Exodus 29:10

KJV

And thou shalt cause a bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the bullock.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt cause a bullock {H6499} to be brought {H7126} before {H6440} the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}: and Aaron {H175} and his sons {H1121} shall put {H5564} their hands {H3027} upon the head {H7218} of the bullock {H6499}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Bring the young bull to the front of the tent of meeting. Aharon and his sons are to lay their hands on the bull's head,

Berean Standard Bible

You are to present the bull at the front of the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on its head.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt bring the bullock before the tent of meeting: and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands upon the head of the bullock.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:10 initiates the elaborate consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons, marking their divine appointment as priests. This pivotal verse details the initial step of presenting a bullock for a sin offering and the crucial act of Aaron and his sons laying their hands upon its head, symbolizing identification with the sacrifice and the transfer of their unworthiness, thereby setting the stage for their purification and sanctification for sacred service within the Tabernacle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very beginning of [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests"), which provides God's meticulous instructions for the ordination of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood. It immediately follows the extensive blueprints for the construction of the [Tabernacle](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"), also known as the "tent of meeting," detailed in [Exodus 25-28](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-28 - Tabernacle Construction Details"). The consecration ceremony outlined here and in [Exodus 30](/exodus/30 "Exodus 30 - Further Instructions for the Tabernacle") is a direct precursor to the actual commencement of Tabernacle worship and the establishment of the Levitical priesthood. This sequence ensures that those who minister before a holy God are themselves purified and set apart according to divine command, highlighting the foundational principle that access to God's presence requires prior sanctification. The bullock mentioned here is the first of several sacrifices, specifically designated as a sin offering (cf. [Exodus 29:14](/exodus/29-14 "Exodus 29:14 - Disposal of the Sin Offering")), foundational for cleansing the priests before they could enter into sacred service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, rituals of purification and dedication for religious functionaries were common, yet Israel's divinely ordained system stood apart in its profound emphasis on holiness, atonement, and the unique nature of their God. The [Tabernacle](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") itself was the central locus of God's presence among His people, a portable sanctuary signifying His covenant relationship with Israel. The elaborate consecration ceremony, including the presentation of the bullock and the laying on of hands, underscored the absolute necessity of ritual purity and moral holiness for those who would mediate between God and humanity. This was not a human invention but a divine mandate, establishing the legitimacy and authority of the priesthood as God-given. The act of sacrifice, particularly the sin offering, was a profound demonstration of the consequences of sin and God's gracious provision for reconciliation, a concept deeply embedded in Israelite worship and distinct from the arbitrary or propitiatory pagan practices of their neighbors.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive throughout Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **God's Holiness and Inaccessibility without Mediation**. The detailed ritual underscores that a holy God cannot be approached casually; His presence demands purity and a divinely appointed mediator. This leads to the theme of **Divine Appointment and Consecration**, as Aaron and his sons are not self-appointed but specifically chosen and set apart by God for sacred service. The act of sacrifice itself introduces the critical theme of **Atonement and Substitution**, where an innocent life is offered to cover sin, laying the groundwork for the entire sacrificial system detailed in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Laws and Offerings"). Finally, the entire ceremony establishes the **Foundation of the Israelite Priesthood**, a divinely sanctioned order essential for the nation's worship and covenant relationship with Yahweh, as seen in the subsequent instructions for their duties in [Leviticus 8-10](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8-10 - Consecration and Early Priesthood").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bullock (Hebrew, _par'_):** This term (H6499) refers to a young bull, typically uncastrated. In the Israelite sacrificial system, a bullock was a significant and costly offering, often prescribed for sin offerings, especially for the high priest or the entire community (e.g., [Leviticus 4:3-12](/leviticus/4-3-12 "Leviticus 4:3-12 - Sin Offering for a Priest")). Its use here underscores the gravity of the priests' sin and the magnitude of the atonement required for their sacred office, highlighting the high standard of holiness demanded by God for those who would approach Him.
* **Tabernacle of the congregation (Hebrew, _ʼôhel môwʻêd'_):** This phrase combines two distinct Hebrew words (H168 and H4150). _ʼôhel_ means "a tent," and _môwʻêd_ means "an appointed time or place of meeting/assembly." Together, "Tabernacle of the congregation" literally translates to "tent of meeting," referring to the portable sanctuary where God met with His people. It was the central place of worship and divine revelation, symbolizing God's dwelling among Israel. The bullock being brought "before" it signifies the public and sacred nature of the consecration, performed in the immediate presence of God's manifest glory and under His direct supervision.
