Exodus 29:1

KJV

¶ And this [is] the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,

KJV (with Strong's)

And this is the thing {H1697} that thou shalt do {H6213} unto them to hallow {H6942} them, to minister unto me in the priest's office {H3547}: Take {H3947} one {H259} young {H1121}{H1241} bullock {H6499}, and two {H8147} rams {H352} without blemish {H8549},

Complete Jewish Bible

"Here is what you are to do to consecrate them for ministry to me in the office of cohen. Take one young bull and two rams without defect,

Berean Standard Bible

“Now this is what you are to do to consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams without blemish,

American Standard Version

And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest’s office: take one young bullock and two rams without blemish,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:1 introduces the divine mandate for the ceremonial ordination of Aaron and his sons, establishing the foundational ritual for their consecration into the Levitical priesthood. This pivotal instruction outlines the initial requirements—specifically, the selection of a young bullock and two rams "without blemish"—as the first steps in a comprehensive process designed to set them apart for sacred, perpetual service as mediators between God and the Israelite community within the Tabernacle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition in the book of Exodus, moving from the detailed construction plans for the Tabernacle and its furnishings ([Exodus 25-27](/exodus/25-27 "Exodus 25-27 - Tabernacle Design")) and the intricate designs for the priestly garments ([Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments")) to the crucial act of consecrating the personnel who would serve within this sacred space. Having prepared the dwelling place for God's presence and the attire for His ministers, God now turns to the solemn process of sanctifying Aaron and his sons. Exodus 29, initiated by this verse, then meticulously details a seven-day ordination ceremony, including specific sacrifices, anointing with oil, and clothing rituals, all designed to "hallow" or sanctify them for their lifelong role. This progression underscores God's holistic approach to worship, where the sacred space, the priestly attire, and the consecrated ministers are all divinely appointed and interconnected.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Priesthoods were a ubiquitous feature of ancient Near Eastern societies, often serving as intermediaries between deities and people, and typically involving elaborate installation rites. However, the Aaronic priesthood, as established here, was distinct in its divine origin and its explicit connection to Yahweh's covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai. Unlike pagan priesthoods, which often involved self-appointment or dynastic inheritance without divine sanction, Israel's priests were chosen and consecrated by God Himself. This was essential for a people entering into a covenant with a holy God, as direct access was impossible due to human sinfulness. The ordination ritual, therefore, was not merely a cultural formality but a theological necessity, ensuring that those who ministered before the Holy One were ritually pure and divinely authorized. The selection of specific animals (bullock and rams) for sacrifice was common, but the strict requirement of being "without blemish" set Israel's worship apart, emphasizing a unique standard of purity demanded by Yahweh, contrasting with the often debased practices of surrounding cultures.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 29:1 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and His demand for separation and consecration in all that approaches Him. The act of "hallowing" the priests and the requirement for "without blemish" sacrifices reinforce this. Closely related is the theme of **Mediation**, as the priests are divinely appointed to bridge the gap between a holy God and His sinful people, facilitating atonement and acceptable worship. This verse initiates the formal establishment of this mediatorial office. The theme of **Divine Initiative and Authority** is also prominent, as God Himself dictates every detail of the ordination, underscoring that true worship and service are not human inventions but divine commands. Finally, the meticulous instructions foreshadow the **Need for a Perfect Sacrifice and Priest**, subtly pointing to the ultimate fulfillment found in the New Covenant, where the temporary and imperfect sacrifices and priesthood of the Old Testament would be superseded by Christ's perfect work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this word signifies "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." In this context, "this is the thing" emphasizes the absolute authority and specificity of God's command. It denotes a definitive, divinely ordained instruction, not a suggestion or a general principle, highlighting the precise nature of the ritual to follow.
* **Hallow (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** From H6942, this verb means "to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally); to consecrate, dedicate, purify, or sanctify." When applied to Aaron and his sons, it signifies their separation from common use and their dedication to an exclusive, sacred purpose. This act of hallowing was not merely ceremonial but implied a change in status, making them fit to approach and serve in God's holy presence.
* **Minister in the priest's office (Hebrew, _kâhan'_):** From H3547, this primitive root means "to officiate as a priest" or "to mediate in religious services." It describes the specific function and sacred duties of Aaron and his sons: to attend to God's presence in the Tabernacle, offer sacrifices, teach God's laws, and intercede on behalf of the people. This word underscores their divinely appointed role as God's servants in the sacred economy of Israel.
* **Without blemish (Hebrew, _tâmîym'_):** From H8549, this adjective means "entire, complete, whole, sound, or perfect." When applied to sacrificial animals, it required physical perfection, free from any defect, disease, or injury. This standard was not merely aesthetic but profoundly symbolic, representing the purity and blamelessness demanded for anything presented to a holy God. The integrity of the offering reflected the integrity required of those offering it and, ultimately, foreshadowed the perfect, sinless nature of the ultimate sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And this [is] the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine imperative and the overarching purpose of the subsequent instructions. "This is the thing" underscores the absolute authority and non-negotiable nature of God's command to Moses. The immediate goal is "to hallow them," signifying the ceremonial and spiritual separation of Aaron and his sons from the common Israelites, dedicating them exclusively for sacred service to Yahweh. This hallowing process is not self-initiated or optional but divinely mandated and executed through prescribed rituals.
* **"to minister unto me in the priest's office:"**: This phrase clarifies the specific *function* that results from their hallowing. Their consecration is not an end in itself but enables them to "minister" – to serve actively and officially – in the divinely instituted "priest's office." This office involves a range of sacred duties, including offering sacrifices, maintaining the Tabernacle, and mediating between God and Israel. The phrase "unto me" emphasizes the vertical dimension of their calling, highlighting that their service is ultimately directed towards God Himself, underscoring the profound sacredness of their duties.
* **"Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,"**: This specifies the initial sacrificial animals required for the ordination ritual. The "one young bullock" and "two rams" are foundational offerings, each serving a distinct purpose within the broader seven-day consecration ceremony (e.g., sin offering, burnt offering, ram of ordination). The crucial qualifier "without blemish" reiterates God's demand for perfection in all that approaches Him, symbolizing the purity and blamelessness required for atonement and acceptable worship. These animals are the first tangible elements in the elaborate process of making the priests fit for divine service.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 29:1 primarily employs **Command/Instruction** as its dominant literary device, immediately setting a tone of divine authority and non-negotiable protocol. The opening phrase, "And this is the thing that thou shalt do," functions as a direct, imperative utterance from God to Moses, emphasizing the divine origin and precise nature of the priestly ordination. **Symbolism** is profoundly present, particularly in the requirement of animals "without blemish." This physical perfection symbolizes the spiritual purity and wholeness demanded by a holy God, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect sacrifice required for true atonement. Furthermore, the entire act of "hallowing" and "ministering" is symbolic of the separation and dedication necessary for communion with the divine. The verse also contains elements of **Foreshadowing**, as the inherent need for a perfect sacrifice and a consecrated mediator implicitly points forward to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who would perfectly fulfill and transcend these Old Covenant requirements.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:1 lays down fundamental theological principles concerning God's absolute holiness, the necessity of divine mediation, and the nature of acceptable worship. The divine initiative in ordaining the priesthood underscores that access to God is not by human merit or invention, but solely by His gracious provision and according to His strict, holy standards. The emphasis on "hallowing" (setting apart) and the requirement for "without blemish" sacrifices highlight God's purity and His demand for moral and ceremonial integrity in all who would approach Him or minister on His behalf. This ritual also foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect mediator and a spotless sacrifice, anticipating the New Covenant reality where believers are consecrated through the superior and final work of Christ.

