After reading chapter 30:
*Next we have instructions for constructing an altar for burning incense and where to put it. Aaron must burn incense every morning and evening. Once a year he dabbles blood on the altar it to keep it holy.
*Then we have instructions for a kind of poll tax whenever a census is taken. Every one who is older than twenty years is to give half a shekel to the lord, to atone for their lives. The money is to be used in service of the tabernacle. In other words, the priests will get it. 600,000 men left Egypt. That's 300,000 shekels, a nice tidy sum.
*There is also to be a bronze basin for the priests to wash their hands and feet before they enter the tabernacle, or else they will die. This is another lasting ordinance. Because God is a germaphobe.
*Then we have instructions for the mixing of a special anointing oil. It will be used on the tabernacle, the ark, the table and its accessories, and the basin. This will make them holy. Aaron and his sons are also to be anointed. That special formula of anointing oil is just for the priests, no other Israelites. Any one who makes similar oil and puts it on will be cut off from the rest of the Israelites.
*Last, we have instructions for how to make holy incense. This formula is also reserved for the priesthood. Anyone who makes similar incense and uses it will be cut off from the rest of the Israelites. This shows what kinds of things are most important to Yahweh, and keeps the priesthood an elite institution.
Edited.
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