Tyndale Open Study NotesExodus 30

The plans for the altar made of acacia wood are described here instead of with the other items of the holy place (25:23–40). This might be because of the reference to the priest's use of it in 30:7–10.

• in front of the veil: This refers to the Holy Place, just outside the Most Holy Place where the ark was.

• The rising smoke of the incense symbolized prayer. Believers now have constant access to God in prayer through the continuous atonement provided by Christ (see Psalm 141:2; Luke 1:10; Revelation 5:8; 8:3–4).

no plague: Compare 2 Samuel 24, where a plague followed King David’s unauthorized census. A king would often take a census for reasons of pride or control. 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 Exodus 38:25–26).

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

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 important for the people to understand this that disobedience in this matter involved a severe punishment (30:33).

cut off from his people: Either by death or by expulsion. In some cases, God brought death as a direct judgment. In other cases, the person was removed from the community.