Exodus 29v23-46

v23: These three different kinds of bread were all unleavened (points to an absence of sin/pride) – they had no yeast in them.

· Before the L-rd – this bread was in His Presence.

v24: Moses is the official who presides over this sanctification service of the priests (His brother and nephews).

· A wave offering signifies victory – the raising up of hands. Victory is being in the place where G-d wants you to be.

v25: Burnt/fire offering – allows the smoke to go up to the L-rd. This smoke, and the aroma of these things burning, are pleasing to the L-rd. Worship is ALL for G-d’s pleasure (Gal 1:10).

v26: We are still reading about the ram for the inauguration service (all of this is for the inauguration of the priests -high priests and others – in order that they might lead the children of Israel in worship).

v27: Sanctify – set apart.

· These portions of the ram were lifted up and waved before the L-rd.

v28: Statute forever – this means it has Kingdom ramifications.

· Heave offering – this means it had to be lifted up. Lifting up changes perspective or vantage point. It also implies that there’s movement. The priesthood were called to mediate, to the children of Israel, a change that only worship can bring about.

v29: Holy garments – priestly garments. This verse foreshadows that the priesthood is ongoing. These garments were going to be passed from generation to generation.

v30: This inauguration service, of sanctification for the priests, is for seven days (the #7 speaks of holiness)

v31: Emphasis, once again, on the ram – the substitution (Gen 22:13).

· Holy place -a place that is set apart, sanctified in order for this commandment to be fulfilled.

v32: This door is the entrance that ushers these priests into their place of service/where they meet G-d.

v33: Atonement – ie a covering. The priests own personal inadequacies, their sin, has been dealt with/covered. Atonement (unlike propitiation -which has eternal ramifications) only had temporal implications.

· Stranger – this doesn’t mean someone who’s not Jewish. It means someone who is not a Levite descended from the family of Aaron (ie a priest). All the priests were from the tribe of Levi but not all Levites were from the family of Aaron.

v35: According to all – it had to be done exactly as had been commanded.

v36-37: If everything that’s being done is done properly that same holiness/Presence of G-d, that dwelt upon the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant, could be experienced in the holy place. Through this service of the priests the children of Israel could experience the holiness of G-d, personally.

v38-39: The sacrifices of these lambs were done every day without exception – one lamb in the morning, and the second one at twilight [traditionally from the ninth hour (3pm) until the setting of the sun].

v40: Ephahs and hins were units of measurement.

· This mixture of flour and oil, as well as the wine, was the standard for both lamb offerings.

v42: It’s a burnt offering because it all needs to be consumed by fire.

· When this offering is done G-d makes a promise that He will meet with the people in order to speak to them – give them revelation. True worship leads to revelation.

v43: All of this is to bring the presence of G-d, and His sanctifying influence, to the children of Israel.

Note: The priests do the work of mediating between G-d and the people of Israel so that they might meet G-d, experience G-d. G-d then brings about His designated purpose – for His glory to be manifested to the people. When G-d’s glory is manifested His work is accomplished.

v44: Sanctification is emphasised throughout this passage. Sanctification is related to the purposes of G-d.

· Without that priesthood G-d wouldn’t function to bring about His will in their lives. All of this shows a structure/process that must be done if the children of Israel are going to give testimony/bear witness that they are the covenant people of G-d.

v45: Not only is worship going to accomplish G-ds will, but it brings G-d intimately into the life of the people.

· Will be their G-d – G-d takes responsibility over the people. This speaks of His faithfulness.