What is the meaning of Exodus 29:12? Take some of the blood of the bull – God instructs Moses to reserve a portion of the ordination sacrifice. This sets the tone: sin must be addressed before ministry begins (cf. Leviticus 8:14–15; Hebrews 9:22). – The bull, offered for Aaron’s sin offering (Exodus 29:10–11), represents substitution. By taking only “some” of its blood, the Lord highlights purposeful, directed atonement—nothing accidental or wasteful. Put it on the horns of the altar with your finger • The altar’s horns symbolize power, refuge, and mercy (1 Kings 1:50; Psalm 18:2). Marking them with blood declares that forgiveness and strength flow from a sacrifice already made. • Using the priest’s finger makes this intensely personal. He cannot delegate atonement; he must touch the evidence of substitution himself (Leviticus 4:25, 30). • The gesture also consecrates the entire altar. Because blood now covers its extremities, every future offering placed there stands on a foundation of prior cleansing (Exodus 30:10). Pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar – Nothing is discarded casually; all remaining life-blood returns to God at the altar’s foot (Leviticus 8:15; 9:9). – This completes the picture: • Blood on the horns—atonement reaches upward, toward heaven. • Blood at the base—atonement reaches downward, touching earth. • Between the two, the altar is fully wrapped in redemption, illustrating total coverage for sin (Hebrews 10:19–22). – Practically, the pooling blood also sanctifies the ground where the priests will minister, an early reminder that holy service stands on poured-out life (Matthew 26:28). summary Exodus 29:12 shows God weaving atonement into every corner of priestly ministry. A specific, personal application of sacrificial blood cleanses the altar’s highest points and its foundation, declaring that forgiveness comes only through a substitute’s life poured out. From this secure footing, the priests—and all who follow—may approach a holy God with confidence. |
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