Consecration of the Priests 1“Now this is what you are to do to consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams without blemish, 2along with unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil. Make them out of fine wheat flour, 3put them in a basket, and present them in the basket, along with the bull and the two rams. 4Then present Aaron and his sons at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. 5Take the garments and clothe Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself, and the breastplate. Fasten the ephod on him with its woven waistband. 6Put the turban on his head and attach the holy diadem to the turban. 7Then take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head. 8Present his sons as well and clothe them with tunics. 9Wrap the sashes around Aaron and his sons and tie headbands on them. The priesthood shall be theirs by a permanent statute. In this way you are to ordain Aaron and his sons. The Order of the Sacrifices 10You are to present the bull at the front of the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on its head. 11And you shall slaughter the bull before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 12Take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; then pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. 13Take all the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar. 14But burn the flesh of the bull and its hide and dung outside the camp; it is a sin offering.a 15Take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. 16You are to slaughter the ram, take its blood, and splatter it on all sides of the altar. 17Cut the ram into pieces, wash the entrails and legs, and place them with its head and other pieces. 18Then burn the entire ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD. 19Take the second ram, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on its head. 20Slaughter the ram, take some of its blood, and put it on the right earlobes of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Splatter the remaining blood on all sides of the altar. 21And take some of the blood on the altar and some of the anointing oil and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments, as well as on his sons and their garments. Then he and his garments will be consecrated, as well as his sons and their garments. 22Take the fat from the ram, the fat tail, the fat covering the entrails, the lobe of the liver, both kidneys with the fat on them, and the right thigh (since this is a ram for ordination), 23along with one loaf of bread, one cake of bread made with oil, and one wafer from the basket of unleavened bread that is before the LORD. 24Put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons and wave them before the LORD as a wave offering. 25Then take them from their hands and burn them on the altar atop the burnt offering as a pleasing aroma before the LORD; it is a food offering to the LORD. 26Take the breast of the ram of Aaron’s ordination and wave it before the LORD as a wave offering, and it will be your portion. 27Consecrate for Aaron and his sons the breast of the wave offering that is waved and the thigh of the heave offering that is lifted up from the ram of ordination. 28This will belong to Aaron and his sons as a regular portion from the Israelites, for it is the heave offering the Israelites will make to the LORD from their peace offerings. 29The holy garments that belong to Aaron will belong to his sons after him, so they can be anointed and ordained in them. 30The son who succeeds him as priest and enters the Tent of Meeting to minister in the Holy Place must wear them for seven days. Food for the Priests 31You are to take the ram of ordination and boil its flesh in a holy place. 32At the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, Aaron and his sons are to eat the meat of the ram and the bread that is in the basket. 33They must eat those things by which atonement was made for their ordination and consecration. But no outsider may eat them, because these things are sacred. 34And if any of the meat of ordination or any bread is left until the morning, you are to burn up the remainder. It must not be eaten, because it is sacred. 35This is what you are to do for Aaron and his sons based on all that I have commanded you, taking seven days to ordain them. 36Sacrifice a bull as a sin offering each day for atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it. 37For seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will become most holy; whatever touches the altar will be holy. The Daily Offerings 38This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar, each day: two lambs that are a year old. 39Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight.b 40With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of fine flour,c mixed with a quarter hin of oil from pressed olives,d and a drink offering of a quarter hin of wine. 41And offer the second lamb at twilight with the same grain offering and drink offering as in the morning, as a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD. 42For the generations to come, this burnt offering shall be made regularly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, where I will meet you to speak with you. 43I will also meet with the Israelites there, and that place will be consecrated by My glory. 44So I will consecrate the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and I will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests. God Will Dwell among the People 45Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. 46And they will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God. Footnotes: 14 a Or purification offering; also in verse 36 39 b Hebrew between the two evenings; also in verse 41 40 c A tenth of an ephah is approximately 2 dry quarts or 2.2 liters (probably about 2.6 pounds or 1.2 kilograms of flour). 