‏ Exodus 29

Exodus 29:1 - The Consecration of the Priests

This passage describes the detailed ceremonies and instructions for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. It shows how they were set apart by God for the special office of serving Him in the tabernacle. The process was very solemn and full of symbolism, emphasizing their holiness, dedication, and the significance of their priestly role for both themselves and the people.

v. 1: God commanded that Aaron and his sons be consecrated to serve as priests. This meant they were to be set apart from ordinary life for God’s special service. The process was to be solemn and detailed, so that everyone would see how high and holy the priest’s office was. The priests could not choose this office for themselves; only those called by God, like Aaron, could serve in this way (Hebrews 5:4 ^a). First, the person had to be accepted by God, and then their work would be accepted. The ceremony was called "filling the hand," which meant giving the priests the things they needed for their service (Exodus 29:9, 22, 26 ^b). It shows that ministers must be busy and always have something to offer God. They must rely on God to give them what they need to serve others. They had to take a young bullock and two unblemished rams as part of the offering that would dedicate them to the priestly office.

Moses was chosen by God to carry out the consecration. Even though Moses was not a priest, he was God’s servant and acted on God’s instructions. For this special ceremony, Moses did some of the priest’s work, so the part of the sacrifice that usually went to the priest was given to Moses instead (Exodus 29:26 ^c).

The consecration took place at the door of the tabernacle. This was the meeting point between God and the people. The priests were set apart in this place because they were to stand between God and the people, acting as mediators.

v. 2: Along with the animals, unleavened bread made of wheat flour was prepared in different forms—cakes, wafers, and bread mixed with oil—symbolizing purity and dedication without corruption.

v. 3: These offerings were to be placed in one basket and brought together with the bullock and the two rams, showing the unity of the consecration ceremony.

v. 4: Aaron and his sons were to be brought to the door of the tabernacle and washed with water. This washing symbolized the cleansing needed to serve God, as those who minister must be pure in body and spirit (cf. Isa 52:11; 2 Cor 7:1). This washing was a sign that their whole life needed to be pure. Later, they only washed their hands and feet when they entered the tabernacle (Exodus 30:19 ^d), but for their first consecration, they were washed all over.

vv. 5-6, 8-9: Moses dressed Aaron with the sacred priestly garments—the coat, robe of the ephod, the ephod itself, the breastplate, and the girdle—as well as the mitre (turban) and the holy crown. Aaron’s sons were also clothed with coats, girded with belts, and given bonnets. These clothes and accessories showed that they were chosen for a holy purpose, symbolizing righteousness, honor, authority, and readiness for service. The priesthood was made a perpetual statute for Aaron and his sons, signifying the permanence and seriousness of their calling.

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v. 7: Moses anointed Aaron’s head with holy anointing oil. This anointing represented the outpouring of the Spirit empowering the priest for his duties, like the sweet fragrance of perfume rejoicing the heart (Ps 133:2). The other priests were also anointed, but not in the same way as the high priest (Leviticus 21:10 ^e).

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vv. 10-14: A bullock was brought before the tabernacle, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head, symbolizing the transferring of their sins onto the sacrifice and acknowledging their need for atonement. The bullock was killed before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle, showing that sin must be dealt with openly and in God’s presence. Moses took the bullock’s blood and applied it with his finger to the horns of the altar and poured the rest at the altar’s base. The fat covering the internal organs and kidneys was burned on the altar, a pleasing offering to God. The flesh, skin, and dung of the bullock were burned outside the camp as a sin offering, signifying that the priests’ sins could not be fully removed by these sacrifices but pointed to a better high priest to come (Hebrews 7:27,28 ^f).

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vv. 15-18: One ram was brought, and Aaron and his sons laid hands on its head, symbolizing dedication to God. The ram was killed, and its blood sprinkled around the altar, representing their complete dedication as a burnt offering. The ram was cut into pieces and washed, then the whole ram was burned on the altar as a sweet aroma pleasing to the Lord.

