And Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on itThis phrase refers to the high priest Aaron, who was given the responsibility of burning incense on the altar of incense in the Tabernacle. The burning of incense was a significant ritual in the worship practices of ancient Israel, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. The incense was made from a specific blend of spices as commanded by God, emphasizing the importance of worship being conducted according to divine instructions. The altar of incense was located in the Holy Place, just before the veil that separated it from the Most Holy Place, indicating the closeness of prayer to the presence of God. This act of burning incense can be seen as a type of Christ, who intercedes for believers, as described in
Hebrews 7:25.
every morning
The daily ritual of burning incense every morning highlights the regularity and consistency required in worship and devotion to God. This practice underscores the importance of starting each day with a focus on God, setting a pattern for continual prayer and reliance on Him. The morning offering of incense can be paralleled with the New Testament call for believers to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), emphasizing a life of constant communion with God.
when he tends the lamps
The tending of the lamps refers to the maintenance of the golden lampstand, or menorah, which was also located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. The lamps were to be kept burning continually, symbolizing the perpetual presence and guidance of God among His people. The connection between tending the lamps and burning incense suggests a link between the light of God's presence and the prayers of His people. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the light of the world (John 8:12), and believers are called to be lights in the world (Matthew 5:14-16), indicating that the practices in the Tabernacle foreshadowed the spiritual realities fulfilled in Christ and His followers.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He was responsible for performing sacred duties in the Tabernacle, including burning incense.
2.
Fragrant IncenseA special blend of spices used in the Tabernacle for worship. It symbolizes the prayers of the people rising to God.
3.
The TabernacleThe portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their journey through the wilderness. It was the center of Israelite worship and the dwelling place of God's presence.
4.
The LampsRefers to the golden lampstand (Menorah) in the Tabernacle, which Aaron was to tend every morning and evening, ensuring it remained lit.
5.
Morning RitualThe daily practice of burning incense and tending the lamps, signifying the continual worship and presence of God among His people.
Teaching Points
The Role of the PriesthoodAaron's duty to burn incense underscores the priestly role as an intercessor between God and His people. In Christ, believers are called to a royal priesthood, interceding for others through prayer.
The Symbolism of IncenseIncense represents the prayers of the faithful. Just as Aaron tended to the incense daily, believers are encouraged to maintain a consistent prayer life, offering their prayers as a pleasing aroma to God.
The Importance of Daily WorshipThe morning ritual of burning incense and tending the lamps signifies the importance of daily devotion and worship. Believers are called to start each day with a focus on God, ensuring their spiritual "lamps" are lit.
God's Presence in WorshipThe Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and God's presence is with them continually, calling for a life of worship and holiness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 30:7?
2.How does Exodus 30:7 emphasize the importance of daily prayer in our lives?
3.What does the burning of incense symbolize in Exodus 30:7 and throughout Scripture?
4.How can we incorporate the principle of "every morning" into our daily routines?
5.In what ways does Exodus 30:7 connect to New Testament teachings on prayer?
6.How can we ensure our prayers are as consistent as Aaron's incense offering?
7.What is the significance of Aaron burning incense every morning in Exodus 30:7?
8.How does Exodus 30:7 relate to the concept of daily worship and devotion?
9.Why was incense burning important in the tabernacle according to Exodus 30:7?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 30?
11.What is the Bible's perspective on incense?
12.What does the Bible say about using incense?
13.What is the "strange fire" in Leviticus 10:1?
14.What is the Bible's stance on smudging?What Does Exodus 30:7 Mean
And Aaron is to burn• Aaron, the first high priest, is singled out to underscore that this ministry belongs to the priesthood alone (Exodus 28:1;Hebrews 5:1).
• The action word “burn” links to sacrifice and mediation—Aaron acts as a representative between God and the people, much as he does on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:11-13).
• By commanding Aaron, the LORD is emphasizing obedience; blessing flows when God’s precise instructions are carried out (1 Samuel 15:22).
fragrant incense• Incense in Scripture pictures the prayers of God’s people rising before Him (Psalm 141:2;Revelation 5:8).
• Its fragrance points to a pleasing, acceptable offering—only a specific blend was permitted (Exodus 30:34-38), reminding us that God—not man—defines true worship.
• The sweetness hints at Christ’s own sacrifice, “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2), foreshadowing the ultimate mediation fulfilled in Him.
on it• “It” is the golden altar of incense placed just outside the veil before the Most Holy Place (Exodus 30:1-6).
• Location matters: while the bronze altar dealt with sin outside, the golden altar stood nearer to God’s presence, highlighting fellowship and communion (Hebrews 9:4).
• The exclusive use of this altar for incense alone (Exodus 30:9) shows that prayer does not share space with other activities—God invites undivided attention.
every morning• The service was daily and continual, mirroring the perpetual burnt offering (Exodus 29:38-42).
• Faithfulness at sunrise teaches constancy in devotion; God’s mercies are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23), and His people respond with daily worship.
• Morning incense set the tone for the day, just as beginning with prayer aligns the believer’s heart to God’s purposes (Mark 1:35).
when he tends the lamps• Lamp maintenance happened at dawn and dusk (Exodus 27:20-21). Coupling light with incense joins illumination and intercession.
• The priest ensured the lampstand burned continually; similarly, prayer keeps spiritual light shining (Matthew 5:14-16).
• InRevelation 1:12-13 Christ walks among the lampstands, indicating His presence with the church; the link with incense encourages believers to combine witness and prayer.
summaryExodus 30:7 presents a daily picture of priestly devotion: Aaron, God’s chosen mediator, offers fragrant incense on the golden altar each morning while trimming the lamps. The verse weaves together obedience, prayer, fellowship, constancy, and light—elements that point ahead to Christ and invite every believer into a rhythm of faithful, morning-by-morning communion with the LORD.
(7)
Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense(Heb.,
incense of spices)
every morning.--On the composition of the incense, see
Exodus 30:34-35. That the offering of incense regularly accompanied both the morning and evening sacrifice appears from
Psalm 141:2;
Luke 1:10. That it was symbolical of prayer may be gathered both from those passages and also from
Revelation 5:8;
Revelation 8:3-4.
When he dresseth the lamps.--Comp.Exodus 27:21. . . .
Verse 7. -
Sweet incense. Literally, "incense of perfumes." For the composition of the incense, see vers. 34-38.
When he dresseth the lamps. The lamps of the golden candlestick were to be trimmed and cleaned, their wicks looked to, and fresh oil added, if necessary, every morning, immediately after daybreak. See the comment on Exodus 27:21. The duty devolved on the priests.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And Aaronאַהֲרֹ֖ן(’a·hă·rōn)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175:Aaron -- an elder brother of Mosesis to burnוְהִקְטִ֥יר(wə·hiq·ṭîr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6999:To smoke, turn into fragrance by firefragrantסַמִּ֑ים(sam·mîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5561:Spice (used in incense)incenseקְטֹ֣רֶת(qə·ṭō·reṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7004:Smoke, odor of (burning) sacrifice, incenseon itעָלָ֛יו(‘ā·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstevery morningבַּבֹּ֣קֶר(bab·bō·qer)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242:Dawn, morningwhen he tendsבְּהֵיטִיב֛וֹ(bə·hê·ṭî·ḇōw)Preposition-b | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3190:To be good, well, glad, or pleasingthe lamps.הַנֵּרֹ֖ת(han·nê·rōṯ)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5216:A lamp, light
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OT Law: Exodus 30:7 Aaron shall burn incense of sweet spices (Exo. Ex) 
