Exodus 29 Summary: The Daily Offerings, Consecrations, and Ordination Rite

Exodus 29 details the full consecration process for Aaron and his sons, the offerings required during their ordination, and the daily burnt offerings that would anchor Israel’s worship. The chapter emphasizes holiness, atonement, and the need for constant devotion to God’s presence. This Exodus 29 summary shows how the priests were prepared to serve and how Israel’s sacrificial rhythm was established.

For deeper study of Israel’s covenant instructions, see the Holy Instructions for the Tabernacle and Priesthood for Israel hub page.

Read the chapter itself here: Exodus 29 KJV

The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons

God instructs Moses to begin the ordination by taking a young bull, two rams, and unleavened bread made with oil. Aaron and his sons were to be washed with water—symbolizing cleansing before holy service. Moses then clothed Aaron with the garments from the previous chapter: the coat, robe, ephod, breastplate, the curious girdle, and the mitre with the golden plate saying HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

The anointing oil was poured upon Aaron’s head to consecrate him. His sons were then dressed in coats, girdles, and bonnets that set them apart as a lasting priesthood.

The Sin Offering and the First Ram

A bull was brought forward as the sin offering. Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon it, and Moses sacrificed it, placing some blood on the altar and pouring the rest at its base. The fat and inward parts were burned on the altar, but the hide and remaining flesh were burned outside the camp.

The first ram served as a burnt offering. Again, Aaron and his sons placed their hands upon it, and Moses offered the whole animal as a sweet savor unto the Lord.

The Ram of Consecration

The second ram—the ram of consecration—was especially significant. After Aaron and his sons laid hands upon it, Moses placed the blood on the right ear, thumb, and great toe of Aaron and his sons.

This symbolized:

Ear: hearing God’s commands
Hand: serving in obedience
Foot: walking in God’s ways

Blood was sprinkled on the altar and upon the garments of Aaron and his sons, marking them as holy.

Portions of the ram, bread from the basket, and special fat and loins were placed into the hands of Aaron’s family and waved before the Lord. Moses then burned them on the altar as a consecration offering.

The breast of the ram was Moses’ portion, and the wave breast and heave shoulder were designated forever for future priests.

The Seven-Day Ordination Rite

The consecration lasted seven days, during which the altar itself was purified and sanctified. Each day, a bull was offered for atonement. The altar became holy, and whatever touched it became holy.

This seven-day structure parallels many cycles in Scripture, reinforcing holiness and completeness.

The Daily Burnt Offerings

Exodus 29 also establishes the daily offerings required of Israel: two lambs every day, one in the morning and another in the evening.

Each lamb was offered with flour mingled with oil and a drink offering of wine. This continual offering was a sign that God would meet with Israel and speak from above the mercy seat.

The Lord promised:

His presence among Israel
To be their God
To dwell among them

These daily sacrifices maintained covenant relationship and reminded Israel of God’s constant presence.

Closing Notes

This Exodus 29 summary highlights how consecration, offerings, and holiness formed the foundation of Israel’s worship. The seven-day ordination rite, the sacrifices, and the daily lamb offerings all pointed to the constant nearness of God. Just as the flood lasted forty days and forty nights, and Moses remained on the mountain for forty days and forty nights, Israel’s worship patterns also echoed themes of dedication and divine presence.

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