Exodus 29:27
Consecrate for Aaron and his sons the breast of the wave offering that is waved and the thigh of the heave offering that is lifted up from the ram of ordination.
And you are to consecrate
The Hebrew word for "consecrate" is "קָדַשׁ" (qadash), which means to set apart as holy. In the context of Exodus, this act of consecration is a divine command to sanctify something for God's exclusive use. The process of consecration involves rituals and offerings that symbolize purification and dedication. Historically, this reflects the Israelites' understanding of holiness as separation from the common or profane, aligning with God's nature and purposes.

the breast of the wave offering
The "breast" refers to a specific portion of the sacrificial animal, which in ancient Israelite culture, was considered a choice cut. The "wave offering" (Hebrew: "תְּנוּפָה" - tenuphah) involved a ceremonial presentation before the Lord, symbolizing the offering being given to God and then returned for priestly use. This act signifies the acknowledgment of God's provision and the sanctity of the priestly role in mediating between God and the people.

that is waved
The act of waving the offering was a physical gesture of dedication and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. It was a symbolic act of presenting the offering to God, indicating that all blessings come from Him and are ultimately His. This ritual underscores the importance of recognizing God's authority and the need for gratitude and reverence in worship.

and the thigh of the contribution
The "thigh" or "leg" of the offering, like the breast, was a significant portion given to the priests. The term "contribution" (Hebrew: "תְּרוּמָה" - terumah) refers to a gift or offering set aside for a sacred purpose. This reflects the principle of giving the best to God and His servants, emphasizing the community's responsibility to support the priesthood, which in turn, sustains the spiritual life of the nation.

that is raised
The "raising" of the offering, similar to the wave offering, was a ritual act of lifting the portion before the Lord. This act of elevation symbolizes the offering being set apart for God, acknowledging His supremacy and the elevation of the offering to a holy status. It serves as a reminder of the need to elevate our lives and offerings to God, striving for holiness and dedication in all we do.

from the ram of ordination
The "ram of ordination" was a specific sacrifice used in the consecration of priests. The ram, a valuable and significant animal, symbolizes strength and leadership. In the ordination context, it represents the dedication of the priests to their sacred duties. This sacrifice underscores the seriousness of the priestly office and the need for those who serve God to be wholly dedicated and consecrated to His service.

which belongs to Aaron and his sons
Aaron and his sons were chosen by God to serve as priests, a role that required them to be set apart for holy service. This phrase highlights the hereditary nature of the priesthood in Israel, emphasizing the continuity of spiritual leadership and the importance of family lineage in maintaining the covenant relationship with God. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility and privilege of serving in God's presence, a calling that requires faithfulness and dedication.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The brother of Moses, appointed as the first high priest of Israel. His ordination is central to this passage.

2. Sons of Aaron
They are also consecrated as priests, serving alongside Aaron in the tabernacle.

3. Wave Offering
A specific type of offering where parts of the sacrifice are waved before the Lord as a symbolic gesture of dedication.

4. Ram of Ordination
A sacrificial animal used in the consecration ceremony of Aaron and his sons.

5. Consecration Ceremony
A significant event where Aaron and his sons are set apart for priestly service, involving various offerings and rituals.
Teaching Points
The Role of Priests
Priests were mediators between God and the people, highlighting the importance of intercession and spiritual leadership.

God's Provision for His Servants
The consecration offerings provided sustenance for the priests, illustrating God's care for those who serve Him.

Symbolism of the Wave Offering
The act of waving the offering signifies dedication and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over all provisions.

Consecration and Holiness
The setting apart of Aaron and his sons underscores the call to holiness for those who serve in ministry.

Christ as Our High Priest
The Old Testament priesthood points to Jesus, our ultimate High Priest, who intercedes for us and provides eternal salvation.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the consecration of Aaron and his sons in Exodus 29:27 reflect the importance of spiritual leadership in the church today?

2. In what ways does the provision for the priests in the Old Testament parallel God's provision for those in ministry today?

3. How can the symbolism of the wave offering inspire us to dedicate our resources and talents to God?

4. What does the concept of consecration teach us about living a life set apart for God in our daily walk?

5. How does understanding the Old Testament priesthood enhance our appreciation of Jesus' role as our High Priest in the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 7:31-34
This passage further explains the portions of offerings that are given to the priests, emphasizing the provision for those serving in the tabernacle.

Numbers 18:8-11
Details the rights of the priests to receive portions of the offerings, reinforcing the idea of God providing for His servants.

Hebrews 7:27
Connects the Old Testament priesthood to the ultimate priesthood of Christ, who offered Himself once for all.
The Rites of Consecration for the PriesthoodJ. Orr Exodus 29:1-33
The Consecration of PriestsSpurgeon, Charles HaddonExodus 29:1-37
The Peace-OfferingE. F. Willis, M. A.Exodus 29:26-28
The Wave-Offerings and Heave-OfferingsJ. Pulsford, D. D.Exodus 29:26-28
People
Aaron, Ephah, Israelites, Moses
Places
Egypt, Mount Sinai
Topics
Aaron, Aaron's, Belong, Breast, Consecrate, Consecration, Hallow, Hast, Heave, Heaved, Heave-offering, Holy, Leg, Lifted, Offered, Offering, Ordination, Portion, Presented, Priests, Ram, Sanctified, Sanctify, Sheep, Shoulder, Sons, Thigh, Wave, Waved, Wave-offering
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 29:27

     5190   thigh
     8218   consecration

Exodus 29:1-34

     4681   ram

Exodus 29:26-27

     5140   breasts

Exodus 29:26-28

     7480   wave offering

Exodus 29:27-28

     5073   Aaron, priest

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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