What role do "wave offerings" play in the priestly ordination process in Exodus 29? Setting the Scene: The Ordination Ram and Its Portions • Exodus 29:22-25 describes the “ram of ordination.” • “You are to take… one loaf of bread, one cake of bread mixed with oil, and one wafer from the basket of unleavened bread that is before the LORD. Put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons and wave them before the LORD as a wave offering.” (Exodus 29:23-24) • These items are placed in the newly ordained priests’ hands to be presented—literally lifted up and moved back and forth—as an act of dedication. What the Wave Offering Signifies • Ownership transfer—lifting the portions before the LORD publicly acknowledges that everything connected with priestly service now belongs to Him (cf. Leviticus 7:30). • Identification—Aaron and his sons hold the offering, symbolically uniting themselves with the sacrifice that secures their ministry (cf. Leviticus 8:27-28). • Acceptance—waving “before the LORD” signifies God’s gracious reception, sealing the ordination arrangement. • Celebration of provision—after being waved, certain portions become the priests’ food, stressing that those who serve at the altar live from the altar (Exodus 29:26-28; 1 Corinthians 9:13). Step-by-Step Role in the Ceremony 1. Blood applied for atonement (Exodus 29:19-21). 2. Fatty portions, right thigh, and three types of unleavened bread placed in the ordinands’ hands (v. 22-23). 3. All items waved—consecration act visible to Israel (v. 24). 4. Moses takes them back, burns the fat on the altar as “a pleasing aroma” (v. 25). 5. The breast is waved by Moses and kept for his own portion, modeling the perpetual priestly due (v. 26; Leviticus 7:31-34). 6. The waved thigh remains the perpetual share for future priests (Exodus 29:27-28). Why God Chooses a Wave Rather Than a Burnt Offering Alone • Burnt offerings ascend entirely, but wave offerings emphasize relational exchange: given to God, then given back as holy provision. • This rhythm highlights service that is both surrendered and sustained by divine generosity (Numbers 18:11). • The motion itself proclaims that ministry is not static; it continually oscillates between God’s altar and God’s people. Lasting Lessons • Ordination is grounded in atoning sacrifice and set apart by visible gestures of dedication. • Every gift raised to God returns sanctified for life and service. • The wave offering models a life rhythm for believers: surrender to the LORD, receive from the LORD, serve in the LORD. |
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