Exodus 29:28
This will belong to Aaron and his sons as a regular portion from the Israelites, for it is the heave offering the Israelites will make to the LORD from their peace offerings.
This will be a perpetual statute
The phrase "perpetual statute" in Hebrew is "חֻקַּת עוֹלָם" (chukat olam). The word "perpetual" signifies something that is everlasting or eternal. In the context of the Old Testament, it often refers to laws or decrees that are meant to be observed throughout all generations. This highlights the enduring nature of God's commandments and the importance of obedience to His laws. Historically, this reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where certain practices were to be maintained as a continual reminder of their unique identity and relationship with God.

for the Israelites
The term "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. This designation is significant as it identifies the people chosen by God to be His special possession. The Israelites were set apart from other nations to serve as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:6). This phrase underscores the communal aspect of the covenant, emphasizing that the statutes were not just for individuals but for the entire nation of Israel, binding them together in their worship and service to God.

for Aaron and his sons
Aaron and his sons were appointed as the priestly family, responsible for performing the sacred duties in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. This phrase highlights the specific role and responsibilities given to the Levitical priesthood. The priesthood was a hereditary office, passed down through Aaron's lineage, signifying the importance of family and legacy in the service of God. It also points to the mediatory role of the priests, who acted as intermediaries between God and the people, foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ.

It is the contribution
The word "contribution" in Hebrew is "תְּרוּמָה" (terumah), which refers to an offering or gift dedicated to God. This contribution was a portion of the sacrifices given to the priests as their share, acknowledging their service and dependence on God for provision. It reflects the principle of giving back to God from what He has provided, a practice that fosters gratitude and recognition of God's sovereignty and generosity.

from the Israelites
This phrase reiterates the source of the contribution, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the Israelite community to support the priesthood. It reflects the communal nature of worship and the shared obligation to uphold the religious and spiritual life of the nation. This practice of giving also served to unite the people in their common faith and purpose, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people.

from their peace offerings
Peace offerings, or "שְׁלָמִים" (shelamim) in Hebrew, were sacrifices made to express gratitude, fulfill vows, or seek fellowship with God. These offerings symbolized reconciliation and communion with God, highlighting the relational aspect of worship. By designating a portion of the peace offerings for the priests, it underscores the interconnectedness of worship, community, and priestly service, all centered around maintaining a harmonious relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He and his descendants were set apart for the priestly service.

2. Aaron's Sons
The descendants of Aaron who were also designated as priests to serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were given the Law and the covenant.

4. Peace Offerings
Sacrifices made by the Israelites as a way to express gratitude, fulfill vows, or seek fellowship with God.

5. Contribution to the LORD
A portion of the offerings given to God, which in this context, is designated for the priests as their share.
Teaching Points
God's Provision for His Servants
God ensures that those who serve Him, like the priests, are provided for through the contributions of the people. This principle extends to supporting those in ministry today.

The Perpetual Nature of God's Commands
The term "perpetual" signifies the ongoing nature of God's instructions. It reminds us of the enduring principles in God's Word that transcend time and culture.

The Role of Offerings in Worship
Offerings are not just about giving but are acts of worship and fellowship with God. They reflect our gratitude and acknowledgment of His provision.

Community Responsibility
The Israelites' contributions highlight the communal responsibility to support those who minister and serve within the faith community.

Symbolism of Peace Offerings
Peace offerings symbolize reconciliation and fellowship with God, pointing to the ultimate peace offering made through Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the provision for Aaron and his sons in Exodus 29:28 reflect God's care for those who serve Him? How can this principle be applied in supporting church leaders today?

2. In what ways do the peace offerings in the Old Testament foreshadow the peace we have through Jesus Christ? Consider connections to New Testament teachings.

3. What does the term "perpetual share" teach us about the nature of God's commands and promises? How can this understanding impact our daily walk with God?

4. How can we, as a community of believers, ensure that we are fulfilling our responsibility to support those who minister among us?

5. Reflect on the role of offerings in your personal worship. How can you incorporate the principles of gratitude and fellowship with God in your giving?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 7:31-34
This passage further explains the portions of the peace offerings that are given to the priests, emphasizing the perpetual nature of this provision.

Numbers 18:8-19
Details the various offerings and contributions that are to be given to the priests, reinforcing their role and sustenance through the offerings of the people.

1 Corinthians 9:13-14
Paul draws a parallel between the Old Testament provision for priests and the New Testament support for those who preach the gospel.
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, Age-during, Contribution, Due, Everlasting, Fellowship, Forever, Heave, Heave-offering, Israelites, Lifted, Offered, Offering, Offerings, Peace, Peace-offerings, Perpetual, Portion, Priests, Regular, Sacrifice, Sacrifices, Share, Sons, Special, Statute, Wave
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 29:1-34

     4681   ram

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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