* **Put their hands (Hebrew, _çâmak'_):** The verb _çâmak_ (H5564) means "to prop," "to lean upon," "to support," or "to lay on." In the context of sacrifices, this act, known as _semikhah_ (סְמִיכָה), was a crucial ritual. Coupled with the noun _yâd_ (H3027, "hand"), it physically demonstrated the offerer's identification with the animal and, in the case of a sin offering, the symbolic transfer of their sins, guilt, or unworthiness onto the innocent substitute. For Aaron and his sons, this act signified their acknowledgment of their own sinfulness and their reliance on the sacrificial system for purification, allowing them to be consecrated for holy service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt cause a bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation:"** This initial clause emphasizes the divine imperative ("thou shalt cause") for the initiation of the consecration ceremony. The specific animal, a bullock, signifies a substantial and costly offering, indicative of the seriousness of the sin offering required for the high priestly office and the entire priestly family. Its placement "before the tabernacle of the congregation" underscores the public, sacred, and divinely sanctioned nature of the ritual, performed at the very threshold of God's dwelling place, where He would meet with His chosen priests. This setting highlights the solemnity and the direct divine oversight of the proceedings.
* **"and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the bullock."** This second clause details the pivotal act of _semikhah_. Aaron, as the designated High Priest, and his sons, as future priests, personally participate in this symbolic gesture. By laying their hands upon the head of the bullock, they formally identify with the animal, symbolically transferring their sins, impurities, and unworthiness onto it. This act transforms the animal into a substitutionary sacrifice, bearing the defilement of those who offer it, thereby initiating the process of atonement necessary for their purification and consecration to God's service. This physical act represents a profound spiritual transaction.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 29:10 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "bullock" serving as a powerful symbol of the costly and necessary sacrifice for sin, representing an innocent life offered in place of the guilty. The "Tabernacle of the congregation" symbolizes God's holy presence, His dwelling among His people, and the designated space for communion and reconciliation. The act of "laying on of hands" (Hebrew: _semikhah_) is a deeply significant symbolic gesture, representing identification, the transfer of guilt or defilement, and dedication. The entire verse functions as a precise **ritual instruction**, detailing a specific, divinely ordained action within a larger ceremonial sequence. This emphasis on **ritual** highlights the importance of order, obedience, and the performative nature of their consecration, emphasizing that access to God is through prescribed means. Furthermore, the meticulous detail in the divine command serves as **foreshadowing**, subtly pointing to a greater, ultimate sacrifice that would perfectly fulfill the need for atonement and priestly mediation, transcending the temporary nature of these animal offerings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:10 profoundly illustrates several core theological truths: the absolute holiness of God, the pervasive nature of human sin, and the divine provision for atonement through substitutionary sacrifice. The meticulous ritual underscores that no one, not even those chosen for sacred service, can approach a holy God without prior purification. The bullock's sacrifice and the laying on of hands establish the principle of identification with a sin-bearer and the transfer of guilt, a foundational concept for understanding God's pathway to reconciliation. This act of divine ordination and purification was essential for the priests to mediate effectively between God and His people, foreshadowing the perfect mediator to come.
* [Leviticus 16:21](/leviticus/16-21 "Leviticus 16:21 - Laying Hands on the Scapegoat")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood")
* [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as a Propitiation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 29:10, though describing an ancient ritual, offers profound spiritual insights for believers today. It starkly reminds us of the infinite holiness of God and the utter seriousness of sin, which necessitates such a costly and precise act of atonement even for those called to His service. This verse compels us to recognize that our approach to God is never on our own merit or by our own strength, but always through a divinely provided means of purification and reconciliation. For us, this means through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all these Old Testament types. As a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Royal Priesthood")), we are called to live lives set apart for God, understanding that our access to Him is not earned but gifted through Christ's finished work. This should inspire both deep gratitude for His provision and a profound reverence for His holiness, motivating us to live in a manner worthy of our calling, reflecting His character in our daily lives and serving as His ambassadors in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed nature of this ritual highlight God's holiness and the seriousness of sin?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "laying on of hands" on the bullock inform our understanding of substitutionary atonement?**
* **How does our identity as a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Royal Priesthood")) inform our approach to God and our service in the world today?**

