Exodus 30:25

After the art of the apothecary - The original, רקח rokeach, signifies a compounder or confectioner; any person who compounds drugs, aromatics, etc.

THE ALTAR OF INCENSE. (Exo. 30:1-38) thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon, &c.--Its material was to be like that of the ark of the testimony, but its dimensions very small [Exo 25:10].

And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment,.... All the above spices and oil being put together, an ointment was to be made out of them, not thick, as ointments usually are, but a liquid to be poured, and therefore called an "oil of ointment", and "holy", because devoted only to sacred uses: an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: or confectioner; the spices bruised, and pounded, and mixed together, and boiled or distilled, and so an oil or ointment extracted from them: it shall be an holy anointing oil; for the uses next mentioned: it signified the Holy Spirit of God, and his graces, that oil of gladness with which Christ and his people are anointed; and is that anointing which teacheth all things, see Psa 45:7 Jo1 2:20 comparable to these several spices, and oil olive, for their sweet smell, cheering and reviving nature, and supplying quality, and for their valuableness and preciousness, and of which there was a certain weight and measure; for though Christ received this unction without measure, yet there is a certain measure of grace and gifts bestowed upon his people, and by which they are made holy and fit for their master's use.

Moses is, in this chapter, further instructed, I. Concerning the altar of incense (Exo 30:1-10). II. Concerning the ransom-money which the Israelites were to pay, when they were numbered (Exo 30:11-16). III. Concerning the laver of brass, which was set for the priests to wash in (Exo 30:17-21). IV. Concerning the making up of the anointing oil, and the use of it (Exo 30:22-33). V. Concerning the incense and perfume which were to be burned on the golden altar (Exo 30:34, etc.).