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Exodus 29





 Exodus 29 details the consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons, a seven-day ritual to ordain them as priests and set them apart for their holy service. The chapter outlines a series of offerings and anointing rituals to make them fit to minister in the Tabernacle.

The Ordination Ceremony

The ceremony begins with preparing the priests and the sacrifices.

 1. Preparation: Moses is instructed to bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. He is to wash them with water, clothe Aaron in the sacred garments, and anoint him with the anointing oil. This anointing consecrates him as the high priest.

 2.  Sin and Burnt Offerings: A bull is brought as a sin offering to atone for the priests' sins. A ram is brought for a burnt offering, which symbolizes their complete dedication to God. Both animals are sacrificed at the altar.

The Ram of Ordination

A second ram, known as the "ram of ordination," is brought for a special purpose.

 1.Blood on the Priests: Moses takes some of the ram's blood and puts it on the tip of Aaron's right ear, the thumb of his right hand, and the big toe of his right foot. This same ritual is performed on Aaron's sons. This ritual symbolizes the dedication of their hearing, their actions, and their walk to the service of the LORD. The remaining blood is sprinkled on the altar.

 2.  The Wave Offering: The priests present a wave offering to the LORD, including the fat from the ram, a loaf of bread, a cake of bread with oil, and a wafer from a basket. Moses then takes these portions and waves them before the LORD. This act is part of the ordination ritual, symbolizing the offering of the priests and their service to God. 

The Priests' Portion and Anointing

After the offerings, the priests' portion is established.

 1. Priests' Share: The priests are given specific parts of the sacrificial animals, such as the breast of the ram of ordination, to eat at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. This establishes their right to eat from the holy offerings.

 2. Anointing and Holiness: Moses takes some of the anointing oil and blood from the altar and sprinkles it on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and their garments. This final act of sprinkling makes them and their garments holy.

The Perpetual Burnt Offering

The chapter concludes with a command for a daily offering that will be perpetual.

 1. Daily Sacrifice: Two lambs are to be sacrificed on the altar every day: one in the morning and one in the evening. This perpetual offering is to be a pleasing aroma to the LORD, signifying the continuous atonement and communion between God and His people. This daily ritual establishes the routine of worship and service at the Tabernacle.


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