40 d Hebrew a quarter hin of pressed oil; that is, approximately 0.97 quarts or 0.92 liters Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Exodus 29 Summary Consecration of the PriestsVerses 1–3 – Sacred Offerings Prepared Verses 4–9 – Washing and Robing Aaron and His Sons Verses 10–14 – Bull for the Sin Offering Verses 15–18 – First Ram as Burnt Offering Verses 19–28 – Second Ram for Ordination Verses 29–34 – Portion of Priests and Duration of Consecration Verses 35–37 – Seven Days of Ordination and Altar Consecration Verses 38–46 – Daily Offerings and Divine Presence This chapter underscores the detailed process of consecration and ordination of Aaron and his sons to serve as priests. It is a vivid testament of the meticulous instructions for sacrificial offerings, which symbolizes atonement, purity, and consecration. It reaffirms God's promise of His presence among His people. Priestly Consecration: Rites and Meanings Exodus 29 sets a pattern for how sinful people can draw near to a holy God. Washing points to moral cleansing; dressing in sacred garments signals a new identity; anointing with oil shows empowerment by God’s Spirit (see 1 Samuel 16:13; Acts 10:38). The sequence—cleansing, clothing, anointing—mirrors the believer’s experience in Christ (Revelation 7:14; Galatians 3:27). Garments and Anointing Oil: Symbols of Service • Linen undergarments: purity and modesty. • Tunic, sash, robe, ephod, breastpiece, and turban: layers of responsibility and honor. • Gold plate reading “Holy to the LORD” (28:36): continual reminder of set-apart status. • Anointing oil compounded from myrrh, cinnamon, cane, cassia, and olive oil (30:22-25): a fragrant sign of God’s choice. Archaeologists have found residue of similar spice mixtures in Middle-Bronze jars from the Levant, giving sensory context to the text. Sacrificial Animals: Purpose and Pattern Bull = sin offering, ram 1 = burnt offering, ram 2 = ordination/fellowship. Later sacrificial law (Leviticus 1–7) expands these categories, but Exodus 29 provides the seed pattern. Hebrews 10:1-4 affirms that these sacrifices pointed forward to Christ’s once-for-all offering. Blood on Ear, Thumb, and Toe: Whole-Life Dedication Right ear—listening to God’s voice. Right thumb—serving with holy hands. Right big toe—walking in holy paths. Leviticus 14 applies the same ritual to cleansed lepers, suggesting restored relationship and mission. James 1:22 echoes the triad: hearers, doers, consistent walkers. Seven-Day Ordination: Pattern of Completeness Seven days echo creation’s rhythm (Genesis 2:2-3). The priests step into a vocation that mirrors God’s ongoing work—maintaining order and communion. Jesus’ transfiguration after six days (Matthew 17:1) and His resurrection on the “first day” also resonate with divine completeness and new beginnings. Altar and Courtyard Context: Archaeological Notes Excavations at Timna (late second millennium BC) revealed a Midianite tent-shrine with a four-horned altar of stones coated in beaten copper—similar dimensions to Exodus 27:1-2. Copper-plated horns supported blood ritual, matching 29:12. Such finds confirm the plausibility of a portable, metal-reinforced altar in the wilderness era. Daily Tamid Offerings: Rhythm of Devotion The “continual burnt offering” (tamid) anchors Israel’s day. Psalm 141:2 likens prayer to the evening sacrifice; Luke 1:8-10 shows Zechariah serving during the incense hour, tied to tamid timing. Acts 3:1 records Peter and John going to the temple “at the hour of prayer—the ninth hour,” rooted in this same daily rhythm. God Dwelling Among His People: From Tent to Temple to Christ “I will dwell among the Israelites” (29:45) anticipates the glory cloud filling Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8:10-11). John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us,” revealing the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. Revelation 21:3 looks forward: “Behold, God’s dwelling is with mankind.” Connections Across Scripture • Washing: Exodus 29 → Hebrews 10:22; Titus 3:5 • Anointing: Exodus 29 → Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18 • Sin offering outside the camp: Exodus 29:14 → Leviticus 16:27 → Hebrews 13:11-12 • Continuous fire: Exodus 29:38-42 → Leviticus 6:12-13 → Romans 12:1 • Priesthood extended: Exodus 29 → 1 Peter 2:9, believers as “a royal priesthood” Exodus 29 weaves together practical instructions, vivid symbols, and forward-looking promises, all designed to secure a holy, joyful, daily relationship between the LORD and His people. Connections to Additional Scriptures Hebrews 7:23-28This passage highlights Jesus as our eternal High Priest, contrasting the temporary priesthood of Aaron and his sons. 1 Peter 2:9 This verse reminds us that we are a royal priesthood, called to declare the praises of God. Romans 12:1 Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is our true and proper worship. Teaching Points Divine AppointmentExodus 29:1-9 describes the specific instructions for consecrating Aaron and his sons, highlighting that the priesthood is a divine appointment, not a human invention. This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so that they may serve Me as priests (Exodus 29:1). Symbolism of Sacrifices The chapter details various offerings, including a bull and two rams, symbolizing atonement, dedication, and peace with God. These sacrifices foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who fulfills the law. Holiness and Purity The washing of Aaron and his sons (Exodus 29:4) signifies the need for purity and holiness in those who serve God. It underscores the importance of being cleansed from sin before approaching God. Anointing with Oil The anointing of Aaron with oil (Exodus 29:7) represents the Holy Spirit's empowerment for service. It signifies being set apart for God's purposes. Perpetual Priesthood The consecration ceremony establishes a perpetual priesthood, pointing to