Exodus Chapter 29 — The Consecration of the Priests
God instructs Moses on how to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests through specific rituals, sacrifices, and the use of holy garments.
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Notable Verses
Exodus 29:9
“They shall have the priesthood by a perpetual statute. You shall consecrate Aaron and his sons.”
This verse establishes the priesthood as a permanent institution for Aaron's lineage.
Exodus 29:45
“I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.”
It summarizes the ultimate purpose of the Tabernacle and the priestly system: God's presence among His people.
Chapter Summary
Exodus 29 outlines the intricate seven-day ceremony for the ordination of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood. The process begins with ritual washing and the donning of the high priest's garments. Moses is instructed to perform several sacrifices, including a bull for a sin offering and two rams—one for a burnt offering and another for the ram of consecration. A unique ritual involves putting blood on the right ear, thumb, and big toe of the priests to signify their dedication. The chapter also details the wave offering and specifies the portions of the sacrifice that belong to the priests. Following the ordination instructions, God mandates daily morning and evening offerings of lambs. This consistent worship is linked to God's promise to dwell among the Israelites, meet with them at the Tent of Meeting, and manifest His glory to the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The consecration involved ritual washing, dressing in specific holy garments described in previous chapters, anointing with oil, and performing multiple animal sacrifices over a period of seven days.
God commanded a lamb to be offered every morning and every evening to maintain a continual burnt offering, ensuring a constant state of worship and atonement at the Tent of Meeting.
A wave offering involves presenting specific portions of the sacrifice, such as the breast of the ram, before the Lord as a symbolic gesture of dedication before the priests received their allotted portion.
Study Note
The application of blood to the right ear, thumb, and toe in verse 20 symbolized the total dedication of the priest’s hearing, actions, and walk to God's service.
Related Chapters
Exodus 28
Exodus 28 describes the specific priestly garments mentioned in the consecration ceremony.
Leviticus 8
Leviticus 8 records the actual historical fulfillment of the ordination instructions given in Exodus 29.
Hebrews 7
This New Testament chapter discusses the transition and fulfillment of the priestly office.
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