What is the meaning of Exodus 29:18? Then burn the entire ram on the altar - God instructs Moses to have Aaron and his sons place the whole animal—nothing held back—on the altar. Leviticus 8:18-21 repeats this pattern, underscoring that consecration requires complete surrender. - Earlier, Noah did something similar: “Then Noah built an altar to the LORD… and offered burnt offerings on it” (Genesis 8:20-21). The totality communicates that every part of life is to belong to God. it is a burnt offering to the LORD - A burnt offering (Leviticus 1:3-17) is wholly consumed by fire, symbolizing substitution and atonement. - By calling it “to the LORD,” the emphasis is vertical: worship centers on God’s worth, not on human preferences (Hebrews 10:1 points forward to Christ as the final, perfect burnt offering). a pleasing aroma - The phrase points to God’s acceptance. Genesis 8:21 says, “The LORD smelled the pleasing aroma,” signaling divine favor. - In the New Covenant, Christ fulfills this image: “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering” (Ephesians 5:2). Our sacrifices—praise, obedience, generosity—become pleasing when offered through Him (2 Corinthians 2:15). a food offering to the LORD - Though God does not eat (Psalm 50:12-13), He uses meal language to highlight fellowship. Leviticus 3:11 calls the peace offering “food for the LORD,” inviting relationship. - Numbers 28:2 frames all sacrifices as God’s “food offerings,” reminding Israel that covenant life is sustained by continual worship and dependence. summary Exodus 29:18 teaches that consecration demands total surrender, centers on God’s satisfaction, and fosters ongoing fellowship. The entire ram—completely consumed—pictured a life wholly devoted to the LORD, anticipating the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose fragrant offering secures our acceptance and invites us into continual, wholehearted worship. |
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