They must eat those things by which atonement was made for their ordination and consecration. But no outsider may eat them, because these things are sacred. They shall eatThe act of eating in the ancient Hebrew context often symbolized participation and communion. In the Hebrew culture, meals were not just about sustenance but were deeply communal and covenantal. The priests eating the sacrificial offerings signifies their participation in the atonement process and their acceptance of God's provision. The Hebrew root for "eat" (אָכַל, 'akal) implies consumption that leads to satisfaction and fulfillment, reflecting the spiritual nourishment that comes from engaging in God's ordained rituals. those things by which atonement was made
The phrase refers to the sacrificial offerings that were part of the consecration ceremony for the priests. The Hebrew word for "atonement" (כִּפֻּרִים, kippurim) is derived from the root כפר (kaphar), meaning to cover or to make reconciliation. This highlights the sacrificial system's role in covering the sins of the people and restoring their relationship with God. Historically, the concept of atonement is central to the Old Testament sacrificial system, prefiguring the ultimate atonement through Christ. to consecrate and sanctify them
Consecration and sanctification are processes of setting apart for a holy purpose. The Hebrew word for "consecrate" (מִלֻּאִים, millu'im) implies a filling or ordination, indicating that the priests are being filled with the authority and responsibility to serve God. "Sanctify" (קָדַשׁ, qadash) means to make holy, to set apart from the common for divine use. This dual process underscores the transformation required for service in God's presence, emphasizing purity and dedication. but an outsider shall not eat them
The term "outsider" (זָר, zar) refers to anyone not belonging to the priestly family or not authorized to partake in the holy offerings. This restriction underscores the holiness of the sacrificial meal and the exclusive nature of the priestly role. It serves as a boundary to protect the sanctity of the offerings and the priesthood, reflecting the broader biblical theme of separation between the sacred and the profane. for they are holy
The declaration of holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) signifies that the offerings are set apart for God and His purposes. In the biblical context, holiness is not just about moral purity but about being dedicated to God. The holiness of the offerings reflects God's own holiness and the requirement for His people to approach Him with reverence and respect. This phrase encapsulates the essence of the sacrificial system as a means of maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. Aaron and His SonsThe primary individuals involved in this passage, Aaron and his sons, are being consecrated as priests to serve in the tabernacle. 2. The TabernacleThe central place of worship for the Israelites, where the consecration ceremony takes place. 3. Consecration CeremonyA significant event where Aaron and his sons are set apart for priestly service, involving specific rituals and sacrifices. 4. Sacred OfferingsThe offerings mentioned are part of the consecration process, symbolizing atonement and sanctification. 5. OutsidersRefers to those not part of the priestly family or not consecrated, who are prohibited from partaking in the sacred offerings. Teaching Points The Importance of AtonementAtonement is central to the relationship between God and His people. It signifies the removal of sin and the restoration of fellowship with God. Sacredness and SeparationThe sacred nature of the offerings highlights the need for holiness and separation from the world in our spiritual lives. Priestly Role and ResponsibilityJust as Aaron and his sons were set apart for service, believers today are called to live lives dedicated to God’s service. Exclusivity of Sacred ThingsThe restriction on outsiders partaking in the sacred offerings underscores the importance of reverence and respect for what is holy. Christ as Our High PriestThe Old Testament priesthood points forward to Jesus, who fulfills and surpasses the role of the earthly priests, offering a once-for-all atonement. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of atonement in Exodus 29:33 relate to the atonement provided by Jesus Christ in the New Testament? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of sacredness and separation in our daily lives as believers? 3. What responsibilities do we have as part of the "royal priesthood" mentioned in 1 Peter 2:9, and how can we fulfill them? 4. How does understanding the role of the Old Testament priesthood enhance our appreciation of Christ’s work as our High Priest? 5. What are some practical ways we can show reverence for the sacred aspects of our faith in a contemporary context? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 8-9These chapters provide a detailed account of the consecration ceremony, offering a broader context for understanding the rituals and their significance. Hebrews 7:26-28This passage discusses Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, drawing parallels between the Old Testament priesthood and Christ's perfect priesthood. 1 Peter 2:9This verse speaks to the New Testament believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the concept of consecration to the life of a Christian. People Aaron, Ephah, Israelites, MosesPlaces Egypt, Mount SinaiTopics Atonement, Consecrate, Consecration, Eat, Eaten, Hallow, Holy, Layman, Offerings, Ordain, Ordination, Outsider, Priest, Priests, Sacred, Sanctify, Sin, Stranger, Thereof, Thus, WherewithDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 29:33 7767 priests, OT institution 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 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 29:33 NIVExodus 29:33 NLTExodus 29:33 ESVExodus 29:33 NASBExodus 29:33 KJV
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