◄ Exodus 29:22 ►
Take the fat from the ram, the fat tail, the fat covering the entrails, the lobe of the liver, both kidneys with the fat on them, and the right thigh (since this is a ram for ordination),
Study Bible
Take from the ram
The instruction to "take from the ram" signifies a deliberate and purposeful action in the sacrificial process. In the Hebrew context, the word for "take" (לָקַח, laqach) implies receiving or acquiring something with intention. This reflects the careful and reverent approach required in the ordination ceremony, emphasizing the importance of each element in the ritual.

the fat
In ancient Israelite culture, "the fat" (חֵלֶב, chelev) was considered the best part of the animal, symbolizing richness and abundance. Offering the fat to God was a way of giving the best to Him, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty. This act of offering the choicest portions underscores the principle of giving God our best in worship and service.

the fat tail
The "fat tail" refers to a specific part of the sheep, particularly valued in the Middle Eastern context for its richness. The Hebrew term (אַלְיָה, alyah) indicates a prized portion, often associated with wealth and prosperity. Including the fat tail in the offering highlights the completeness and thoroughness of the sacrifice, ensuring that nothing of value is withheld from God.

the fat that covers the entrails
This phrase points to the internal fat, which covers the vital organs. In the sacrificial system, the internal fat was seen as a protective layer, symbolizing God's protection and care for His people. Offering this fat signifies a surrender of one's innermost being to God, trusting in His provision and care.

the lobe of the liver
The "lobe of the liver" (יֹתֶרֶת הַכָּבֵד, yoteret ha-kaved) was considered a significant part of the sacrifice. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the liver was often associated with emotions and decision-making. Offering the lobe of the liver can symbolize a dedication of one's will and emotions to God, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all aspects of life.

both kidneys with the fat on them
The kidneys, along with their surrounding fat, were seen as the seat of emotion and conscience in Hebrew thought. The Hebrew word for kidneys (כְּלָיוֹת, kelayot) is often used metaphorically in the Bible to refer to the innermost thoughts and feelings. Offering the kidneys signifies a deep, personal commitment to God, surrendering one's innermost thoughts and desires to His will.

the right thigh
The "right thigh" (שׁוֹק הַיָּמִין, shok ha-yamin) was considered a portion of strength and honor. In the context of the ordination ceremony, offering the right thigh symbolizes the dedication of one's strength and service to God. It represents a commitment to use one's abilities and resources for His glory and purposes.

(for it is a ram of ordination)
This parenthetical note emphasizes the special nature of the sacrifice. The "ram of ordination" (אֵיל מִלֻּאִים, eil millu'im) was a unique offering, set apart for the consecration of priests. This highlights the sacredness of the ordination process, marking the beginning of a life dedicated to serving God and His people. It serves as a reminder of the high calling and responsibility of those who minister before the Lord.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to mediate the covenant at Sinai.

2. Aaron and His Sons
The first priests of Israel, set apart for service to God. This passage is part of their ordination ceremony.

3. The Ram of Ordination
A sacrificial animal used in the consecration of Aaron and his sons, symbolizing their dedication to God.

4. The Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among His people, where the ordination ceremony takes place.

5. The Ordination Ceremony
A ritual to consecrate Aaron and his sons, involving sacrifices and specific offerings to God.
Teaching Points
The Significance of Sacrifice
The detailed instructions for the sacrifice highlight the importance of obedience and reverence in worship. Believers today are called to offer their lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

Consecration and Holiness
The ordination of Aaron and his sons underscores the need for holiness and dedication in service to God. Christians are called to be set apart, living lives that reflect God's holiness.

Symbolism of the Fat and Right Thigh
The specific parts of the ram symbolize the best and most valuable portions, reminding believers to give God their best in all aspects of life.

Priestly Role of Believers
Just as Aaron and his sons were set apart for priestly service, all believers are called to be a royal priesthood, serving God and interceding for others.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the ordination of Aaron and his sons in Exodus 29:22 relate to the concept of being set apart for God's service in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we offer our lives as living sacrifices to God, as encouraged in Romans 12:1?

3. What does the detailed description of the sacrificial parts in Exodus 29:22 teach us about the nature of worship and offerings to God?

4. How can understanding the priestly role of Aaron and his sons help us better grasp our identity as a royal priesthood in 1 Peter 2:9?

5. Reflect on the significance of giving God the "best" in our lives. What practical steps can you take to ensure that God receives the best of your time, talents, and resources?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 8
Provides a detailed account of the ordination ceremony, including the sacrifices and offerings.

Hebrews 7
Discusses the priesthood of Jesus Christ, drawing parallels between the Levitical priesthood and the eternal priesthood of Christ.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a spiritual parallel to the physical sacrifices of the Old Testament.

1 Peter 2:9
Describes believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the priestly role of Aaron and his sons to the spiritual role of Christians today.
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
Appendage, Caul, Consecration, Cover, Covereth, Covering, Covers, Entrails, Fat, Fat-tail, Hast, Innards, Inner, Insides, Inwards, Joining, Kidneys, Leg, Liver, Lobe, Marked, Net, Offering, Ordination, Priests, Ram, Ram's, Redundance, Round, Rump, Sheep, Shoulder, Tail, Thigh
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 29:22

     5190   thigh

Exodus 29:1-34

     4681   ram

Exodus 29:22-24

     4554   yeast

Exodus 29:22-25

     4404   food
     4530   unleavened bread
     5166   liver and kidneys

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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