What does Exodus 30:9 Mean?

Study Notes

strange
(Cf.) Leviticus 10:1-3 , two prohibitions are given concerning worship:

(1) No "strange" incense is to be offered. This speaks of simulated or purely formal worship.

(2) No "strange" fire was permitted. This refers to the excitation of "religious" feelings by merely sensuous means, and to the substitution for devotion to Christ of any other devotion, as to religious causes, or sects. (Cf) 1 Corinthians 1:11-13 ; Colossians 2:8 ; Colossians 2:16-19 .

smell

What is condemned here is making worship a mere pleasure to the natural man, whether sensuous, as in beautiful music to please the ear, or eloquence, merely to give delight to the natural mind. (Cf) John 4:23 ; John 4:24 .

Context Summary

It seems late in the story of the Tabernacle that the incense-altar should be only mentioned now; but it is not unsuitable, because intercessory prayer, which it represents, is the crown and climax of the religious life. When our Lord had finished His sacrificial death, He passed into the heavens to make intercession for us. In Revelation 8:3-4, r.v., the veil is lifted, and we are allowed to behold Him, standing by the golden altar in heaven, and adding much incense to the prayers of all saints. What a wealth of prayer is ever passing through those gracious hands and that loving heart! John 17:1-26 is the Golden Altar of Scripture; let us often worship there. But, alas, these earthly altars soon get defiled, even by our prayers, and need the blood that speaketh peace. All our prayer requires the blood of at-one-ment. [source]

Chapter Summary: Exodus 30

¹  The altar of incense
¹¹  The ransom of souls
¹⁷  The bronze basin
²²  The holy anointing oil
³⁴  The composition of the incense