Sacred Oils and Furniture of the Sanctuary

The primary oil used for the sanctuary was pure olive oil, specifically "beaten" oil, which was used for anointing the structure, its furniture, and for fueling the sacred lamps Exodus 27:20S23D 72.6+2. This oil was a vital component of the holy anointing oil, which also included various precious spices and aromatics Exodus 30:23-24HST April 17, 1844, page 87.12+2.

The Holy Anointing Oil

The holy anointing oil was a special compound prepared after the art of the apothecary, specifically designated for the consecration of the sanctuary and its priesthood Exodus 30:25HST April 17, 1844, page 87.12. It consisted of several principal ingredients:

• Pure Myrrh: 500 shekels Exodus 30:23ETI Myrrh.2.

• Sweet Cinnamon: 250 shekels Exodus 30:23SBD Cinnamon.2.

• Sweet Calamus: 250 shekels Exodus 30:23ETI Calamus.2.

• Cassia: 500 shekels Exodus 30:24ETI Cassia.2.

• Olive Oil: One hin Exodus 30:24KJV — Exodus 30:24.

Uses of Oil in the Sanctuary

Oil served several essential roles in the service of the Lord's house:

• Consecration of the Tabernacle: Moses anointed the tabernacle itself, along with the ark of the testimony, the table, the candlestick, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering, and the laver Exodus 40:9-11HST April 17, 1844, page 87.12+2.

• Sanctification of the Priesthood: Aaron and his sons were anointed with this holy oil to consecrate them for their ministry in the priest's office Leviticus 8:12HST April 17, 1844, page 87.12+1.

• The Golden Lamps: Pure olive oil, beaten for the light, was a continual offering from the children of Israel to ensure the lamps burned always Exodus 27:20CS 102.1+1.

• Meat Offerings: Flour mingled with oil was a standard requirement for the meat offerings presented at the sanctuary Numbers 7:19HBS 362.2+2.

Spiritual Significance

The oil used in the sanctuary carried deep symbolic meaning, representing the Holy Spirit and its life-giving powerTM 188.2+1. In prophetic visions, such as that of Zechariah, the golden oil is seen flowing from olive trees into the sanctuary lamps, signifying the constant supply of divine grace and the influence of the Spirit in worship Zechariah 4:12-14HST August 28, 1844, page 30.28+2. This anointing also pointed forward to the work of the Messiah, our great High Priest, and the anointing of the true heavenly tabernacle Hebrews 1:9+1S23D 72.6+2.

Yes, frankincense was an essential and sacred ingredient used throughout the sanctuary services for both the holy incense and specific offeringsSDP 140.1+1. It was a fragrant, odorous resin imported from Arabia, though it also grew in PalestineETI Frankincense.2.

The Sacred Incense

Frankincense was a primary component of the holy perfume or incense burned upon the golden altarETI Frankincense.2.

• Divine Composition: It was mixed in equal weights with other sweet spices—stacte, onycha, and galbanum—to create a pure and holy confection Exodus 30:34-35.

• Daily Service: This incense was burned every morning and evening by the priest, filling the sanctuary with a fragrant cloud that represented the prayers of the saints and the merits of Christ Revelation 8:3-4PP 348.1+1.

• Symbolism: When burnt, it emitted a sweet odor that served as a symbol of the Divine name and an emblem of prayer Psalms 141:2ETI Frankincense.2.

Use with the Showbread

Frankincense played a vital role in the service of the table of showbread located in the first apartmentPP 348.1+1.

• Memorial Offering: Pure frankincense was placed upon each of the two rows of twelve cakes Leviticus 24:7SDP 140.1.

• Sabbath Ritual: Every Sabbath, when the old bread was removed and replaced with fresh loaves, the frankincense was burned upon the altar as a memorial before GodPP 354.1.

• Acknowledgment of God: This practice served as an acknowledgment of man's dependence on God for both temporal and spiritual foodPP 354.1.

Meat Offerings and Sacrifices

Frankincense was also a standard accompaniment for various meat offerings brought by the peopleETI Frankincense.2.

