Exodus 29:34 Study Bible: If anything of the flesh of the consecration, or of the bread, remains to the morning, then you shall burn the remainder with fire: it shall not be eaten, because it is holy.

◄ Exodus 29:34 ►

And if any of the meat of ordination or any bread is left until the morning, you are to burn up the remainder. It must not be eaten, because it is sacred.

Study Bible

And if any of the meat
The phrase "the meat" refers to the flesh of the ordination ram, which was part of the sacrificial offerings during the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. In Hebrew, the word for meat is "בָּשָׂר" (basar), which can also mean flesh. This highlights the physical and tangible aspect of the sacrifice, emphasizing the real and substantial nature of the offering made to God. The meat symbolizes the life and sustenance provided by God, and its use in the ordination signifies the dedication of life and service to Him.

of the ordination ram
The "ordination ram" is a specific animal used in the consecration ceremony. The Hebrew word for ordination is "מִלֻּאִים" (millu'im), which means "filling" or "consecration." This term indicates the filling of the hands of the priests with the duties and responsibilities of their office. The ram, a symbol of strength and leadership, represents the authority and power bestowed upon the priests to serve God and His people.

or any of the bread
Bread, in Hebrew "לֶחֶם" (lechem), is a staple food and a symbol of sustenance and provision. In the context of the ordination, the bread represents the spiritual nourishment and the Word of God that sustains the priests in their ministry. The inclusion of bread in the sacrificial offerings underscores the holistic nature of the consecration, involving both physical and spiritual elements.

remains until morning
The phrase "remains until morning" indicates a specific time frame for the consumption of the sacrificial elements. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the morning was seen as a time of renewal and new beginnings. The requirement to consume the offerings by morning signifies the immediacy and completeness of the consecration process, ensuring that the sacred elements are used fully in the service of God.

you must burn up what remains
The command to "burn up what remains" reflects the principle of holiness and the sacredness of the offerings. In Hebrew, the word for burn is "שָׂרַף" (saraph), which means to consume by fire. Fire is a purifying agent, and burning the leftovers ensures that nothing profane or common is done with what has been dedicated to God. This act of burning signifies the total dedication and consumption of the offering in the service of the divine.

It must not be eaten
The prohibition "must not be eaten" underscores the sanctity of the sacrificial elements. Once the designated time for consumption has passed, the offerings are no longer to be used for ordinary purposes. This restriction highlights the separation between the sacred and the profane, a key theme in the Levitical laws, emphasizing the need for reverence and respect for what is holy.

because it is sacred
The declaration "it is sacred" affirms the holiness of the offerings. The Hebrew word for sacred is "קֹדֶשׁ" (qodesh), which means set apart or holy. This holiness is derived from the offering's dedication to God and its role in the consecration of the priests. The sacred nature of the offerings serves as a reminder of the divine presence and the call to holiness for those who serve in His name. This verse, therefore, encapsulates the reverence and dedication required in the service of God, calling believers to a life set apart for His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is receiving instructions from God on how to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests.

2. Aaron and his sons
The first priests of Israel, who are being consecrated for their sacred duties.

3. Ordination Ram
A sacrificial animal used in the consecration ceremony of the priests.

4. Tabernacle
The sacred place where the ordination and other rituals are performed.

5. God's Command
The divine instructions given to Moses regarding the proper handling of the sacrificial offerings.

Teaching Points

Sacredness of Offerings
The command to burn leftover meat underscores the holiness of the offerings. It teaches us to treat what is dedicated to God with reverence and respect.

Obedience to God's Commands
The specific instructions given to Moses highlight the importance of obedience in worship. We are reminded to follow God's guidance in our spiritual practices.

Temporal Nature of Old Testament Sacrifices
The requirement to burn leftovers points to the temporary and incomplete nature of these sacrifices, which are ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

Stewardship of God's Gifts
While the meat was not to be wasted, it was also not to be consumed beyond the appointed time, teaching us to use God's gifts wisely and within His guidelines.

Symbolism of Purity
Burning the leftovers symbolizes the removal of impurity and the maintenance of holiness, encouraging us to seek purity in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to burn leftover meat reflect the sacredness of the offerings, and how can we apply this principle to our worship today?

2. In what ways does the requirement for immediate consumption of the sacrificial meat relate to the concept of obedience in our spiritual lives?

3. How does the temporary nature of the Old Testament sacrifices point us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

4. What lessons can we learn about stewardship and the use of God's gifts from the command to burn the leftovers?

5. How can the symbolism of purity in this passage inspire us to pursue holiness in our daily lives, and what other scriptures support this pursuit?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 7:15
This verse also discusses the consumption of sacrificial meat and the requirement to burn any leftovers, emphasizing the sacredness and time-bound nature of offerings.

1 Samuel 2:12-17
The sons of Eli are condemned for their improper handling of sacrificial offerings, highlighting the importance of following God's commands regarding sacred rituals.

Hebrews 10:10
This verse speaks to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the ordination sacrifices.

Sermons

The Consecration of Priests

Spurgeon, Charles Haddon

Exodus 29:1-37

People

Aaron, Ephah, Israelites, Moses

Places

Egypt, Mount Sinai

Topics

Anything, Aught, Bread, Burn, Burned, Consecration, Consecrations, Eaten, Fire, Flesh, Hast, Holy, Meat, Morning, Offering, Ordination, Ought, Ram, Remainder, Remains, Sacred, Till

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Exodus 29:1-34

Exodus 29:29-46

Exodus 29:31-34

Exodus 29:32-34

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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