Exodus 29:19
Take the second ram, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on its head.
Take the second ram
The instruction to "take the second ram" signifies a continuation of the consecration process for Aaron and his sons. The Hebrew word for "take" is "laqach," which implies an active, deliberate action. This is not a passive reception but an intentional act of obedience to God's command. The "second ram" is part of a series of offerings, each with its own significance. The first ram was for a burnt offering, symbolizing complete dedication to God. The second ram, often referred to as the "ram of ordination," is specifically for the consecration of the priests, setting them apart for holy service.

Aaron and his sons
Aaron and his sons are central figures in the establishment of the priesthood. Aaron, the brother of Moses, is chosen by God to be the first high priest, and his sons are to serve as priests. This familial line is significant as it establishes the hereditary nature of the priesthood in Israel. The mention of "Aaron and his sons" underscores the importance of family and lineage in God's covenant community. It also highlights the communal aspect of worship and service, as the priesthood is not just an individual calling but a family responsibility.

are to lay their hands on its head
The act of laying hands on the head of the ram is a symbolic gesture of identification and transference. The Hebrew word for "lay" is "samach," which means to lean or rest upon. This action signifies the transfer of sin and guilt from the priests to the sacrificial animal, a precursor to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. It is an acknowledgment of the need for atonement and purification before entering into God's service. This ritual act also represents the priests' identification with the sacrifice, as they are set apart for their sacred duties. The laying on of hands is a powerful reminder of the need for personal and communal holiness in the service of God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He is a central figure in the consecration ceremony described in Exodus 29.

2. Aaron's Sons
The sons of Aaron, who were also consecrated as priests to serve in the tabernacle. They represent the priestly lineage.

3. The Ram
A sacrificial animal used in the consecration ceremony. The ram symbolizes substitution and atonement.

4. Laying on of Hands
A ritual act signifying the transfer of sin or responsibility. It is a symbolic gesture of identification and consecration.

5. Consecration Ceremony
A sacred event where Aaron and his sons are set apart for priestly service. This ceremony includes sacrifices and rituals to sanctify them for their roles.
Teaching Points
The Role of the Priesthood
The priesthood in the Old Testament was a vital part of Israel's relationship with God. It served as a mediator between God and the people, pointing to the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The sacrificial system, including the laying on of hands, foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. It teaches us about the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement.

Consecration and Holiness
The consecration of Aaron and his sons reminds us of the call to holiness. As believers, we are set apart for God's purposes and should live lives that reflect His holiness.

Identification with Christ
Just as Aaron and his sons identified with the sacrifice through the laying on of hands, believers are called to identify with Christ in His death and resurrection.

The Priesthood of Believers
In Christ, all believers are part of a royal priesthood, called to offer spiritual sacrifices and proclaim the excellencies of God.
Bible Study Questions
1. What is the significance of the laying on of hands in the consecration ceremony, and how does it relate to our identification with Christ today?

2. How does the role of the Old Testament priesthood help us understand the priesthood of Jesus as described in the book of Hebrews?

3. In what ways does the concept of sacrifice in Exodus 29 point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross?

4. How can we apply the principle of consecration and holiness in our daily lives as believers?

5. What does it mean to be part of a "royal priesthood" as described in 1 Peter 2:9, and how can we live out this calling in practical ways?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 8
This chapter provides a detailed account of the consecration ceremony, including the sacrifices and rituals involved, offering a parallel to Exodus 29.

Hebrews 7
Discusses the priesthood of Jesus Christ, drawing a connection between the Old Testament priesthood and the eternal priesthood of Christ.

Isaiah 53
The concept of substitutionary atonement is echoed in the prophecy of the suffering servant, who bears the sins of many.

1 Peter 2:9
Highlights the priesthood of all believers, connecting the Old Testament priesthood to the New Testament concept of a spiritual priesthood.
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
Aaron, Hands, Hast, Laid, Lay, Ram, Sheep, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 29:19

     7372   hands, laying on

Exodus 29:1-34

     4681   ram

Exodus 29:10-21

     7316   blood, OT sacrifices

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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