◄ Exodus 29:25 ►
Then take them from their hands and burn them on the altar atop the burnt offering as a pleasing aroma before the LORD; it is an offering made by fire to the LORD.
Study Bible
After that
This phrase indicates a sequence of events, suggesting that the actions described are part of a larger ceremonial process. In the context of the consecration of Aaron and his sons, it follows the laying of hands and the wave offering. The Hebrew root here implies a continuation, emphasizing the importance of following divine instructions precisely as given by God.

take them from their hands
The act of taking the offerings from the hands of the priests signifies a transfer of responsibility and dedication. The Hebrew word for "take" (לָקַח, laqach) often implies receiving something with intent or purpose. This action symbolizes the priests' role as intermediaries between God and the people, highlighting their consecration and dedication to God's service.

burn them on the altar
Burning on the altar is a significant act of offering in the Old Testament, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication to God. The Hebrew word for "burn" (קָטַר, qatar) is often associated with the idea of smoke rising, which in ancient Near Eastern cultures was seen as a way to send offerings to the divine realm. This act represents the transformation of the physical into the spiritual, a key aspect of sacrificial worship.

along with the burnt offering
The inclusion of the offerings with the burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah) underscores the comprehensive nature of the sacrifice. The burnt offering was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing total devotion to God. This phrase indicates that the consecration offerings are part of a larger sacrificial system, pointing to the holistic nature of worship and dedication required by God.

as a pleasing aroma before the LORD
The concept of a "pleasing aroma" (רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ, reyach nichoach) is a recurring theme in the sacrificial system, symbolizing God's acceptance of the offering. In ancient cultures, the aroma of sacrifices was believed to ascend to the divine, signifying approval and favor. This phrase reassures the Israelites that their offerings, when made in obedience and faith, are acceptable to God.

It is an offering made by fire
The phrase "offering made by fire" (אִשֶּׁה, ishsheh) emphasizes the purifying and consuming nature of fire in sacrifices. Fire in the Bible often represents God's presence and holiness, and offerings made by fire signify purification and dedication. This highlights the transformative power of God's holiness in the lives of the worshippers.

to the LORD
The phrase "to the LORD" (לַיהוָה, laYHWH) underscores the ultimate recipient of the offerings. It is a reminder that all acts of worship and sacrifice are directed towards God, who is the source of holiness and the object of devotion. This phrase reinforces the covenant relationship between God and His people, where He is acknowledged as the sovereign Lord deserving of all worship and honor.

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 Altar
The place where sacrifices are made to God, symbolizing His presence and the people's worship.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who is giving these instructions to Moses.

5. The Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice that is completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God.
Teaching Points
The Significance of Sacrifice
The act of burning offerings on the altar signifies complete devotion and surrender to God. As believers, we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, wholly dedicated to His service.

A Pleasing Aroma to the LORD
The concept of a "pleasing aroma" indicates that God is pleased with sincere worship and obedience. Our lives should be a fragrant offering to God, characterized by faithfulness and righteousness.

The Role of Priests
Aaron and his sons were set apart for a holy purpose. As Christians, we are called to be a "royal priesthood," serving God and interceding for others.

The Importance of Obedience
The detailed instructions given to Moses highlight the importance of obedience in worship. We must approach God with reverence and follow His commands faithfully.

Christ as the Ultimate Sacrifice
The Old Testament sacrifices point to Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate offering for sin. Our faith in Him brings us into a right relationship with God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of a "pleasing aroma" in Exodus 29:25 relate to our daily lives as Christians?

2. In what ways can we offer ourselves as living sacrifices, as described in Romans 12:1, in our current context?

3. How does the role of Aaron and his sons as priests inform our understanding of the "priesthood of all believers"?

4. What can we learn from the detailed instructions for sacrifices about the nature of worship and obedience to God?

5. How does the sacrificial system in the Old Testament point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and how does this impact our faith today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 1
Provides detailed instructions on burnt offerings, emphasizing their role in atonement and dedication to God.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the total dedication symbolized by burnt offerings.
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
Addition, Along, Altar, Aroma, Beside, Burn, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Fire, Fire-offering, Fragrance, Hands, Hast, Odor, Odour, Offer, Offering, Perfume, Pleasant, Pleasing, Receive, Savor, Savour, Smell, Smoke, Soothing, Sweet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 29:25

     8460   pleasing God

Exodus 29:1-34

     4681   ram

Exodus 29:22-25

     4404   food
     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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