Likewise, Jehovah gave the formula for the holy incense. It was not just a substance that would smolder and smoke; it was a special perfumed incense. (Ex 30:7; 40:27; Le 16:12; 2Ch 2:4; 13:10, 11) To make it, specific amounts of stacte drops, onycha, perfumed galbanum, and pure frankincense were used, God further describing it as “a spice mixture, the work of an ointment maker, salted, pure, something holy.” Some of the incense was finely powdered and was probably sifted to obtain a uniform product, suitable for its special use. Private use was a capital crime.​—Ex 30:34-38.

In making both the anointing oil and holy incense, fragrant balsam oil was used. (Ex 25:6; 35:8, 28)

Making the anointing oil and perfumed incense was not a matter of trial and error, for at the outset Jehovah said: “In the heart of everyone wise of heart I do put wisdom, that they may indeed make . . . the anointing oil and the perfumed incense for the sanctuary.” (Ex 31:6-11; 35:10-15; 37:29; 39:33, 38) Thereafter certain ones of the priests were delegated to be ointment makers for the compounding of these materials and also to take the oversight of the supply of such items. (1Ch 9:30; Nu 4:16)