Holy
Holiness in Exodus marks what is set apart for God.
In the book of Exodus, holiness is a central attribute of God and a defining characteristic of places, objects, and people set apart for divine service. The LORD is described as "glorious in holiness" (Exodus 15:11), and His dwelling is called a "holy habitation" (Exodus 15:13). Holiness is also applied to ground (Exodus 3:5), convocations (Exodus 12:16), the Sabbath (Exodus 16:23; Exodus 20:8), the nation of Israel (Exodus 19:6), garments (Exodus 28:2), anointing oil (Exodus 30:25), and the altar (Exodus 29:37). The concept is closely tied to separation, purity, and dedication to the LORD.
Quick Facts
- Holy nation declared
- Exodus 19:6
- Most holy place defined
- Exodus 26:33
- Altar made most holy
- Exodus 29:37
Lore & Background
Holiness first appears when God commands Moses to remove his shoes because the ground at the burning bush is holy (Exodus 3:5). This establishes that holiness is a quality of a location where God is present. Later, the LORD declares that Israel will be a "kingdom of priests, and an holy nation" (Exodus 19:6), extending holiness to the entire people. The Sabbath is repeatedly called holy, a day of rest and sacred convocation (Exodus 16:23; Exodus 20:8; Exodus 12:16). In the tabernacle instructions, holiness becomes a graded concept: there is a "holy place" and a "most holy" place separated by a veil (Exodus 26:33). The altar is made "most holy" (Exodus 29:37), and anything that touches it becomes holy. The priests wear "holy garments" (Exodus 28:2) and a gold plate inscribed "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" (Exodus 28:36). The anointing oil is also holy (Exodus 30:25, 31), and consecrated food must not be eaten by strangers or left until morning (Exodus 29:33-34).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray holiness as both a divine attribute and a transferred status. God is inherently holy (Exodus 15:11), and His presence makes locations, objects, and people holy by contact or command. Holiness requires separation: the ground is not to be approached casually (Exodus 3:5), the Sabbath is set apart from work (Exodus 20:8), and the most holy place is divided from the holy place (Exodus 26:33). Holiness also imposes obligations: the nation must be holy men (Exodus 22:31), priests must wear proper garments to avoid death (Exodus 28:35, 43), and consecrated items cannot be treated as common (Exodus 29:34). The phrase "most holy" appears for the altar (Exodus 29:37), the anointing oil (Exodus 30:29), and the mercy seat location (Exodus 26:34), indicating degrees of sanctity. Holiness is not merely symbolic but carries real consequences—touching the altar makes one holy (Exodus 29:37), and improper handling of holy things brings iniquity (Exodus 28:38).
Elsewhere in Figures of Scripture
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