At the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, Aaron and his sons are to eat the meat of the ram and the bread that is in the basket. And Aaron and his sonsThis phrase identifies the primary participants in the consecration ceremony. Aaron and his sons were chosen by God to serve as priests, a role of immense spiritual significance. The Hebrew root for "Aaron" (אַהֲרֹן, Aharon) signifies a "mountain of strength" or "enlightened," reflecting his leadership and spiritual authority. The inclusion of "his sons" emphasizes the hereditary nature of the priesthood, which was to be passed down through generations, signifying continuity and the importance of family in God’s covenant community. are to eat
Eating in this context is not merely a physical act but a deeply spiritual one. The Hebrew verb "to eat" (אָכַל, akal) often implies participation and communion. In the ancient Near Eastern context, sharing a meal was a sign of fellowship and covenant. Here, it symbolizes the priests' participation in the sacrificial system and their role as mediators between God and Israel. It also signifies their acceptance of God’s provision and their dependence on Him. the meat of the ram
The ram was a significant sacrificial animal in the Old Testament, often associated with consecration and atonement. The Hebrew word for "ram" (אַיִל, ayil) can also mean "leader" or "strength," symbolizing the strength and leadership required of the priests. The consumption of the ram's meat by Aaron and his sons signifies their full participation in the sacrificial offering, embodying the idea that they are set apart for God’s service. and the bread in the basket
Bread, in biblical terms, often symbolizes sustenance and life. The Hebrew word for "bread" (לֶחֶם, lechem) is a staple of life, representing God’s provision. The "basket" (סַל, sal) indicates that this bread was specially prepared and set apart for this occasion. This act of eating the bread signifies the priests' reliance on God for their spiritual and physical nourishment, reinforcing the idea of God as the ultimate provider. at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting" (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, ohel mo'ed) was the sacred space where God met with His people, a precursor to the Temple. The "entrance" (פֶּתַח, petach) signifies a threshold, a place of transition from the ordinary to the holy. Eating at this location underscores the sanctity of the priests' role and their proximity to God’s presence. It highlights the idea that their service is both a privilege and a responsibility, as they stand at the intersection of the divine and the human. Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe brother of Moses, appointed as the first high priest of Israel. His role was crucial in the establishment of the priesthood and the sacrificial system. 2. Aaron's SonsThey were appointed as priests alongside Aaron, serving in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, continuing the priestly lineage. 3. The RamA sacrificial animal used in the consecration ceremony of the priests. It symbolizes atonement and dedication to God. 4. The Bread in the BasketPart of the offerings presented during the consecration ceremony, symbolizing sustenance and fellowship with God. 5. The Tent of MeetingAlso known as the Tabernacle, it was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where sacrifices and worship were conducted. Teaching Points The Importance of ConsecrationThe consecration of Aaron and his sons highlights the necessity of being set apart for God's service. As believers, we are called to live consecrated lives, dedicated to God's purposes. Symbolism of the SacrificeThe sacrificial ram and bread symbolize atonement and fellowship. In Christ, we find the ultimate sacrifice, which brings us into fellowship with God. The Role of the PriesthoodThe priesthood in the Old Testament was a foreshadowing of Christ's priestly role. As believers, we are called to be a "royal priesthood," serving God and others. Communion with GodEating the sacrificial meal at the Tent of Meeting signifies communion with God. Today, we experience this communion through prayer, worship, and the Lord's Supper. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the consecration of Aaron and his sons in Exodus 29:32 relate to our call to be set apart for God's service today? 2. In what ways does the sacrificial system in the Old Testament point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ? 3. How can we, as a "royal priesthood," fulfill our role in serving God and others in our daily lives? 4. What does it mean to have communion with God, and how can we cultivate this in our spiritual walk? 5. How does understanding the Old Testament priesthood enhance our appreciation of Christ's role as our High Priest? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 8This chapter provides a detailed account of the consecration ceremony of Aaron and his sons, offering a broader context to the events described in Exodus 29. Hebrews 7This New Testament passage discusses the priesthood of Jesus Christ, drawing parallels between the Old Testament priesthood and the eternal priesthood of Christ. John 6Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," connecting the concept of bread in the Old Testament with His role as spiritual sustenance for believers. People Aaron, Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces Egypt, Mount SinaiTopics Aaron, Basket, Bread, Congregation, Door, Doorway, Eat, Eaten, Entrance, Flesh, Meal, Meat, Meeting, Opening, Ram, Sons, Tabernacle, TentDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 29:1-34 4681 ram Exodus 29:29-46 7745 ordination Exodus 29:31-33 6648 expiation Exodus 29:31-34 4476 meals Exodus 29:32-33 4438 eating
5073 Aaron, priest
8270 holiness, set apart Exodus 29:32-34 4418 bread 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 29:32 NIVExodus 29:32 NLTExodus 29:32 ESVExodus 29:32 NASBExodus 29:32 KJV
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