• Standard Offerings: When someone offered a meat offering of fine flour, they were required to pour oil on it and put frankincense thereon Leviticus 2:1.

• The Priest's Portion: The priest would take a handful of the flour and oil, along with all the frankincense, and burn it as a memorial on the altar for a sweet savor to the Lord Leviticus 2:2+1.

• Exceptions: Notably, frankincense was strictly forbidden in sin offerings of fine flour, as these were for the atonement of sin and not intended for a sweet savor Leviticus 5:11.

Spiritual Significance

The use of frankincense in the sanctuary carried deep spiritual lessons regarding faith and characterSpM 434.2.

• Gifts to Christ: Just as the Wise Men presented frankincense to the child Jesus as an evidence of their faith, we are to bring the best of our love and service to Him Matthew 2:11SJ 24.2+1.

• Sincere Faith: To God, sincere and uncorrupted faith is as precious as gold and frankincenseSpM 434.2+1.

• Christ's Intercession: The fragrance of the incense, moist with the cleansing blood of Christ, makes the prayers and confessions of believers acceptable before the FatherPr 117.2+1.

The courtyard of the sanctuary contained two primary articles of furniture: the brazen altar of burnt-offering and the brazen laverCIS 174.1+1. These items were positioned between the entrance gate and the sanctuary building, serving as the necessary meeting place between God and the peopleLUJ 86.1.

The Brazen Altar

The altar of burnt-offering was a hollow box made of acacia wood, five cubits square and three cubits highCIS 174.1+1. It was completely overlaid with brass and featured a horn on each of its four corners Exodus 27:2CIS 174.1.

• Christ as our Sacrifice: This altar is a type of Christ, our one true sacrificeCIS 140.3+1. Just as every sacrifice was consumed upon this altar, Christ suffered "without the gate" to make a perfect atonement for the sins of the people Hebrews 13:127BC 913.3.

• Destruction of Sin: Known as the "altar of continual atonement," it represented the total destruction of sinCIS 174.1+1. It teaches us that sin must be entirely consumed and put away before a sinner can be at-one-ment with God Isaiah 59:2CIS 174.1.

• Perpetual Intercession: The fire on this altar was kindled by God and was never to go out Leviticus 6:13CIS 174.1. This symbolizes the work that Christ alone can do in the final destruction of sin and the constant value of His blood, which was typified by the blood of offerings poured at the base of this altarCIS 174.1+1.

The Brazen Laver

The laver was a vessel made of brass, created from the polished brass mirrors offered by the women of IsraelPP 347.3+1. It was placed between the tabernacle door and the brazen altar and was filled with clean waterPTUK December 26, 1895, page 817.8+1.

• Spiritual Purity: Before the priests could enter the sanctuary or minister at the altar, they were required to wash their hands and feet at the laver so "that they die not" Exodus 30:20-21PTUK December 26, 1895, page 817.8. This teaches us that before we can enter the presence of a high and holy God, every particle of "dust" or sin must be put away4aSG 62.1+1.

• The Washing of the Word: While the water was emblematical and could not cleanse spiritual defilement on its own, it pointed to the necessity of being "born again" of the Spirit and cleansed by the "washing of water by the word" Ephesians 5:26PC 389.2+1.

• Christ’s Example of Service: We see the antitype of this cleansing in Christ's act of washing His disciples' feet12LtMs, Ms 54, 1897, par. 18. He taught that those who are already "washed" from moral pollution still need to wash their feet—meaning they must continually seek cleansing from the daily defilement of the world to maintain their part with Him John 13:8-1012LtMs, Ms 54, 1897, par. 18.

Lessons for the Believer

Our current position is like that of the Israelites standing in the outer court, looking toward our great High Priest7BC 913.3. From these items, we learn that approach to God is only possible through the blood of the sacrifice and the cleansing of the soulBHOTV2 105.3+1. Christ, as the true warden of the temple courts, watches over His people with untiring vigilance to ensure their light does not go outAA 586.1.