What is the meaning of Exodus 29:40? With the first lamb God directs, “With the first lamb…” (Exodus 29:40), anchoring Israel’s daily rhythm of worship. • This is the morning portion of the continual burnt offering (compare Exodus 29:38-39; Numbers 28:3-4). • By singling out “the first,” the LORD establishes priority: every day begins with sacrifice, reminding the people that fellowship with Him precedes all else (Psalm 5:3). • The lamb anticipates the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away sin (John 1:29), just as Abraham foretold on Moriah (Genesis 22:7-8). Offer a tenth of an ephah of fine flour A “tenth of an ephah” (roughly 2 quarts) of the best-milled grain accompanies the lamb. • Grain represents daily provision—bread for life (Genesis 41:49; Matthew 6:11). • Fine flour signals purity and wholehearted devotion (Leviticus 2:1-2). • Jesus later fulfills this symbol as “the bread of life” who satisfies forever (John 6:32-35). Mixed with a quarter hin of oil from pressed olives About one quart of olive oil is blended into the flour. • Oil pictures consecration and the presence of the Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13; Zechariah 4:2-6). • “Pressed olives” remind us that anointing follows crushing; Christ was “pierced for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5) and then poured out the Spirit (Acts 10:38). • Blending oil with flour binds the elements, illustrating how the Spirit unites God’s people in worship (Ephesians 4:3-4). And a drink offering of a quarter hin of wine A matching quart of wine is poured out. • Wine signifies joy and covenant fellowship (Genesis 14:18; Psalm 104:15). • The drink offering is entirely emptied, portraying total surrender (Numbers 28:7; 2 Timothy 4:6). • At the Last Supper Jesus lifted the cup, declaring the new covenant in His blood (Matthew 26:27-29). Believers share that joy now and anticipate the greater feast to come (Revelation 19:9). summary Every detail of Exodus 29:40 weaves together a picture of wholehearted, daily devotion: the lamb speaks of substitution, the fine flour of daily reliance, the oil of Spirit-filled consecration, and the wine of joyful covenant communion. Taken literally, the verse guides Israel’s worship; taken prophetically, it points us to Christ, the perfect Lamb, Bread, Anointed One, and Cup of salvation. |
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