Wednesday, February 19, 2025
“And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil” (Exodus 30:25 KJV).
Let us learn some lessons from the biblical apothecary….
The ingredients of the holy anointing oil and the components of the perfume or incense were rare and imported, and therefore expensive. Additionally, the fragrances were a combination of sweet, floral, and woody. Think of the intense aroma of costly potpourri or pricey cologne. It was really tempting for someone in ancient Israel to apply for personal usage and/or copy the recipes. The LORD thus strictly forbade both activities!
Verses 31-33: “And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, This shall be an holy anointing oil unto me throughout your generations. Upon man’s flesh shall it not be poured, neither shall ye make any other like it, after the composition of it: it is holy, and it shall be holy unto you. Whosoever compoundeth any like it, or whosoever putteth any of it upon a stranger, shall even be cut off from his people.” The adjective “holy” meant the anointing oil was set-apart (hallowed, sanctified) unto the LORD God’s purposes. It was not for ordinary use. No one was to duplicate its formula. Both violations carried the death penalty!
Verses 37,38: “And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD. Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.” The perfume or incense was also “holy” (verse 35), set-apart (hallowed, sanctified) unto JEHOVAH God’s purposes. It too was not for common use. No one was to copy its formula either. As with the holy anointing oil, both abuses resulted in capital punishment!
These two compositions of the biblical apothecary were reserved for usage as touching the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and its ministers, all equally holy (read verses 22-38, if necessary). Why would God be so particular about these scents and strictly govern their handling? To answer this, we must search the Scriptures to uncover the formulation of a far more superior aroma, personally mixed by an Apothecary of another world….
333 Words of Grace 