Exodus 30

30:1-10 Plans for the altar of acacia wood are included here rather than with the plans for the other items in the sanctuary (25:23-40), perhaps because of the reference to the priest’s use of it in 30:7-10.

30:6 outside the inner curtain: That is, in the Holy Place, just outside the Most Holy Place where the Ark was located. • The rising smoke of the incense symbolized prayer. Believers now have constant access to God in prayer through the continuous atonement provided through Christ (see Ps 141:2; Luke 1:10; Rev 5:8; 8:3-4).

30:12 no plague: Cp. 2 Sam 24, when a plague followed upon David’s unauthorized census. Perhaps a census was often taken for reasons of pride and domination. Here the people are giving God a ransom for themselves. This standard payment would go into the Tabernacle treasury and initially be used in the construction of the Tabernacle (see Exod 38:25-26).

30:17-21 On why the plans for the bronze washbasin are included here, see study note on 30:1-10.

30:22-38 Because God is absolutely unique (holy), what is used for his service cannot be used for any other purpose. This was the point made to Moses at the burning bush (see study note on 3:5). It was so vital for the people to understand this point that disobedience in this matter involved a severe punishment (30:33).

30:33 cut off from the community: Either by death or by expulsion.