* [Leviticus 8:1-36](/leviticus/8-1-36 "Leviticus 8 - The Ordination of Aaron and His Sons") – Provides the detailed account of the actual performance of the ordination ritual commanded in Exodus 29, demonstrating God's faithfulness and the meticulous adherence required.
* [Hebrews 7:26-28](/hebrews/7-26-28 "Hebrews 7:26-28 - Christ, a Perfect High Priest") – Contrasts the Old Testament priests, who were imperfect and needed to offer sacrifices for themselves, with Christ, who is "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens," offering Himself once for all.
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood") – Declares New Testament believers to be a "royal priesthood," called to offer spiritual sacrifices and proclaim the excellencies of God, drawing a spiritual parallel to the Old Testament priesthood's function but fulfilled in a new covenant context.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 29:1, while detailing an ancient ritual, resonates deeply with timeless truths about God's holiness and His call to consecrated service. It reminds us that approaching God has always required a divine provision for purity and mediation. For the New Covenant believer, this verse underscores that our access to God is not casual but is granted through the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice and high priestly ministry of Jesus Christ. As those who have been "hallowed" (sanctified) by His blood, we are called to live lives set apart for God's purposes, offering ourselves as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). Our "ministry" is no longer confined to temple rituals but encompasses every aspect of our lives, lived in devotion and obedience to Him. We are to reflect the "without blemish" standard in our pursuit of holiness, striving for integrity and purity in thought, word, and deed, knowing that our service is ultimately "unto Him," a spiritual act of worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of the priestly ordination ritual in Exodus 29:1 inform our understanding of God's holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him?**
* **In what ways does the concept of being "hallowed" or "set apart" for God's service apply to believers today, who are called a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood"))?**
* **What does the requirement of "without blemish" animals teach us about the quality of our "spiritual sacrifices" ([Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")) and our daily walk with God?**
* **How does understanding the Old Testament priesthood's role in mediation deepen our appreciation for Jesus Christ as our ultimate and perfect High Priest?**

