Bible Commentaries
Exodus 29

Verses 1-37

7. The consecration of the priests 29:1-37

The Israelites carried out the instructions given here later. The record of this seven-day ritual appears in Leviticus 8. I shall defer comment since Moses explained the offerings and procedures specified in this chapter more fully in Leviticus. The facts that God specified this ceremony in such detail and Moses recorded it at such length point to its importance for Israel.

"To Israel had been granted the privilege of being a special people; to Aaron and his sons was granted now the privilege of being a special mediating instrument between that people and Yahweh, their Lord. A covenant meal was always part of such an arrangement (cf. Exodus 24:11; Exodus 32:6), and that is precisely what is implied in the sharing of the ram of consecration by Yahweh and the priests." [Note: Merrill, "A Theology . . .," p. 51.]

All the priests bathed, representing the necessity of cleanliness before God. The priests had sacrificial blood applied to their ears, thumbs, and big toes (Exodus 29:20). This symbolized their complete consecration: to hear the word of God, to serve as mediators, and to walk as an example to others. They experienced sprinkling with blood signifying their complete sanctification. Their anointing with oil (Exodus 29:21) represented their endowment with power by God’s Spirit for divine service.

"The investiture of the high priest consisted of nine acts (Leviticus 8:7-9), whereas that of the ordinary priests involved but three." [Note: Davis, pp. 278-79.]

Verse 38

8. The service of the priests 29:38-30:38

Verses 38-46

The daily burnt offering, meal offering, and drink offering 29:38-46

The priests began to offer these sacrifices as soon as the tabernacle was complete (ch. 40).

In the offering of a young lamb each morning and each evening with flour, oil, and wine, the Israelites consecrated their lives afresh daily to the Lord. This was an offering of worship and expiation (i.e., the removal of sin, Leviticus 1:4). It ensured Israel’s continuing communion with her God.

". . . thus the day was opened and closed with gifts to Yahweh, from whom all gifts were believed to come." [Note: Durham, p. 396.]