You are to consecrate themThe act of consecration involves setting apart something or someone for a sacred purpose. In the context of
Exodus 30, this refers to the anointing of the tabernacle and its furnishings, signifying their dedication to God. The Hebrew word for consecrate, "qadash," implies making something holy or sanctified. This process is a physical representation of spiritual purity and dedication. The consecration of objects in the tabernacle foreshadows the New Testament concept of believers being set apart for God's purposes (
1 Peter 2:9).
so that they will be most holy
The term "most holy" indicates a level of sanctity that is above ordinary holiness. In the tabernacle, certain items were designated as "most holy," signifying their exclusive use in worship and service to God. This reflects the holiness of God Himself, who is utterly set apart from sin and impurity. The concept of "most holy" is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). The holiness of these objects also points to the ultimate holiness of Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets.
Whatever touches them shall be holy
This phrase underscores the transformative power of holiness. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the idea that holiness could be transferred through contact was significant. It highlights the seriousness of approaching God and His sacred objects with reverence. This principle is seen in the New Testament when Jesus touches the unclean and they become clean (Mark 1:40-42). It also serves as a reminder of the call to purity and the transformative power of God's presence in the life of a believer.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions from God on Mount Sinai regarding the construction and consecration of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
2.
TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, which included various holy items and altars that were to be consecrated.
3.
ConsecrationThe act of making something sacred or holy, set apart for God's purposes. In this context, it refers to the anointing of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
4.
Holy Anointing OilA special blend of spices and olive oil used to consecrate the Tabernacle and its contents, signifying their sanctification and dedication to God.
5.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were to follow His commandments and maintain the holiness of the Tabernacle and its services.
Teaching Points
Holiness and SeparationThe consecration of the Tabernacle items teaches us about the importance of holiness and being set apart for God's purposes. As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness.
The Power of TouchThe verse emphasizes that whatever touches the consecrated items becomes holy. This illustrates the transformative power of God's holiness and how it can impact our lives and those around us.
Symbolism of AnointingThe anointing oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, setting us apart and empowering us for service. We should seek the Spirit's guidance and anointing in our daily walk.
Christ as Our High PriestThe consecration of the Tabernacle points to Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate High Priest and the one who sanctifies us through His sacrifice.
Living as a Holy PeopleJust as the Israelites were called to maintain the holiness of the Tabernacle, we are called to live as a holy people, reflecting God's character in our actions and relationships.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 30:29?
2.How does Exodus 30:29 emphasize the holiness of consecrated items for God's service?
3.What does "whatever touches them will be holy" teach about God's sanctification?
4.How can we apply the concept of consecration in our daily lives today?
5.What New Testament passages connect with the idea of holiness in Exodus 30:29?
6.How can we ensure our actions reflect the holiness described in Exodus 30:29?
7.What does Exodus 30:29 mean by "most holy" in a spiritual context?
8.How does Exodus 30:29 influence the concept of sanctification in Christianity?
9.Why is anointing significant in Exodus 30:29, and how does it apply today?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 30?
11.What constitutes anointing oil?
12.Exodus 19:12-13: Why would a supposedly loving God require the death penalty for anyone (or even an animal) that merely touches the mountain?
13.In Exodus 30:31-33, why would the penalty for misusing the anointing oil be so severe if it was simply a mix of available spices?
14.What is the significance of anointing in the Bible?What Does Exodus 30:29 Mean
You are to consecrate them• The Lord’s command is straightforward: Moses must set apart the altar, utensils, and priests with the sacred anointing oil (Exodus 30:22–28).
• Consecration is not a human idea but a divine directive—God Himself establishes what is holy (Leviticus 10:3).
• The ritual action (anointing with oil) visibly marks these objects and people as belonging solely to the Lord, similar to the blood applied during the ordination of Aaron and his sons (Exodus 29:20–21).
• Cross references underscore the same principle:
– “You shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it” (Exodus 40:9).
– “Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it, to consecrate them” (Leviticus 8:10).
• The command affirms that God’s instructions carry full authority; His Word is always accurate, trustworthy, and to be taken at face value.
so that they will be most holy• Consecration has a purpose: elevating the items (and persons) to the highest category of holiness.
• “Most holy” means set apart to the greatest degree—used only in the service of God, never for common tasks (Exodus 29:37;Numbers 4:4).
• By declaring something “most holy,” God insulates it from ordinary use, protecting both the objects and the people who approach them (Leviticus 22:3–4).
• This points forward to Christ, who is Himself “holy, innocent, undefiled” (Hebrews 7:26) and whose once-for-all sacrifice perfectly fulfills the tabernacle symbolism.
Whatever touches them shall be holy• Anything coming into contact with the consecrated objects inherits a derived holiness (Exodus 29:37: “Whatever touches the altar will become holy”).
• This principle emphasizes holiness as contagious in a positive sense—God’s purity radiates outward, elevating what it touches (Haggai 2:12–13 shows the opposite side: uncleanness can also spread).
• Practical implications for Israel:
– Unauthorized handling could bring judgment (Numbers 4:15;1 Samuel 6:19).
– Proper handling allowed offerings to be accepted (Leviticus 6:17–18).
• For believers today, the lesson is clear: closeness to what God has declared holy changes us. Just as Isaiah’s lips were purified by a coal from the altar (Isaiah 6:6–7), so our lives are transformed by contact with the Lord through His Word and Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).
summaryExodus 30:29 commands Moses to set apart the tabernacle furnishings and priests with sacred oil, marking them as God’s exclusive possession. This consecration makes them “most holy,” reserved for divine service alone. Anything that touches these sanctified items becomes holy in turn, illustrating how God’s holiness both protects and transforms. The passage calls us to recognize the absolute authority of God’s Word, respect what He declares holy, and draw near so that His holiness can shape our lives.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You are to consecrateוְקִדַּשְׁתָּ֣(wə·qid·daš·tā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6942:To be set apart or consecratedthemאֹתָ֔ם(’ō·ṯām)Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative caseso that they will beוְהָי֖וּ(wə·hā·yū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bemostקֹ֣דֶשׁ(qō·ḏeš)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6944:A sacred place, thing, sanctityholy.קָֽדָשִׁ֑ים(qā·ḏā·šîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6944:A sacred place, thing, sanctityWhateverכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everytouchesהַנֹּגֵ֥עַ(han·nō·ḡê·a‘)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5060:To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strikethemבָּהֶ֖ם(bā·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew{will} be holy.יִקְדָּֽשׁ׃(yiq·dāš)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6942:To be set apart or consecrated
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 30:29 You shall sanctify them that they may (Exo. Ex)