What is the meaning of Exodus 29:1? Now this is what you are to do • The verse opens with a clear directive; God Himself sets the agenda, not Moses, Aaron, or the people. • Similar moments of divine instruction appear in Exodus 25:9 (“You must make everything according to the pattern I will show you”) and Leviticus 8:4, underscoring that worship is never left to human imagination. • By beginning with “Now,” the Lord links these priestly instructions to the larger redemption story that started with the Passover lamb (Exodus 12). The same God who delivered Israel now defines how they are to approach Him. to consecrate Aaron and his sons • “Consecrate” means to set apart for holy use. Exodus 28:41 explains, “You are to anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them.” • This is not a self-promotion ceremony; it is God declaring who will represent Him (Numbers 3:3). • Holiness is essential: Leviticus 8:30 records Moses sprinkling the anointing oil and blood on Aaron and his garments, a vivid picture that ministry flows from cleansing. • In the New Covenant, believers are likewise set apart (John 17:17; 1 Corinthians 6:11), reflecting this same pattern of God-initiated sanctification. to serve Me as priests • Service is God-ward first: “The LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD, to serve Him” (Deuteronomy 10:8). • Priests stand between God and the people, offering sacrifices and interceding (Hebrews 5:1). • Their calling foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who “always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). • For us, the priesthood language points forward to the church: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), invited to serve God through worship, witness, and works of mercy. Take a young bull and two rams without blemish • God specifies the exact animals—no substitutes. Leviticus 4:3 uses a young bull for the sin offering of the high priest; Exodus 29 will do the same, emphasizing the need for atonement even for ministers. • “Without blemish” mirrors the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:5) and anticipates Christ, “a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:19). • The two rams serve distinct purposes in the chapter: one for a burnt offering (total devotion, Leviticus 1:10-13) and one for the ordination (identification, Exodus 29:22-26). • Hebrews 9:13-14 contrasts the blood of animals with the superior, cleansing blood of Christ, showing how these sacrifices prepare the way for the gospel. summary Exodus 29:1 maps out God’s own plan for setting apart Aaron and his sons. Every phrase underscores that priestly service originates with God’s instruction, demands holiness, and requires a spotless sacrifice. The verse looks back to the saving acts of the Exodus and forward to Christ, the flawless Lamb and eternal High Priest, calling all believers to a life set apart in wholehearted service to the Lord. |
    |