What is the anointing oil described in Exodus 30 (KJV). What is the significance of each ingredient?

The Formula for the Anointing Oil (Exodus 30:22–25, KJV)

God told Moses to make a “holy anointing oil” using:

1. Pure Myrrh – 500 shekels

2. Sweet Cinnamon – 250 shekels

3. Sweet Calamus – 250 shekels

4. Cassia – 500 shekels

5. Olive Oil – one hin (about a gallon)

These were blended by the apothecary’s art into a holy anointing oil.

? Significance of Each Ingredient

1. Myrrh (“pure myrrh” – bitter resin from a tree)

• Symbol of suffering, death, and sacrifice.

• Myrrh was used in embalming (John 19:39) and was one of the gifts brought to Christ at His birth (Matthew 2:11).

• Speaks of Christ’s willingness to endure suffering and consecrate Himself to God’s will.

2. Sweet Cinnamon (aromatic inner bark)

• Symbol of sweetness, warmth, and holy zeal.

• Cinnamon gives a pleasant fragrance, showing that service to God should be both fervent and delightful.

• Represents the warmth of Christ’s love and the fragrance of a life devoted to God.

3. Sweet Calamus (fragrant reed, sometimes translated “aromatic cane”)

• Symbol of uprightness and humility.

• A reed that grows straight and tall in marshy ground — it represents a life lifted up toward God despite humble surroundings.

• Points to Christ’s righteousness and the believer’s call to stand upright in holiness.

4. Cassia (a spice related to cinnamon, with a stronger, more pungent scent)

• Symbol of submission and cleansing.

• The word root means “to bow down.” It was also used medicinally as a purgative.

• Represents the need for humility and God’s cleansing power in consecrated service.

5. Olive Oil (the base that blends everything together)

• Symbol of the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture.

• Oil was used for anointing kings, priests, and prophets.

• The Spirit empowers and sanctifies believers to serve in God’s presence.

? Spiritual Meaning

The oil was not to be duplicated or used for common purposes (Exodus 30:31–33). It was holy to the LORD, symbolizing:

• Consecration – setting apart priests, the tabernacle, and its furnishings.

• The Holy Spirit – the true anointing that sanctifies and empowers service.

• Christ Himself – the “Anointed One” (Messiah/Christos), who perfectly embodies the fragrance of these blended virtues.

? Summary:
Each ingredient adds a dimension of Christ’s character and the believer’s consecration:

• Myrrh – Sacrifice and suffering.

• Cinnamon – Love and zeal.

• Calamus – Uprightness and humility.

• Cassia – Submission and cleansing.

• Olive Oil – The Holy Spirit who blends all virtues into one consecrated life.