Take the breast of the ram of Aaron's ordination and wave it before the LORD as a wave offering, and it will be your portion. Take the breast of the ramThe phrase "take the breast of the ram" refers to a specific part of the sacrificial animal used in the ordination of Aaron and his sons. The Hebrew word for "breast" is "חזה" (chazeh), which signifies the front part of the animal, often associated with strength and vitality. In the context of ancient Israelite sacrificial practices, the breast was considered a choice portion, symbolizing the offering of one's best to God. This act of taking the breast signifies the dedication of the priesthood to God, highlighting the importance of offering the finest parts of our lives in service to Him. of Aaron’s ordination The term "ordination" in Hebrew is "מִלֻּאִים" (millu'im), which means "filling" or "consecration." This refers to the ceremony that set Aaron and his sons apart for the priestly service. The ordination process was a sacred rite that involved sacrifices, anointing, and the donning of holy garments. It underscores the idea that those who serve God must be consecrated, set apart, and filled with His Spirit. Aaron's ordination was not just a ritual but a divine appointment, emphasizing the seriousness and sanctity of serving in God's presence. and wave it before the LORD The act of waving, or "תְּנוּפָה" (tenufah) in Hebrew, was a ritual gesture that symbolized presenting the offering to God and acknowledging His sovereignty. Waving the breast before the LORD was an act of worship and submission, recognizing that all blessings and provisions come from Him. This gesture also served as a public declaration of faith and obedience, reminding the Israelites of their covenant relationship with God. The wave offering was a way to express gratitude and devotion, reinforcing the communal and relational aspects of worship. as a wave offering The "wave offering" was a specific type of sacrifice in the Levitical system, distinct from other offerings like burnt or sin offerings. It was a portion of the sacrifice that was waved before the LORD and then given to the priests for their sustenance. This offering highlights the reciprocal relationship between God and His people, where the community provides for the needs of the priesthood, and the priests, in turn, serve as mediators between God and the people. The wave offering symbolizes the sharing of God's blessings and the mutual support within the covenant community. and it will be your portion The phrase "it will be your portion" indicates that the breast of the ram, after being waved before the LORD, was designated for the priests. The Hebrew word for "portion" is "חֵלֶק" (chelek), which means a share or inheritance. This allocation underscores the principle that those who serve in God's house are provided for by the offerings of the people. It reflects the biblical teaching that God is the ultimate provider, ensuring that His servants have their needs met. This provision also serves as a reminder of the spiritual inheritance that believers have in Christ, who is our portion and sustenance. Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe brother of Moses, chosen by God to be the first high priest of Israel. His ordination is a significant event in establishing the priesthood. 2. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who acts as God's representative in the ordination of Aaron and his sons. 3. The Ram of OrdinationA sacrificial animal used in the consecration ceremony of Aaron and his sons, symbolizing dedication to God. 4. Wave OfferingA specific type of offering where the portion is waved before the LORD, symbolizing presentation and dedication to God. 5. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who commands the ordination process and receives the offerings. Teaching Points The Significance of OrdinationThe ordination of Aaron signifies the establishment of a divinely appointed priesthood, which is foundational for Israel's worship and relationship with God. Symbolism of the Wave OfferingThe wave offering represents the act of giving and dedicating something to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision. Priestly Portion and ProvisionThe portion given to the priests underscores God's provision for those who serve Him, reminding us of His faithfulness to meet our needs. Christ as Our High PriestThe priesthood of Aaron points forward to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who mediates a new covenant through His sacrifice. Our Role as a Royal PriesthoodAs believers, we are called to be a royal priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices and living lives dedicated to God. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the ordination of Aaron teach us about the importance of divine calling and preparation for service? 2. How does the concept of the wave offering challenge us to consider what we are dedicating to God in our own lives? 3. In what ways does the provision for the priests in the Old Testament reflect God's care for those who serve Him today? 4. How does understanding Jesus as our High Priest deepen our appreciation for His sacrifice and intercession? 5. How can we, as a royal priesthood, practically live out our calling in our daily lives and communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 7:30-34This passage provides further instructions on the wave offering, emphasizing the priestly portion and the communal aspect of the sacrifice. Hebrews 7:23-28This New Testament passage connects the priesthood of Aaron to the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, highlighting the fulfillment of the Old Testament priestly system. 1 Peter 2:9This verse speaks to the priesthood of all believers, drawing a parallel between the Old Testament priesthood and the spiritual role of Christians today. People Aaron, Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces Egypt, Mount SinaiTopics Aaron, Aaron's, Breast, Consecration, Hast, Offering, Ordination, Portion, Ram, Share, Sheep, Wave, Waved, Wave-offering, WavingDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 29:1-34 4681 ram Exodus 29:26-27 5140 breasts Exodus 29:26-28 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 ScriptureEighth 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 Links Exodus 29:26 NIVExodus 29:26 NLTExodus 29:26 ESVExodus 29:26 NASBExodus 29:26 KJV
Exodus 29:26 Commentaries
Bible Hub |