the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, our High Priest. Practical Applications Dedication to ServiceJust as the priests were set apart for service, we are called to dedicate our lives to serving God and others in whatever capacity He calls us. Pursuit of Holiness We should strive for purity and holiness in our lives, recognizing that we are temples of the Holy Spirit. Understanding Sacrifice Reflect on the significance of Christ's sacrifice and how it calls us to live sacrificially for others. Empowerment by the Spirit Seek the Holy Spirit's anointing and empowerment for the tasks God has given you. People 1. The LORD (YHWH)The LORD is the central figure who commands the consecration of the priests. He is the covenant God of Israel, who provides the instructions for worship and service in the tabernacle. The Hebrew name used here is "YHWH," often rendered as "LORD" in English translations. 2. Moses Moses is the prophet and leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. In this chapter, Moses is instructed by God to perform the consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons. He acts as the mediator between God and the people. 3. Aaron Aaron is the brother of Moses and is appointed as the first high priest of Israel. His consecration is a significant event, as he will serve as the primary mediator between God and the Israelites in the tabernacle. The Hebrew name "Aharon" signifies his role as the anointed priest. 4. Aaron's Sons Aaron's sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, are also consecrated as priests to serve alongside their father. They are part of the priestly lineage, responsible for assisting in the tabernacle's rituals and sacrifices. Their consecration signifies the establishment of the hereditary priesthood in Israel. Places 1. The Tent of MeetingThis is the central location where the consecration of Aaron and his sons takes place. The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, is the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites as they journey through the wilderness. The Hebrew term for the Tent of Meeting is "Ohel Mo'ed" (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד), which signifies a place of divine encounter. 2. The Altar The altar is a significant location within the Tabernacle where sacrifices are made. In Exodus 29, various offerings, including burnt offerings and sin offerings, are made on the altar as part of the consecration ceremony. The Hebrew word for altar is "mizbeach" (מִזְבֵּחַ), which means a place of sacrifice. Events 1. Instructions for ConsecrationGod commands Moses on how to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests. This involves specific rituals and offerings (Exodus 29:1-3). 2. Presentation of Offerings Moses is instructed to bring a young bull and two unblemished rams, along with unleavened bread, cakes, and wafers anointed with oil (Exodus 29:1-3). 3. Washing of Aaron and His Sons Aaron and his sons are to be washed with water at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, symbolizing purification (Exodus 29:4). 4. Clothing of Aaron Aaron is to be dressed in the priestly garments, including the tunic, robe, ephod, breastpiece, and turban, signifying his role as high priest (Exodus 29:5-6). 5. Anointing of Aaron Moses is to anoint Aaron by pouring the anointing oil on his head, consecrating him for his priestly duties (Exodus 29:7). 6. Clothing of Aaron’s Sons Aaron’s sons are to be clothed with tunics, sashes, and headbands, marking their roles as priests (Exodus 29:8-9). 7. Sin Offering A bull is to be offered as a sin offering, with Aaron and his sons laying their hands on its head, symbolizing the transfer of sin (Exodus 29:10-14). 8. Burnt Offering One of the rams is to be offered as a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD, signifying complete dedication (Exodus 29:15-18). 9. Ram of Ordination The second ram, called the ram of ordination, is to be sacrificed, with its blood applied to Aaron and his sons, symbolizing their consecration (Exodus 29:19-21). 10. Wave Offering Parts of the ram, along with bread, are to be waved as a wave offering before the LORD, signifying the offering of their service (Exodus 29:22-25). 11. Portions for Aaron and His Sons Specific portions of the offerings are designated for Aaron and his sons as their perpetual share, indicating their provision from the offerings (Exodus 29:26-28). 12. Consecration of the Altar The altar is to be consecrated with the blood of the sacrifices, making it holy and set apart for offerings (Exodus 29:36-37). 13. Daily Offerings Instructions are given for daily offerings, including two lambs each day, as a continual burnt offering, signifying ongoing worship and atonement (Exodus 29:38-42). 14. Promise of God’s Presence God promises to dwell among the Israelites and be their God, affirming His covenant relationship with them (Exodus 29:45-46). Topics 1. Consecration of Aaron and His SonsThis section details the process of consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. The Hebrew word for consecration, "מִלֻּאִים" (millu'im), implies a filling or ordination, signifying the setting apart for holy service. ^"This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so that they may serve Me as priests..."^ (Exodus 29:1). 2. Offerings for Consecration The chapter describes the specific offerings required for the consecration ceremony, including a bull and two rams without blemish. These offerings symbolize atonement and dedication. ^"Take a young bull and two rams without blemish..."^ (Exodus 29:1). 3. Washing and Clothing of the Priests Aaron and his sons are to be washed with water and clothed in sacred garments, symbolizing purification and readiness for service. ^"Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water."^ (Exodus 29:4). 