What is the meaning of Exodus 29:11? And you shall slaughter the bull - The bull is the sin offering required for Aaron and his sons as they enter the priesthood (Leviticus 8:14–15). - Its death underscores the seriousness of sin; “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). - By commanding the priests to do the slaughtering themselves, God reinforces personal responsibility for sin, just as later sacrifices required individual participation (Leviticus 4:4). - The bull’s substitutionary role points ahead to Christ, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). before the LORD - Every sacrifice is ultimately offered to God and not merely performed as ritual; “whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord” (Colossians 3:17). - The phrase reminds the priests that they stand in God’s holy presence, similar to Nadab and Abihu’s later tragic lesson (Leviticus 10:1–2). - It anticipates the heavenly ministry of Jesus, who “appeared in the presence of God for us” (Hebrews 9:24). at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting - The entrance is the designated meeting point between God and His people (Exodus 29:42). - Sacrifice precedes deeper access; only after atonement can priests enter and serve (Exodus 40:12–15). - This setting foreshadows believers’ access through Christ: “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19–22). - Public location provides corporate witness that sin is dealt with openly, cultivating communal reverence (Leviticus 1:5). summary Exodus 29:11 teaches that sin must be paid for by an innocent substitute, offered consciously in God’s presence, and placed where God meets His people. The ordained bull prefigures the perfect sacrifice of Christ, who grants believers full, forgiven access to God. |
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