Incense You're Already Making Things Smell Better...

Exodus 30: 34-38

Very short passage very similar to the last one.  Not only are they going into the perfume business- they are also to construct some holy incense.  They'll make it out of gum resin, onycha, galbanum , and pure frankinsence, all of my favorite ingredients.   Just like with the perfume, this is an exclusive smell, all rights reserved, no imitation, duplication or personal application even with the consent of major league baseball.  It is to be "salted, pure and sacred."

Here's the odd part.  It is also to be ground to powder and placed in front of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting.  So, pretty close to where things are covered with perfume.  My initial reaction is... yikes.  This is going to be like hanging out with the guy who wears way too much cologne.  Even if the smell is ok initially, it ends up overpowering and creating pain.  Perfume AND incense?  Just hope you have a head cold when you approach the tent.

But maybe... the incense is strategically placed far enough away that the smells don't meld.  Even then though, Aaron and his boys are mobile units of odor- so wherever they go they're bringing the perfume with them. 

 

Here's my theory, maybe God created an intricate recipe- he picked these ingredietns specifically knowing the combination of smells would be perfect- like adding a bassline or harmony vocals.  And what seems like a mess to the ignorant (in this case me) works out to create beauty, perfection, something sacred.

Bottom line- God's wisdom is a bit more advanced (note: understatement) than my own.