### FAQ
**Why was a bullock specifically chosen for this sacrifice?**

Answer: A bullock was chosen primarily because it represented a significant and valuable offering. In the Israelite sacrificial system, larger, more valuable animals like bullocks were typically required for sin offerings, especially for the high priest or for the entire community, as seen in [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Sin Offerings"). Its high value underscored the gravity of the sin being atoned for and the immense cost of purification required for those entering such a holy office. It also signified the serious nature of the consecration itself, demanding a substantial sacrifice that reflected the weight of the priestly office and the holiness of God.

**What is the significance of "laying on of hands" in this context?**

Answer: The act of "laying on of hands" (Hebrew: _semikhah_) was a crucial symbolic gesture. In this context, it signified the identification of Aaron and his sons with the sacrificial animal. More profoundly, it represented the symbolic transfer of their sins, impurities, and unworthiness onto the innocent bullock. This act was essential for the bullock to become a substitutionary sacrifice, bearing the defilement of the priests so that they could be purified and consecrated for their sacred duties before God in the [Tabernacle](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests"). It visually and ritually conveyed the principle of vicarious atonement.

**How does this Old Testament ritual relate to New Testament believers?**

Answer: While the specific rituals of the Old Testament priesthood are no longer practiced, this verse and the entire sacrificial system serve as a profound foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. The need for atonement, symbolized by the bullock's sacrifice and the laying on of hands, points directly to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of [Jesus Christ](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption"). New Testament believers are purified not by animal sacrifices, but by Christ's blood, which was shed "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")). We are called a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Royal Priesthood")), meaning we have direct access to God through Christ's finished work, fulfilling the need for a mediator that the Old Testament priesthood represented and providing a perfect, permanent cleansing from sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 29:10, with its meticulous instructions for the consecration of Aaron and his sons, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The bullock, brought before the Tabernacle and having the sins of the priests symbolically laid upon its head, powerfully foreshadows Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as the bullock was an innocent substitute, Jesus, "who knew no sin, became sin for us" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")), bearing the full weight of humanity's transgressions upon Himself on the cross. The act of _semikhah_, the laying on of hands, finds its ultimate expression in Christ's vicarious suffering, where our sins were truly "laid on him" ([Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All Our Iniquities Laid on Him")). Unlike the Levitical priests who had to offer sacrifices daily for their own sins and the sins of the people ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's One Sacrifice")), Jesus, our perfect [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")), securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")) and granting all believers direct access to God's holy presence without the need for animal sacrifices or human mediation. He is the substance to which all these shadows pointed, the perfect sacrifice and the eternal priest who lives to intercede for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor")).

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

Leviticus 8:14

¶ And he brought the bullock for the sin offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the bullock for the sin offering.

Leviticus 1:4

And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.

Exodus 29:15

Thou shalt also take one ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram.

Exodus 29:19

And thou shalt take the other ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram.

Leviticus 8:18

And he brought the ram for the burnt offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.

Leviticus 3:2

And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.

Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.