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vv. 19-28: Another ram was brought, and Aaron and his sons laid hands on its head, preparing for the final part of the consecration. This ram was killed, and its blood applied to the right ear, right thumb, and right great toe of Aaron and his sons, and sprinkled on the altar. This signified that their hearing, work, and walk were fully dedicated to God’s service. Blood and anointing oil were sprinkled on Aaron, his sons, and their garments, sanctifying them completely for holy service. Fat and the right shoulder of the ram of consecration were set apart, showing the offering’s special significance. One loaf, one oiled cake, and one wafer from the basket of unleavened bread before the Lord were also set apart for the offering. All these offerings were placed in Aaron’s and his sons’ hands and waved before the Lord, symbolizing their offering to God. Moses received these from their hands and burned them on the altar as a pleasing burnt offering to God. The breast of the ram was waved before the Lord and given as Moses’ portion, indicating the priestly portion in the peace offering. The breast and shoulder of the ram were sanctified and divided between Moses and the altar, showing partnership between God and the priests. These parts were given to Aaron and his sons by statute forever as their portion from the peace offerings of Israel.

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v. 29: The holy garments of Aaron were to be passed on to his sons, to be anointed and consecrated with them, showing the continuity of the priesthood.

v. 30: The priest who succeeded Aaron must wear these garments for seven days when ministering in the tabernacle, symbolizing gradual and solemn consecration.

v. 31: The ram of consecration was to be cooked in the holy place.

v. 32: Aaron and his sons ate the flesh of the ram and the bread in the basket at the tabernacle door, signifying fellowship with God and acceptance of atonement.

v. 33: Only they could eat these holy offerings; strangers were forbidden because these things were holy.

v. 34: Any leftover flesh or bread by morning was to be burned, to prevent defilement and show the offering’s special holiness.

v. 35: The consecration was to be done according to all God’s commands over seven days, emphasizing the seriousness of the process.

v. 36: Every day a bullock was offered for sin, and the altar was cleansed and anointed, showing ongoing atonement and sanctification of the altar.

v. 37: After seven days of atonement, the altar was made most holy; whatever touched it became holy.

The consecration of Aaron and his sons was a solemn ceremony appointed by God to set them apart as priests. They were purified, clothed with holy garments, anointed with oil, and offered sacrifices for their own sins and dedication. The laying on of hands, application of blood, and sharing in the offerings symbolized their complete commitment to God's service. The seven-day consecration showed the weight of their calling and foreshadowed the perfect priesthood of Christ, who was consecrated once for all with His own blood (Hebrews 7:28 ^g). All believers are now spiritual priests, washed and anointed by the Holy Spirit to serve God faithfully (1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 1:5-6; 1 John 2:27). The altar was also sanctified, pointing to Christ as our holy altar who sanctifies us and our offerings (John 17:19 ^h).

Exodus 29:38-46: The Daily Offerings and God’s Promises

This passage explains the daily sacrifices God commanded the Israelites to offer and the blessings He promised if they obeyed. Every day, a lamb was to be offered in the morning and another in the evening. These sacrifices reminded the people of their need for forgiveness and God’s constant care. God gave special promises of His presence if the people were faithful in worship. These instructions show the importance of regular worship and prayer, and trusting that God is with those who seek Him.

v. 38-41: God ordered the Israelites to offer a lamb every morning and every evening as a continual burnt offering (v. 38-41 ⁱ). This was to happen every day for all generations. Even if no other sacrifices were made, these daily ones had to be given for the whole nation. They were for the forgiveness of daily sins and to thank God for daily blessings. When Antiochus stopped these sacrifices for a time, it was seen as a terrible disaster for God’s people (Dan. viii. 11 ^j). These daily offerings point to Jesus Christ, who prays for us continually because of His one perfect sacrifice (Heb. 7:25; 9:28 ^k). This also teaches us to pray and praise God every morning and evening. Daily worship should be as regular as eating meals. The sacrifices were given with bread and wine, showing that worship is as important as food for the soul. Neglecting prayer harms us spiritually.

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v. 42-43: God promised to meet with the Israelites at the tabernacle when they kept these daily sacrifices (v. 42-43 ^l). He would accept their offerings and meet all the people, not just Moses. God said He would make the tabernacle, altar, and priests holy by His presence (v. 43, 44 ^m). When we dedicate something to God sincerely, He accepts and blesses it.

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v. 44-46: God said He would live among the Israelites and be their God (v. 45, 46 ⁿ). This shows His special love and favor. He said, I will dwell among the children of Israel. When God’s people worship Him, He is present. Jesus promised, Lo, I am with you always (Matt. xxviii. 20 ^o). If we stay close to God in worship, He stays close to us. Those who have God as their God are truly blessed and have all they need.