Exodus 37:29 MEANING

(29) In this verse we have the composition by Bezaleel of the holy oil and the incense, described in Exodus 30:22-25; Exodus 30:34-35, related with the utmost brevity.

Verse 29. - The holy anointing oil. For the composition of the oil, see Exodus 30:23-25; for the uses whereto it was to be applied, ib, 26-30. The pure incense of sweet spices. The composition of the incense is given in Exodus 30:34, 35. It is there said to have been "a confection after the art of the apothecary - tempered together, pure and holy." The combination of artistic power with practical knowledge in Bezaleel and Ahollab calls to mind cinque-cento Italy, and the wonderful grasp of art and science possessed by Michael Angelo and Benvenuto Cellini

37:1-29 The making of the ark, and the furniture of the tabernacle. - In the furniture of the tabernacle were emblems of a spiritual and acceptable service. The incense represented the prayers of the saints. The sacrifice of the alter represented the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. The golden pot with manna, or bread from heaven, the flesh of Jesus Christ, which he gave for the life of the world. The candlestick, with its lights, the teaching and enlightening of the Holy Spirit. The shew-bread represented that provision for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, which the gospel, the ordinances and the sacraments of the house of prayer, abundantly bestow. The exactness of the workmen to their rule, should be followed by us; seeking for the influences of the Holy Spirit, that we may rejoice in and glorify God while in this world, and at length be with him for ever.And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood,.... Jarchi says, because he gave his mind to this work more than the rest of the wise men, it is called by his name. It is a notion of some Jewish writers that the ark was made by Bezaleel, without the help of others; but there is no sufficient reason to be given for it; for other things are equally ascribed to him in this and the following chapter, as the mercy seat with the cherubim, the shewbread table, the candlestick of pure gold, the two altars, the laver of brass, with other things, which are only said to be made by him, because they were made by his direction, and he having the oversight of them while making; wherefore Aben Ezra observes, that this is particularly said for the glory of the ark. Of the ark, and all other things mentioned in this chapter; see Gill on Exodus 25:1 &c. to end of chapter; see Gill on Exodus 30:1 &c. to end of chapter.