What significance does the "regular burnt offering" hold in Exodus 29:41? Text under consideration “ ‘And the second lamb you shall offer at twilight. You shall prepare with it the same grain offering and drink offering as in the morning, a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD.’ ” (Exodus 29:41) What was the regular burnt offering? • Two one-year-old lambs offered every day—one “in the morning” and one “at twilight” (Exodus 29:38-39). • Accompanied by a grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil and a drink offering of wine (Exodus 29:40-41). • Described as “a pleasing aroma” indicating God’s acceptance (cf. Leviticus 1:9). • Called “continual” or “regular” (Exodus 29:42; Numbers 28:3-4) because it never ceased while the tabernacle/temple stood. Why twice a day? • Morning and evening framed the entire day in worship, declaring that every moment belongs to the LORD (Psalm 113:3). • Ensured unbroken fellowship: as one sacrifice finished smoldering, preparations for the next began (Leviticus 6:12-13). • Taught Israel that atonement and consecration were not occasional events but a constant need (Hebrews 10:11). Spiritual lessons for Israel • National consecration: the altar was kept ever-active, symbolizing a people set apart continually (Exodus 29:43-45). • Visibility of grace: rising smoke morning and evening reminded all tribes that forgiveness and access were ongoing realities. • Priority of first and last: God received the day’s first energies and its final thoughts (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psalm 141:2). Christological significance • Foreshadow of the ultimate “once for all” sacrifice (Hebrews 10:12-14). • The continual nature points to the perpetual efficacy of Christ’s atonement—ever present before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). • Lamb imagery anticipates “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Implications for believers today • Encourage a rhythm of daily devotion—beginning and ending the day in conscious communion with God (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). • Call to live as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1), offering every moment in service and worship. • Assurance that, because Christ’s sacrifice is continual in its effect, access to God is permanently open (Ephesians 2:18). In Exodus 29:41 the regular burnt offering stands as a perpetual anchor of Israel’s covenant life—daily, visible proof that God receives His people through substitutionary sacrifice and dwells among them continually. |
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