### FAQ

**Why was such an elaborate ordination ritual necessary for the priests?**

Answer: The elaborate ritual was necessary because the priests were to serve as divinely appointed mediators between a holy God and a sinful people. God's absolute holiness required that those who drew near to Him in sacred service be ceremonially and spiritually purified and divinely authorized. The detailed steps, including specific sacrifices, anointing, and clothing, underscored the gravity and sacredness of their office, ensuring they were "hallowed" (set apart) and fit to minister in God's presence. It was not a human invention but a divine mandate to maintain the purity and integrity of worship, ensuring that God's people could approach Him acceptably.

**What is the significance of the "young bullock" and "two rams" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: These animals were specific sacrificial offerings, each with a distinct purpose within the seven-day ordination ceremony. The "young bullock" typically served as a sin offering for the priests themselves, acknowledging their own need for atonement before they could mediate for others. The "two rams" were used for a burnt offering (symbolizing complete dedication to God) and a unique "ram of ordination" (a peace offering for consecration, involving blood applied to the priests and their garments). The specific types and numbers of animals were divinely prescribed to cover various aspects of purification, dedication, and atonement essential for their sacred office, highlighting the comprehensive nature of their consecration.

**Does this verse have any relevance for Christians today, given that we don't have an Aaronic priesthood?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the Aaronic priesthood and its rituals were specific to the Old Covenant, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant. This verse highlights God's demand for holiness, the necessity of divine appointment for true ministry, and the foundational role of sacrifice in drawing near to God. For Christians, these principles are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is our perfect High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus the Great High Priest")) and the ultimate "without blemish" sacrifice ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). Furthermore, New Testament believers are called a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), signifying our spiritual access to God and our call to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and good deeds ([Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")) in our daily lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 29:1, with its meticulous instructions for consecrating the Aaronic priesthood, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very purpose of "hallowing them, to minister unto me in the priest's office" is perfectly realized in Christ, who was eternally set apart by God as our Great High Priest, not according to a human lineage but "according to the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ a Priest Forever")). Unlike the Levitical priests who required a "young bullock" for their own sin offering before they could mediate, Jesus was "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ's Perfect Priesthood")), needing no sacrifice for Himself. He perfectly embodied the "without blemish" requirement, offering Himself as the spotless "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His single, perfect sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")) consecrated us forever, granting us direct access to God's presence through His shed blood. Thus, the shadow of the earthly priesthood and its animal sacrifices points directly to the substance found in Christ, who, by His one offering, "has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified" ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfected Sacrifice")), establishing a new and living way to God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 7:26

For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Exodus 12:5

Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take [it] out from the sheep, or from the goats:

1 Peter 1:19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Leviticus 22:20

[But] whatsoever hath a blemish, [that] shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.

Leviticus 6:6

And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest:

2 Chronicles 13:9

Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of [other] lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, [the same] may be a priest of [them that are] no gods.

Leviticus 5:15

If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering: