An Incense Altar, A Census, A Craftsman

            Let me briefly comment on three aspects of today’s reading (Exodus 30-31).

            First, it seems a little out of order, but the final piece of furniture that goes inside the tabernacle is an altar for incense and incense only.  (There’s even a recipe for the incense—30:34-38.)  Later in the Scriptures the use of incense becomes a metaphor for the prayers of God’s people ascending to God’s throne (Ps. 141:2; Rev. 5:8, 8:3-4).  So, the incense altar is apparently an indicator of constant prayer, presumably by God’s people (1 Thess. 5:17).  Of course, God’s people aren’t as constant at anything as they’re supposed to be, so it is a relief to know that the Spirit of God prays within us (Rom. 8:26-27) and that the Son of God prays on our behalf (Rom. 8:34).

            Second, there’s a ‘tax’ on the census.  Apparently, God hates the census, because the people of Israel have to redeem themselves from the plague associated with it (which seems weird, seeing as how the Lord Himself commands a census).  Later, in King David’s reign, there’s a plague when David counts the fighting men (2 Samuel 24).  What’s the big deal?  This is a command specific to Israel (so please, don’t try to make any theological connection to the U. S. Census).  The Lord discourages Israel from counting themselves and their fighting men because such an evaluation will lead them to judge their strength and their prospects for success by the wrong standard.  It’s not the number of soldiers they have; it’s the presence and blessing of the Lord that brings them military success. (Consider the case of Gideon, who reduced his army from 32,000 men to 10,000 men to 300 men; Judges 7.)

            Finally, note the craftsmen—Bezalel and Oholiab.  (What we need here is a good pronunciation guide; I’ll have to see if I can find one to recommend.)  The thing to note here is that the Lord has filled them with their talents, namely, ability, intelligence, knowledge, and craftsmanship.  It pays to recognize that ‘spiritual gifts’ are not just extraordinary abilities ‘magically’ given at conversion.  Because God is the creator, every talent is gift from Him, and every talent used in His service under the direction of the Holy Spirit, Who dwells within us, is a Spiritual gift.