5399   luxury

Library
An Old Subscription List
'And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work....' --EXODUS xxxv. 21. This is the beginning of the catalogue of contributions towards the erection of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. It emphasises the purely spontaneous and voluntary character of the gifts. There was plenty of compulsory work, of statutory contribution, in the Old Testament system of worship. Sacrifices and tithes and other things
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down in the Mishnah and the Jerusalem Talmud.
The terribly exaggerated views of the Rabbis, and their endless, burdensome rules about the Sabbath may best be learned from a brief analysis of the Mishnah, as further explained and enlarged in the Jerusalem Talmud. [6476] For this purpose a brief analysis of what is, confessedly, one of the most difficult tractates may here be given. The Mishnic tractate Sabbath stands at the head of twelve tractates which together from the second of the six sections into which the Mishnah is divided, and which
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Gifts and Talents.
"And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him."--Judges iii. 10. We now consider the Holy Spirit's work in bestowing gifts, talents, and abilities upon artisans and professional men. Scripture declares that the special animation and qualification of persons for work assigned to them by God proceed from the Holy Spirit. The construction of the tabernacle required capable workmen, skilful carpenters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, and masters in the arts of weaving and embroidering. Who will furnish Moses
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Early Battles
Six months of joyous service amongst the Welsh miners was cut short by a telegram announcing to the sisters the serious illness of Mrs. Lee. Taking the news to their Divisional Commander, they were instructed to Headquarters. It was found that the illness was due to shock. The income from investments of the little estate left by Mr. Lee had dwindled; it now had disappeared altogether. Captain Lucy faced the matter with her usual practical decision. 'Mother, darling, there are two ways out. Either
Minnie L. Carpenter—The Angel Adjutant of "Twice Born Men"

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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