Exodus 29:13
Take all the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar.
Take all the fat
In the Hebrew text, the word for "fat" is "חֵלֶב" (chelev), which refers to the best or richest part of the animal. In ancient Israelite sacrificial practices, the fat was considered the choicest part and was reserved for God. This act of offering the fat symbolizes giving the best to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision. It is a reminder that in our lives, we are called to offer our best to God, not just in material possessions but in our time, talents, and devotion.

that covers the entrails
The entrails, or inner parts, signify the innermost being of the animal. In a broader spiritual sense, this can be seen as a call for purity and sincerity in worship. God desires not just external compliance but a heart fully devoted to Him. The covering of the entrails with fat can symbolize the protection and sanctification of our innermost thoughts and desires, aligning them with God's will.

the lobe of the liver
The liver was considered a vital organ in ancient times, often associated with emotions and decision-making. The specific mention of the "lobe" (Hebrew: "יֹתֶרֶת" - yoteret) highlights the importance of offering our emotions and decisions to God. It serves as a reminder that our choices and feelings should be surrendered to His guidance, ensuring that our lives reflect His righteousness and wisdom.

and both kidneys with the fat on them
In Hebrew thought, the kidneys (כְּלָיוֹת - kelayot) were seen as the seat of emotion and conscience. Offering the kidneys signifies a dedication of our innermost feelings and moral compass to God. The inclusion of the fat emphasizes the richness and depth of this offering, encouraging believers to present their deepest emotions and ethical decisions to God, trusting in His perfect judgment and love.

and burn them on the altar
The act of burning on the altar (מִזְבֵּחַ - mizbeach) is a powerful symbol of transformation and consecration. The altar represents a place of meeting between God and man, where offerings are transformed by fire. This burning signifies purification and the ascent of the offering to God. It is a call for believers to allow God's refining fire to purify their lives, transforming their offerings into a pleasing aroma to the Lord. This process of consecration is essential for a life dedicated to God's service, reflecting His holiness and grace.

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 for their service in the tabernacle.

3. The Altar
The place of sacrifice in the tabernacle where offerings are made to God.

4. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites.

5. Consecration Ceremony
The event where Aaron and his sons are set apart for priestly service, involving specific sacrifices and rituals.
Teaching Points
Holiness and Separation
The consecration of Aaron and his sons highlights the importance of being set apart for God's service. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, distinct from the world.

The Significance of Sacrifice
The detailed instructions for the sacrifices underscore the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. This points us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who fulfilled the law and provided a way for us to be reconciled with God.

Symbolism of the Fat
In ancient Israel, the fat was considered the best part of the animal and was offered to God. This symbolizes giving our best to God in all aspects of our lives, not just in worship but in our daily actions and decisions.

Priestly Role of Believers
Just as Aaron and his sons were set apart for priestly duties, believers today are called to be a "royal priesthood," serving God and interceding for others.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests relate to our calling as believers today?

2. In what ways can we offer our "best" to God in our daily lives, similar to the offering of the fat in the sacrifices?

3. How does the sacrificial system in the Old Testament point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

4. What does it mean to live a life that is "set apart" for God, and how can we practically apply this in our current cultural context?

5. How can understanding the role of the priesthood in the Old Testament enhance our understanding of our role as a "royal priesthood" in the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 3:14-16
This passage provides further details on the peace offerings, including the burning of fat, which is considered a pleasing aroma to the Lord.

Hebrews 10:10-14
This New Testament passage connects the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the fulfillment of the law through His offering.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the Old Testament sacrificial system and its spiritual significance for Christians today.
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, Appendage, Burn, Burned, Caul, Cover, Covereth, Covering, Covers, Entrails, Fat, Hast, Innards, Inner, Inside, Inwards, Joining, Kidneys, Liver, Lobe, Net, Offer, Ox, Perfume, Redundance, Round, Smoke
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 29:13

     5166   liver and kidneys

Exodus 29:1-34

     4681   ram

Exodus 29:10-14

     4615   bull

Exodus 29:10-21

     7316   blood, OT sacrifices

Exodus 29:12-14

     7767   priests, OT institution

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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