◄ Exodus 29:18 ►
Then burn the entire ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD.
Study Bible
Then burn
The Hebrew word for "burn" here is "קָטַר" (qatar), which means to offer up in smoke. This act of burning signifies complete dedication and surrender to God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, burning was a common method of offering sacrifices, symbolizing the transformation of the physical into the spiritual, as the smoke ascends to the heavens.

the whole ram
The ram, a mature male sheep, was often used in sacrificial offerings due to its value and significance. The "whole" ram indicates totality, suggesting that nothing is withheld from God. This act of offering the entire animal underscores the concept of complete devotion and the idea that God deserves our all.

on the altar
The altar, or "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach) in Hebrew, was a sacred place where offerings were made to God. It represents a point of contact between the divine and the human. Historically, altars were central to worship practices, serving as a physical reminder of God's presence and the need for atonement.

It is a burnt offering
The term "burnt offering" comes from the Hebrew "עֹלָה" (olah), meaning "that which goes up." This offering is entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing the worshiper's complete submission and the desire for the offering to ascend to God. It reflects the idea of purification and consecration.

to the LORD
The use of "LORD" in all caps signifies the divine name "YHWH" (Yahweh), the covenant name of God. This emphasizes the personal relationship between God and His people, reminding them of His faithfulness and their obligation to live in obedience to His commands.

a pleasing aroma
The phrase "pleasing aroma" translates the Hebrew "רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ" (reyach nichoach), which conveys the idea of satisfaction and acceptance by God. In ancient cultures, the aroma of sacrifices was believed to be pleasing to the deities, symbolizing divine favor and acceptance.

an offering made by fire
This phrase highlights the method of the offering, emphasizing the transformative power of fire. Fire in the Bible often represents God's presence, purification, and judgment. The offering made by fire signifies the purifying and consuming nature of God's holiness.

to the LORD
Reiterating the recipient of the offering, this phrase underscores the purpose and direction of the sacrifice. It is not merely a ritualistic act but a meaningful expression of worship and devotion to Yahweh, the one true God. This repetition reinforces the centrality of God in the life and worship of His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is receiving instructions from God on how to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests.

2. Aaron and His Sons
The first priests of Israel, who are being consecrated through the sacrificial rituals described in this chapter.

3. The Altar
The place where sacrifices are made to God, symbolizing His presence and the means of atonement for the people.

4. The Ram
An animal used in the sacrificial system, representing a complete offering to God.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is establishing the priesthood and sacrificial system as a means of worship and atonement.
Teaching Points
Total Dedication
The burnt offering symbolizes complete surrender to God. Believers are called to offer their lives wholly to Him, holding nothing back.

Pleasing Aroma
Our lives, when lived in obedience and devotion, are a pleasing aroma to God. This calls us to live in a way that honors Him.

Sacrificial Worship
True worship involves sacrifice. It requires giving up our own desires to align with God's will.

Priestly Role
As believers, we are called to a priestly role, interceding for others and living lives that point to God.

Christ's Fulfillment
The sacrificial system points to Christ, whose sacrifice was once for all. Our response is to live in gratitude and obedience.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of a "pleasing aroma" in Exodus 29:18 relate to the way we live our daily lives as Christians?

2. In what ways can we offer our lives as a "burnt offering" to God today, as described in Romans 12:1?

3. How does understanding the role of the altar in the Old Testament enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical ways we can fulfill our priestly role as believers in our communities?

5. How does the sacrificial system in Exodus point us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, and how should this impact our worship and daily living?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 1:9
This verse also describes the burnt offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, emphasizing the importance of complete dedication in worship.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the total dedication seen in the burnt offerings.

Hebrews 10:10
This verse speaks of Jesus' sacrifice as the ultimate offering, fulfilling the sacrificial system described in Exodus.
Sermons
The Rites of Consecration for the PriesthoodJ. Orr Exodus 29:1-33
The Consecration of PriestsSpurgeon, Charles HaddonExodus 29:1-37
People
Aaron, Ephah, Israelites, Moses
Places
Egypt, Mount Sinai
Topics
Altar, Aroma, Burn, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Entire, Fire, Fire-offering, Fragrance, Hast, Odor, Odour, Offer, Offering, Perfume, Pleasant, Pleasing, Ram, Savor, Savour, Smell, Smoke, Soothing, Sweet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 29:18

     7767   priests, OT institution
     8460   pleasing God

Exodus 29:1-34

     4681   ram

Exodus 29:10-21

     7316   blood, OT sacrifices

Exodus 29:17-18

     5163   legs

Library
The Copies of Things in the Heavens
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 3. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. 4. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 5. And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Eighth Day. Holiness and Indwelling.
And let them make me a holy place, that I may dwell among them.'--Ex. xxv. 8. 'And the tent shall be sanctified by my glory, and I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.'--Ex. xxix. 43, 45. The Presence of God makes holy, even when it descends but for a little while, as at Horeb, in the burning bush. How much more must that Presence make holy the place where it dwells, where it fixes its permanent abode! So much is this the case, that the place where God dwells …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as His anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in Him.'--1 John ii. 20, 27. In the revelation by Moses of God's Holiness and His way of making holy, the priests, and specially the high priests, were the chief expression of God's Holiness in man. …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action.
The ruler should always be chief in action, that by his living he may point out the way of life to those that are put under him, and that the flock, which follows the voice and manners of the shepherd, may learn how to walk better through example than through words. For he who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exhibit the highest things. For that voice more readily penetrates the hearer's heart, which the speaker's life …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing.
Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.'--2 Cor. vii. 1. That holiness is more than cleansing, and must be preceded by it, is taught us in more than one passage of the New Testament. 'Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself up for it, that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word.' 'If a man cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Man's Inability to Keep the Moral Law
Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God? No mere man, since the fall, is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but does daily break them, in thought, word, and deed. In many things we offend all.' James 3: 2. Man in his primitive state of innocence, was endowed with ability to keep the whole moral law. He had rectitude of mind, sanctity of will, and perfection of power. He had the copy of God's law written on his heart; no sooner did God command but he obeyed. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

John's First Testimony to Jesus.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, February, a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 19-34. ^d 19 And this is the witness of John [John had been sent to testify, "and" this is the matter of his testimony], when the Jews [The term "Jews" is used seventy times by John to describe the ruling classes of Judæa] sent unto him [In thus sending an embassy they honored John more than they ever honored Christ. They looked upon John as a priest and Judæan, but upon Jesus as a carpenter and Galilæan. It is probable that …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Covenant of Works
Q-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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