4. Anointing with Oil The anointing oil is used to consecrate Aaron, signifying the Holy Spirit's empowerment for his priestly duties. The Hebrew word "מָשַׁח" (mashach) means to anoint or smear. ^"Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head."^ (Exodus 29:7). 5. Sin Offering The sin offering involves the sacrifice of a bull, representing atonement for the priests' sins. This act underscores the necessity of purification before serving God. ^"You are to slaughter the bull before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting."^ (Exodus 29:11). 6. Burnt Offering The burnt offering of a ram signifies complete dedication to God, as the entire animal is consumed by fire. ^"Then take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head."^ (Exodus 29:15). 7. Ordination Offering The second ram is used for the ordination offering, with its blood applied to Aaron and his sons, symbolizing their consecration and the sanctity of their service. ^"Slaughter the ram, take some of its blood, and put it on the right earlobes of Aaron and his sons..."^ (Exodus 29:20). 8. Wave Offering Portions of the ordination ram are waved before the LORD as a wave offering, indicating the priests' service and dedication to God. ^"Then take them from their hands and burn them on the altar along with the burnt offering..."^ (Exodus 29:25). 9. Continual Burnt Offering The chapter concludes with instructions for a continual burnt offering, emphasizing the ongoing nature of worship and dedication to God. ^"This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar each day: two lambs that are a year old."^ (Exodus 29:38). Themes 1. Consecration of the PriestsExodus 29 outlines the process of consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. This involves a series of rituals, including washing, dressing in sacred garments, and anointing with oil. The Hebrew word for consecration, "מִלֻּאִים" (millu'im), implies a filling or ordination, signifying the priests being set apart for holy service. 2. Sacrificial Offerings The chapter details various offerings, including a bull for a sin offering and two rams for a burnt offering and a fellowship offering. These sacrifices symbolize atonement and dedication to God. The Hebrew term for offering, "קָרְבָּן" (korban), denotes something brought near, emphasizing the act of drawing closer to God through sacrifice. 3. Atonement and Purification The rituals described serve to atone for the sins of the priests and purify them for service. The concept of atonement, "כִּפֻּרִים" (kippurim), involves covering or reconciliation, highlighting the restoration of the relationship between God and His people. 4. Anointing with Oil Anointing is a significant theme, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's empowerment and the setting apart of the priests for divine service. The Hebrew word "מָשַׁח" (mashach) means to anoint, indicating a consecration that imparts authority and holiness. 5. Perpetual Priesthood The chapter emphasizes the establishment of a lasting priesthood through Aaron and his descendants. This theme underscores the continuity of God's covenant and the enduring nature of the priestly role in mediating between God and Israel. 6. Holiness and Sanctification The repeated emphasis on holiness and sanctification reflects the need for the priests to be pure and set apart for God's service. The Hebrew root "קָדַשׁ" (qadash) means to be holy or sanctified, indicating a state of being dedicated to God. 7. Divine Presence and Fellowship The rituals culminate in God's promise to dwell among the Israelites, signifying His presence and fellowship with His people. This theme is central to the covenant relationship, where God declares, "I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God" (Exodus 29:45). Answering Tough Questions 1. In Exodus 29:10–14, how could sacrificing an animal and placing its blood on the altar possibly cleanse or consecrate anyone in a literal or scientific sense?Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the detailed nature of the ordination process reflect the holiness of God? 2. How does the ritual of washing before putting on the holy garments symbolize in the context of modern-day Christian life? 3. What role does sacrifice play in the process of consecration and ordination? 4. How can the daily offerings of lambs symbolize our devotion to God today? 5. In what ways can the notion of God dwelling among His people be applied in the current age? 6. Discuss the significance of anointing oil in the consecration process and its relevance today. 7. In light of this passage, how would you define atonement? 8. How does the specific use of blood in these rituals deepen your understanding of Christ's sacrifice? 9. Why was it necessary to consecrate the altar? 10. Discuss the significance of the phrase, "I am the LORD their God" in today's context. 11. How can Christians symbolically participate in the concept of "eating in a holy place" today? 12. How might you interpret the seven days of ordination in the context of God's creation of the world? 13. Why was it important for Aaron and his sons to physically touch the animals during the sacrificial process? 14. What lessons can Christians learn from the continual offerings commanded by God? 15. Why do you think God asked for the sacrifices to be without blemish? 16. What are the practical implications of Aaron's sons wearing the "holy garments" after him? 17. What is the symbolism of the unleavened bread in the ordination ceremony and in the Christian life today? 18. How can the concept of wearing holy garments be translated into our daily lives? 19. Why do you think God required the specific parts of the animals (like the fat, entrails, etc.) to be used in the way they were? 20. How does the strict adherence to these ancient instructions challenge your commitment to obey God's Word today? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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