Exodus 29:23
along with one loaf of bread, one cake of bread made with oil, and one wafer from the basket of unleavened bread that is before the LORD.
along with one cake of bread
The phrase "one cake of bread" refers to a specific offering in the consecration of the priests. The Hebrew word for "cake" is "ḥallâ," which often denotes a round loaf or cake used in sacrificial offerings. This bread is part of the wave offering, symbolizing the sustenance and provision of God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bread was a staple of life, representing God's provision for His people. The inclusion of bread in the consecration ceremony underscores the idea that the priests, who serve before God, are sustained by Him both physically and spiritually.

one cake of oil bread
The "cake of oil bread" is a unique offering, combining flour and oil. The Hebrew word for "oil" is "shemen," which signifies richness and anointing. Oil in the Bible often symbolizes the Holy Spirit, anointing, and consecration. This cake, therefore, represents the anointing and empowerment of the priests by the Holy Spirit for their sacred duties. The blending of oil with bread signifies the integration of divine empowerment with daily sustenance, highlighting the necessity of the Holy Spirit in the life and service of God's people.

and one wafer
The term "wafer" comes from the Hebrew "raqîq," meaning a thin cake or wafer. This element of the offering is distinct in its simplicity and delicacy, perhaps symbolizing purity and holiness. In the context of the consecration ceremony, the wafer represents the purity required of the priests who minister before God. It serves as a reminder that those who serve the Lord must do so with clean hands and a pure heart, reflecting the holiness of the God they serve.

from the basket of unleavened bread
The "basket of unleavened bread" is significant in its representation of sinlessness and purity. Leaven, or yeast, in the Bible often symbolizes sin and corruption. Therefore, unleavened bread is a symbol of purity and separation from sin. The use of unleavened bread in the consecration ceremony emphasizes the call to holiness and the need for the priests to be set apart from sin as they serve in the presence of a holy God. This imagery is consistent with the broader biblical narrative that calls God's people to live lives of holiness and separation from the world.

that is before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" indicates the presence of God, where the offerings are presented. The Hebrew word for "before" is "pānîm," which can also mean "face." This suggests an intimate, face-to-face encounter with God. The offerings are not merely ritualistic but are presented in the very presence of God, highlighting the relational aspect of worship and service. The priests are reminded that their service is not just a duty but a privilege to stand before the Almighty, serving Him directly and intimately. This phrase underscores the importance of living and serving with an awareness of God's constant presence.

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 to God.

3. The Tabernacle
The sacred place where God dwells among His people and where the consecration ceremony takes place.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is giving these specific instructions for worship and consecration.

5. The Basket of Unleavened Bread
A collection of bread items used in the consecration ceremony, symbolizing purity and dedication to God.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Bread
The use of unleavened bread in the consecration ceremony symbolizes purity and separation from sin. As believers, we are called to live lives that are set apart for God, free from the corruption of sin.

Consecration and Dedication
Just as Aaron and his sons were consecrated for service, Christians are called to dedicate their lives to God's service. This involves a commitment to holiness and obedience to His commands.

God's Detailed Instructions
The specific instructions given by God highlight His desire for order and reverence in worship. Our worship should reflect a heart of obedience and respect for God's holiness.

Christ as Our Sustenance
The bread used in the ceremony points to Christ, who is our spiritual sustenance. We are reminded to rely on Him daily for our spiritual nourishment and strength.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the use of unleavened bread in the consecration ceremony reflect the concept of purity in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we consecrate ourselves for God's service in our daily lives, similar to the consecration of Aaron and his sons?

3. How does the detailed nature of God's instructions for worship in Exodus 29 challenge us to approach our own worship practices?

4. What parallels can we draw between the bread used in the Old Testament ceremonies and Jesus as the "bread of life" in the New Testament?

5. How can understanding the symbolism in the consecration ceremony deepen our appreciation for the sacrificial work of Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 8
This chapter provides a detailed account of the consecration ceremony, including the use of unleavened bread, which parallels the instructions given in Exodus 29.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8
Paul speaks about Christ as our Passover lamb and the call to live a life of sincerity and truth, drawing a parallel to the unleavened bread used in the Old Testament ceremonies.

John 6:35
Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," connecting the physical sustenance of bread to the spiritual sustenance He provides.
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
Basket, Bit, Bread, Cake, Loaf, Mixed, Oil, Oiled, Round, Thin, Unleavened, Wafer, Yeast
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 29:23

     4488   oil
     5227   basket

Exodus 29:1-34

     4681   ram

Exodus 29:22-24

     4554   yeast

Exodus 29:22-25

     4404   food
     5166   liver and kidneys

Exodus 29:23-24

     7480   wave offering

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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