Exodus 29:1-22

In this chapter Moses inaugurates the priests for service to G-d (service is closely related to worship). Worship that’s rooted in the instruction of G-d brings about a change in our lives. Our lives become more efficient – instead of wandering around and wasting time.

v1: The priests needed to be sanctified in order that they would be prepared to worship G-d in the way that He instructed. We do not minister to G-d because He lacks something, but it is for us to demonstrate faithfulness to Him.

· Without blemish – these animals had to be perfect.

v2: Three different types of unleavened bread – normal and hallowed unleavened bread and a kind of wafer.

v3: One (basket) – shows unity between everything. Worship has a unifying purpose to it.

· Bring them in the basket – i.e take them near to G-d.

v4: This washing was not a scrubbing. They had already washed themselves so were clean, but this washing speaks of an immersion – like a baptism. Immersion has to do with a change of status – through immersion, that which is common is set apart for a purpose.

v5: High priest dressed for service.

v6: This was a headdress that was specifically for the high priests.

· Holy crown – referring to the head plate that had “Holiness to the L-rd” written on it.

v7-8: Specific order needed to be adhered to.

v9: The regular priests wore a different head covering.

· Perpetual = eternal, therefore Kingdom implications.

· Consecrate: Grant them authority, put them into a place in order to fulfil their role/calling.

v10: The bull was seen as the supreme offering from OT perspective.

v11: The bull was slaughtered in a ritualistic way – in order to cause no pain to the animal.

v12: Contact had to be made, with fingers stained with blood, upon the (four) horns of the altar.

· “Pour” speaks of lavishness

· Base = foundation

v13: The word here for burning is the same word for offering and incense. This was not just for the sake of burning them, but it was for the smoke to rise up unto the L-rd.

v14: Offal – waste products. This burning up of the bull outside of the camp provided a sin atonement (Heb 13:11-14 – going outside the camp to be with Yeshua is a testimony and it foreshadows the rejection of those who belong to Messiah).

v15: In verse 1 we read about two rams that were perfect. Here we see only one ram (the first ram). Aaron and his sons did the same thing as they did to the bull – placed their hands on its head.

v16: Kill – again, ritualistic slaughter. The purpose for this slaughter was not death for the sake of death, but the purpose was to obtain the blood (Lev 17:11). The sin offering would mediate life to those who are spiritually dead. One (ram, in this case) gives it life in order that we might have life.

· This word “sprinkle” would more accurately be translated “throw”. “Throw” is a much more lavish term.

v17: “cut the ram in pieces” – this cutting was like a surgical procedure. The cut was done in a very precise manner. This ram was surgically cut up but then put together again/lined up when it was set on the altar.

v18: Burn – has to do with smoke rising up (this was not the same as incense smoke)

· A burnt/fire offering – everything was consumed – nothing was left.

v19: Now we see how ram number 2 was dealt with. These rams were not killed for the sake of killing them. They were killed for a purpose.

v20: The blood of this ram was dealt with differently to the blood of the other ram. This ram had a different purpose. The rams were slaughtered in the exact same way, but their blood is dealt with differently – it’s not for sanctifying the altar but is for sanctifying the priests.

· The blood thrown around the altar was the remaining blood.

v21: The blood that specifically was thrown upon the altar (a place of sacrifice) had a sanctifying influence on the priests. Unless you experience this sacrifice from the altar (the blood of our Great High Priest) you cannot be set apart for the purpose of G-d, You can’t serve Him.

· This word is now correctly translated “sprinkle” – much more precise.

· Although Aaron was high priest he served together with his sons. They had a common purpose – and it all relates to worship. They’re being sanctified to worship G-d on behalf of the children of Israel.

v22: This is seen as a peace offering. We experience peace when we fulfil the will of G-d. Worship needs to be done right (ie based upon the will of G-d). When it is, we experience the peace of G-d.