What is the meaning of Exodus 29:36? Sacrifice a bull as a sin offering each day for atonement “Sacrifice a bull as a sin offering each day for atonement.” (Exodus 29:36a) • God required a full-grown bull—costly, strong, and without defect (Leviticus 4:3 - 12)—to underscore the weight of sin that even priests carried. • The sacrifice was repeated daily for the seven-day ordination (Exodus 29:35, 37). Holiness is not a one-time event; it must be guarded continually (Hebrews 7:27). • Atonement means a real covering of guilt, making fellowship possible. Leviticus 16:15-16 shows the same principle on the Day of Atonement, and Hebrews 9:22 reminds us that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” • While these bulls provided temporary cleansing, they also pointed forward to the ultimate, once-for-all offering of Christ (Hebrews 10:10-14). Purify the altar by making atonement for it “Purify the altar by making atonement for it…” (Exodus 29:36b) • Even the altar—mere wood overlaid with bronze (Exodus 27:1-2)—needed purification because anything serving in God’s presence must be holy (Habakkuk 1:13). • Blood was applied to the altar’s horns (Exodus 29:12), symbolizing that the place of sacrifice itself is cleansed. Hebrews 9:21-22 notes Moses’ sprinkling of both the tabernacle and its vessels with blood, echoing this scene. • By atoning for the altar, God signified that sin defiles not only people but also the environment in which they worship (Haggai 2:13-14). • A cleansed altar assures worshipers that their gifts are accepted; likewise, believers approach the heavenly altar—“the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16)—only because it, too, has been purified by Christ’s blood. Anoint it to consecrate it “…and anoint it to consecrate it.” (Exodus 29:36c) • After blood came oil (Exodus 30:25-29). Blood removes sin; oil sets apart for service. • Anointing identified the altar as uniquely belonging to God, much as priests (Exodus 29:7) and kings (1 Samuel 16:13) were marked for divine use. • Psalm 133:2 pictures oil running down Aaron’s beard, tying anointing to harmony among God’s people. Here, the altar’s anointing fosters harmony between God and Israel. • For believers, God “anointed us… and put His Spirit in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22), consecrating us as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). summary Exodus 29:36 teaches that sin must be seriously addressed, that even sacred spaces are affected by human guilt, and that God personally sets apart what He cleanses. Daily bulls highlighted continual need; blood purified; oil consecrated. In every part, the passage foreshadows Jesus—the perfect sacrifice, the purifier of all that touches God’s presence, and the One who anoints His people with the Spirit for holy service. |
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