Overview:

Exodus 29 provides detailed instructions for the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. This chapter outlines the seven-day ordination ceremony, which includes sacrifices, anointing with oil, and the use of specific garments. The consecration process sets the priests apart for their holy service in the Tabernacle and emphasizes their need for purification and atonement before they can minister on behalf of the people.

The ordination process, with its detailed steps, sacrifices, and rituals, highlights the holiness of God and the seriousness of serving as a mediator between God and His people. The chapter emphasizes themes such as the necessity of atonement, the role of the priesthood, and the importance of holiness in approaching God. Ultimately, this ceremony points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest, who fulfills the role of mediator and atones for sin once and for all.

Historical and Literary Context:

Exodus 29 is part of the broader instructions God gives to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle and the establishment of the priesthood. After outlining the design of the priestly garments in Exodus 28, God now provides instructions for the ordination ceremony that will set Aaron and his sons apart for service. This chapter is situated within the larger narrative of God’s covenant with Israel and His desire to dwell among His people through the Tabernacle.

The consecration of the priests is a vital part of Israel’s worship system, as the priests will serve as intermediaries between God and the people, offering sacrifices and maintaining the Tabernacle. The detailed rituals of consecration reflect the seriousness of this role and the holiness required to serve in God’s presence.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

The Consecration of the Priests:

The central theme of Exodus 29 is the consecration of the priests, which involves an elaborate ritual of purification, sacrifice, and anointing. This process sets the priests apart as holy and equips them for their sacred duties.

“This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so they may serve me as priests” (Exodus 29:1).

The consecration ceremony emphasizes the holiness of God and the necessity of being purified and set apart to serve Him. The priests’ consecration points to the need for all who approach God to be made holy, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

The Necessity of Atonement and Sacrifice:

The ordination process includes several sacrifices, which serve as atonement for the priests’ sins and as a way of consecrating them for service.

“Take a young bull and two rams without defect… Slaughter the bull before the Lord at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Take some of the bull’s blood and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest of it at the base of the altar” (Exodus 29:1, 10-12).

The blood of the bull and rams is used to purify the altar and the priests, symbolizing the need for atonement and purification before approaching God. This theme of atonement is ultimately fulfilled in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood cleanses believers from sin and grants them access to God (Hebrews 9:13-14).

Anointing with Oil: The Holy Spirit’s Role:

The anointing of Aaron and his sons with oil symbolizes their consecration and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for service.

“Then take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head” (Exodus 29:7).

The oil represents the Holy Spirit, who empowers the priests for their sacred duties. This theme of anointing is fulfilled in Jesus, who was anointed by the Holy Spirit to fulfill His ministry (Luke 4:18). Believers, too, are anointed by the Holy Spirit and set apart for God’s service (1 John 2:20).

The Role of the Priesthood:

The chapter emphasizes the role of the priests as mediators between God and the people. The consecration process equips the priests to offer sacrifices and intercede on behalf of the people.

“You are to lay your hand on the head of the bull, and it shall be slaughtered in the Lord’s presence… Aaron and his sons are to bring the ram and slaughter it before the Lord” (Exodus 29:10-11, 15).

The laying on of hands symbolizes the transfer of sin and guilt to the sacrificial animal, which is then offered as atonement. The priests’ role as mediators prefigures Christ’s ultimate role as the perfect High Priest, who mediates between God and humanity through His sacrifice (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Daily Sacrifices: Continual Atonement and Worship:

The chapter concludes with instructions for the daily burnt offerings that are to be offered continually, morning and evening, as a reminder of the need for ongoing atonement and worship.

“This is what you are to offer on the altar regularly each day: two lambs a year old. Offer one in the morning and the other at twilight… For the generations to come, this burnt offering is to be made regularly at the entrance to the tent of meeting before the Lord” (Exodus 29:38-42).

The daily sacrifices point to the continual need for atonement and the ongoing relationship between God and His people. This theme of continual atonement is fulfilled in Christ, whose once-for-all sacrifice provides eternal redemption for believers (Hebrews 10:10).

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Exodus 29:1-4:

“This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so they may serve me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams without defect. And from the finest wheat flour make round loaves without yeast, thick loaves without yeast and with olive oil mixed in, and thin loaves without yeast and brushed with olive oil. Put them in a basket and present them along with the bull and the two rams. Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the tent of meeting and wash them with water.”

The consecration ceremony begins with the washing of Aaron and his sons, symbolizing purification. The sacrifices and bread offerings emphasize the need for atonement and nourishment in the presence of God.

Exodus 29:5-7:

“Take the garments and dress Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself and the breastpiece. Fasten the ephod on him by its skillfully woven waistband. Put the turban on his head and attach the sacred emblem to the turban. Then take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head.”

