What is the meaning of Exodus 29:38?

This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar

– God Himself defines worship; Israel is not inventing a ritual but obeying a command (Exodus 25:40).

– “Offer” underscores action, not mere intention. Worship involves tangible surrender (James 2:17).

– “On the altar” roots the act at the place of substitution and atonement. Every sacrifice anticipates “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

– Cross references remind us the altar is where God meets His people (Exodus 29:42), foreshadowing the cross where reconciliation is fully achieved (Colossians 1:20).

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Each day

– Daily rhythm points to continual dependence on grace. Just as manna fell daily (Exodus 16:4), sacrifice rises daily.

– Morning and evening bookends keep the whole day under God’s rule (Psalm 92:2).

– Daily offering mirrors daily mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23) and calls believers to “take up his cross daily” (Luke 9:23).

– Constant sacrifice highlights the insufficiency of animal blood to remove sin finally (Hebrews 10:11), preparing hearts for Christ’s once-for-all offering (Hebrews 10:12).

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Two lambs

– One lamb at dawn, one at twilight (Numbers 28:4).

• Morning: consecrates the coming hours.

• Evening: covers the failings of the hours past.

– The number two confirms completeness (Deuteronomy 19:15) and ensures no part of the day is uncovered.

– Lambs signify innocence and meekness, traits perfectly fulfilled in Jesus (1 Peter 1:19).

– Their continual presence kept substitutionary atonement before Israel’s eyes (Leviticus 17:11).

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That are a year old

– A year-old lamb is in its prime: mature yet unblemished (Exodus 12:5).

– Offering the best reflects God’s worthiness; anything less insults His holiness (Malachi 1:8).

– Prime age foreshadows Christ giving His life in the fullness of His earthly vigor (Luke 3:23).

– The stipulation guards against careless worship and teaches careful obedience (1 Samuel 15:22).

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summary

Exodus 29:38 establishes a daily, God-designed pattern of worship: two perfect lambs, morning and evening, offered continually at the altar. The command teaches that worship is constant, costly, and centered on substitutionary sacrifice, ultimately pointing forward to Jesus Christ, the flawless Lamb whose single offering forever satisfies what these daily lambs could only anticipate.