(The Lord speaking is red text)
And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it [is] a burnt offering unto the LORD: it [is] a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
Then offer up the whole ram in smoke on the altar. It is a burnt offering for ADONAI, a pleasing aroma, an offering made to ADONAI by fire.
Then burn the entire ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD.
And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt-offering unto Jehovah; it is a sweet savor, an offering made by fire unto Jehovah.
And thou shalt burn{H6999} the whole ram{H352} upon the altar{H4196}: it is a burnt offering{H5930} unto the LORD{H3068}: it is a sweet{H5207} savour{H7381}, an offering made by fire{H801} unto the LORD{H3068}.
Exodus 29:18 is part of a larger section of the book of Exodus that details the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests in Israel. The verse specifically describes the offering of a ram as a burnt offering, which is a central element of the consecration ritual.
**Themes:**
1. **Consecration and Priesthood:** The overarching theme of this chapter is the establishment of the priesthood in Israel. The elaborate rituals and offerings serve to set apart Aaron and his sons for their sacred duties.
2. **Worship and Sacrifice:** The burnt offering is a key act of worship in the Israelite religious practice, symbolizing the complete dedication of the offerer (in this case, the priests) to God.
3. **Atonement:** The offering is also associated with atonement, a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where sacrifices are made to cover the sins of the people and to reconcile them with God.
4. **Divine Pleasure:** The description of the offering as a "sweet savour" indicates that it is pleasing to the Lord, emphasizing the idea that proper worship and obedience to God's commands are favorable to Him.
**Historical Context:**
The events described in Exodus take place during the time of Moses, shortly after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. Having received the Ten Commandments and other laws at Mount Sinai, Moses is now instructed by God on how to ordain priests who will mediate between God and the people. This period is foundational for the establishment of Israel's religious and social structures.
The burnt offering itself is a common practice in the ancient Near East, where various cultures performed animal sacrifices as part of their religious ceremonies. However, in the context of Exodus, the offering is strictly regulated by God's instructions, emphasizing the unique relationship between God and Israel.
In summary, Exodus 29:18 reflects the themes of priestly consecration, worship through sacrifice, atonement, and divine acceptance within the historical context of Israel's formation as a nation under God's covenant after their deliverance from Egypt.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)