Aaron is dressed in the high priestly garments, signifying his consecration for service. The anointing with oil symbolizes the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, equipping him for his priestly duties.

Exodus 29:8-9:

“Bring his sons and dress them in tunics and fasten caps on them. Then tie sashes on Aaron and his sons. The priesthood is theirs by a lasting ordinance. Then you shall ordain Aaron and his sons.”

The sons of Aaron are also consecrated and dressed in their priestly garments, signifying the establishment of the priesthood as an enduring institution.

Exodus 29:10-14:

“Bring the bull to the front of the tent of meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. Slaughter it in the Lord’s presence at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Take some of the bull’s blood and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour out the rest of it at the base of the altar.”

The laying on of hands symbolizes the transfer of sin to the bull, which is then sacrificed for atonement. The blood is used to purify the altar, emphasizing the need for cleansing before approaching God.

Exodus 29:15-18:

“Take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. Slaughter it and take the blood and splash it against the sides of the altar. Cut the ram into pieces and wash the internal organs and the legs, putting them with the head and the other pieces. Then burn the entire ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the Lord, a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the Lord.”

The first ram is offered as a burnt offering, symbolizing total consecration to God. The pleasing aroma represents the acceptance of the sacrifice by God.

Exodus 29:19-21:

“Take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. Slaughter it, take some of its blood and put it on the lobes of the right ears of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands and on the big toes of their right feet. Then splash blood against the sides of the altar. And take some blood from the altar and some of the anointing oil and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments and on his sons and their garments. Then he and his sons and their garments will be consecrated.”

The second ram is used for the ordination of the priests. The application of blood to the ears, hands, and feet symbolizes the consecration of the priests’ entire being—what they hear, what they do, and where they go.

Exodus 29:22-28:

“From the ram of the ordination take the fat, the fat tail, the fat on the internal organs, the long lobe of the liver, both kidneys with the fat on them, and the right thigh. (This is the ram for the ordination.) From the basket of bread made without yeast, which is before the Lord, take one round loaf, one thick loaf with olive oil mixed in, and one thin loaf. Put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons and have them wave them before the Lord as a wave offering.”

The offering of the ram’s fat and the bread emphasizes the need for nourishment and strength in God’s service. The wave offering signifies the priests’ devotion to God and His acceptance of their service.

Exodus 29:29-30:

“Aaron’s sacred garments will belong to his descendants so that they can be anointed and ordained in them. The son who succeeds him as priest and comes to the tent of meeting to minister in the Holy Place is to wear them seven days.”

The sacred garments of the high priest are passed down to future generations, symbolizing the continuity of the priesthood and the ongoing need for consecration and holiness in service to God.

Exodus 29:31-34:

“Take the ram for the ordination and cook the meat in a sacred place. At the entrance to the tent of meeting, Aaron and his sons are to eat the meat of the ram and the bread that is in the basket. They are to eat these offerings by which atonement was made for their ordination and consecration.”

The eating of the sacrificial meal signifies the priests’ participation in the atonement process and their communion with God through the offering.

Exodus 29:35-37:

“Do for Aaron and his sons everything I have commanded you, taking seven days to ordain them. Sacrifice a bull each day as a sin offering to make atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it.”

The ordination process lasts seven days, during which daily sacrifices are offered for atonement. The repeated sacrifices emphasize the seriousness of the consecration and the need for continual purification.

Exodus 29:38-46:

“This is what you are to offer on the altar regularly each day: two lambs a year old. Offer one in the morning and the other at twilight… There I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory. So I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests.”

The daily offerings represent continual worship and atonement. God promises to meet with His people at the Tabernacle, where His glory will dwell. The priests, consecrated for service, ensure that the people maintain a relationship with God through ongoing sacrifices.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Exodus 29 points to several important theological truths, particularly the necessity of atonement, the holiness of God, and the role of the priesthood. The ordination of Aaron and his sons emphasizes the need for purification and consecration in approaching God’s presence. The elaborate sacrificial system reflects the gravity of sin and the requirement for bloodshed to atone for sin, a theme fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose once-for-all sacrifice provides eternal redemption for believers (Hebrews 9:13-14, Hebrews 10:10).

The consecration of the priests prefigures Christ’s role as the ultimate High Priest, who not only mediates between God and humanity but also offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 7:27). Just as Aaron and his sons were set apart for service, Christ was set apart by the Father to accomplish the work of redemption (John 17:19). Additionally, the daily sacrifices point to the continual nature of atonement and worship, which are fulfilled in Christ’s eternal priesthood and His ongoing intercession for believers (Hebrews 7:25).

