Exodus 30:9 - Exposition

By strange incense is meant any which was not prepared according to the directions given in Exodus 30:34-38 . None such was ever to be offered. Nor was the altar to be used for burnt-offering, meat-offering, or drink-offering . For burnt-offering it was manifestly unfit; but the prohibition of the others seems to show a determination to keep its use markedly distinct from that of the brazen altar in the court, which was to receive all that was offered either for expiation, or for self-dedication, or in gratitude. On the sole exception made to this general law, see the comment on the next verse.