Sermon Outline and Flow:

1. Introduction: The Seriousness of Consecration for God’s Service
   • Set the context for Exodus 29, emphasizing the importance of the priestly consecration and the need for holiness and atonement in approaching God.
   • Introduce the themes of atonement, consecration, and the role of the priesthood.
2. Point 1: The Necessity of Atonement for Service
   • Discuss the significance of the sacrifices in the ordination process and the need for atonement before approaching God’s presence.
   • Application: How does Christ’s sacrifice fulfill the need for atonement, and how can we live in gratitude for His once-for-all sacrifice?
3. Point 2: The Role of the Priesthood as Mediators
   • Explore the role of the priests as mediators between God and the people, bearing the responsibility of offering sacrifices and interceding on behalf of the nation.
   • Application: How does Christ fulfill the role of the ultimate High Priest, and how can we rely on His intercession for us?
4. Point 3: The Anointing with Oil—Empowered by the Holy Spirit
   • Highlight the significance of the anointing with oil, symbolizing the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for service.
   • Application: How can we rely on the Holy Spirit’s anointing in our lives, as we serve God in the various roles He has called us to?
5. Point 4: Continual Worship and Atonement
   • Discuss the importance of the daily sacrifices and the continual nature of worship and atonement in the life of Israel.
   • Application: How does Christ’s eternal priesthood and ongoing intercession provide continual access to God, and how can we live in constant worship and dependence on Him?

Illustrations and Examples:

• Share a personal story or historical example of someone being set apart for a specific role or responsibility, drawing parallels to the consecration of the priests in Exodus 29 and the importance of being equipped for service.
• Use a metaphor of mediation, such as a diplomat representing a nation, to illustrate the role of the priests as mediators between God and the people and how Christ fulfills this role for believers.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Exodus 29 challenges believers to reflect on the seriousness of serving God and the holiness required in approaching Him. The detailed instructions for the consecration of the priests remind Christians that worship and service are not casual activities but require careful preparation, purification, and dedication. Just as the priests were set apart for holy service, believers today are called to live lives of holiness, empowered by the Holy Spirit and consecrated for God’s purposes.

The sacrifices offered during the ordination process emphasize the need for atonement and the seriousness of sin. Believers are called to approach God through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood cleanses them from sin and grants them access to God’s presence. The daily sacrifices remind Christians of the ongoing nature of worship and atonement, which are fulfilled in Christ’s eternal priesthood and His continual intercession for believers.

Connection to the Father in Exodus 29:

God the Father’s holiness, justice, and desire for mediation are central to Exodus 29. The consecration of the priests reflects His requirement for holiness in those who serve Him and His provision of a means for atonement through the sacrificial system. The chapter reveals God’s desire to maintain a relationship with His people through the ministry of the priests, ultimately pointing to the perfect mediation provided by Christ.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Exodus 29:

Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the priestly consecration described in Exodus 29. Just as Aaron and his sons were consecrated for service through sacrifices and anointing, Christ was set apart by the Father to fulfill His role as the perfect High Priest. Christ not only offers the perfect sacrifice for sin but also continually intercedes for believers as their eternal mediator (Hebrews 7:25-27). The daily sacrifices in the chapter point to the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, whose atonement is sufficient for all time (Hebrews 10:10).

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Exodus 29:

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the consecration of the priests, as symbolized by the anointing oil. Just as the priests were anointed with oil to empower them for service, believers today are anointed by the Holy Spirit to live holy lives and to serve God in their respective roles (1 John 2:20, Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit also empowers believers to worship God in spirit and truth, guiding them in their daily walk with Him.

Connection to God’s Love in Exodus 29:

God’s love is evident in His provision of a means for atonement and His desire to consecrate His people for service. The detailed instructions for the priests’ consecration reflect God’s care for His people and His desire to dwell among them. This love is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial death provides atonement for sin and opens the way for believers to serve God in holiness. The continual sacrifices in Exodus 29 point to the ongoing relationship between God and His people, sustained by His love and grace.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the consecration of the priests in Exodus 29 point forward to Christ’s role as the ultimate High Priest, and how does this impact your relationship with God?
2. In what ways does the need for atonement in Exodus 29 challenge you to reflect on the seriousness of sin and the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice?
3. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit’s anointing and empowerment in your life, as you serve God in the various roles He has called you to?
4. How does Christ’s continual intercession as the eternal High Priest provide comfort and assurance in your walk with God, and how can you live in constant worship and dependence on Him?
5. How can you live a life of holiness and consecration, reflecting God’s love and grace as you serve Him and others in your daily life?