Exodus 29:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt also take {H3947} one {H259} ram {H352}; and Aaron {H175} and his sons {H1121} shall put {H5564} their hands {H3027} upon the head {H7218} of the ram {H352}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Take one of the rams: Aharon and his sons are to lay their hands on the ram's head;

Berean Standard Bible

Take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:15 presents a crucial step in the elaborate ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons, detailing the preparation of the second sacrificial animal: a ram designated for a burnt offering. This verse precisely outlines the symbolic act whereby Aaron and his sons place their hands upon the ram's head, a profound gesture signifying their identification with the sacrifice and the transfer of their complete dedication and need for purification onto the animal, thereby preparing it to serve as a divinely appointed substitute for their consecration before the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the meticulous instructions for the consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood, as commanded by God in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"). The preceding verses, specifically [Exodus 29:1-14](/exodus/29-1-14 "Exodus 29:1-14 - Instructions for Priestly Ordination"), detail the initial phases of this seven-day ritual, including the ceremonial washing, donning of sacred garments, anointing with holy oil, and the sacrifice of a bull for a sin offering. This initial sin offering was vital for addressing the inherent sinfulness of the priests, making them ceremonially pure to proceed with further acts of consecration. [Exodus 29:15](/exodus/29-15 "Exodus 29:15 - The Ram for the Burnt Offering") then introduces the ram for the burnt offering, which follows the purification of the sin offering and precedes the ram of consecration, or "ram of ordination" ([Exodus 29:19-28](/exodus/29-19-28 "Exodus 29:19-28 - The Ram of Consecration")). Each distinct sacrifice within this comprehensive ritual served a cumulative purpose: purifying, atoning for, and ultimately dedicating the priests for their sacred and lifelong service in the Tabernacle.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ordination ceremony described in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - The Ordination of Aaron and His Sons") was foundational for establishing the Aaronic priesthood, a divinely instituted office that was indispensable for mediating between a holy God and the nation of Israel under the Mosaic Covenant. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, the act of laying on of hands (known as _semikhah_ in Hebrew tradition) was a widely recognized gesture signifying transfer, dedication, or identification. Within the specific framework of Israelite sacrifices, particularly for the burnt offering (עֹלָה, _‘olah_), this ritual act symbolized the offerer's complete dedication and surrender to God, or in the case of a sin offering, the symbolic transfer of guilt onto the animal. For Aaron and his sons, performing this ritual act on the ram designated for the burnt offering profoundly demonstrated their personal identification with the animal's complete surrender and dedication to God. It served as a public acknowledgment that their priestly service could only commence and continue through a divinely provided, unblemished substitute. The intricate and demanding nature of these rituals underscored the absolute holiness and transcendence of God, emphasizing the non-negotiable requirement of purity for any who would draw near to Him in worship and sacred service, a principle deeply embedded throughout the entire sacrificial system outlined in [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus").

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 29:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing that a holy God demands purity from those who serve Him and approach His presence. The meticulous details of the sacrifices underscore the **Necessity of Atonement and Consecration**, illustrating that human sinfulness requires a divinely ordained means of purification and setting apart for sacred service. This verse also highlights the theme of **Representation and Substitution**, as the ram stands in the place of Aaron and his sons, bearing their dedication and symbolizing their surrender. Furthermore, the entire ordination process, including this specific act, reinforces the **Divine Authority and Specificity** of God's commands regarding worship and priestly service, leaving no room for human improvisation. Finally, the sacrificial system itself, exemplified here, deeply foreshadows the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, hinting at the future provision of a greater High Priest and a final atonement, a theme that finds its full expression in the New Testament, as seen in passages like [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - The Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ram (Hebrew, אַיִל, _’ayil'_):** The Hebrew term for "ram" (H352, אַיִל, _’ayil_) derives from a root meaning "strength," referring to a mature, male sheep. In the context of the Israelite sacrificial system, rams were consistently chosen as valuable, unblemished animals for various offerings, including burnt offerings, peace offerings, and specific consecration rituals. Their inherent strength and economic value made them fitting symbols of a significant and costly offering presented to God, representing the best of the flock and signifying the offerer's complete dedication.
* **Put their hands (Hebrew, סָמַךְ, _çâmak'_):** The verb "put their hands" (H5564, סָמַךְ, _çâmak_) literally means "to prop," "to lean upon," or "to lay hands upon." In the ritualistic context of sacrifices throughout the Pentateuch, particularly in [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus"), this action was profoundly symbolic. It conveyed identification, transfer, or dedication. For a burnt offering, as in this verse, it signified the offerer's personal identification with the animal and the complete dedication of that animal on their behalf to God. For Aaron and his sons, this act meant that their lives, their future service, and their very being were being symbolically laid upon the ram, which would then be offered in their stead, representing their total surrender and consecration to God's service.
* **Hands (Hebrew, יָד, _yâd'_):** The Hebrew word for "hands" (H3027, יָד, _yâd_) refers to the open hand, often indicating power, means, or direction. In the context of the ritual laying on of hands, the use of _yâd_ emphasizes the active, intentional participation of Aaron and his sons in the transfer or dedication. It is through their physical touch that the symbolic identification with the ram is made concrete, signifying their personal involvement and the solemnity of the covenant act. The hands, as instruments of action and power, become the conduit for this profound spiritual transaction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt also take one ram;":** This initial clause, a direct divine command, specifies the second animal required for the priestly ordination ceremony. Following the bull for the sin offering, this ram is explicitly designated for a burnt offering. The phrase "Thou shalt also take" underscores the divine origin and precise nature of the ritual, emphasizing that every component of the consecration ceremony is mandated by God and must be performed without deviation. The singular "one ram" highlights the specific focus and value of this particular offering.
* **"and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram.":** This describes the pivotal ritual act performed by the ordinands. The laying of hands by Aaron and his sons upon the head of the ram is a deeply significant gesture. It is a visual and tactile representation of their personal identification with the sacrifice. This act symbolizes the transfer of their being, their dedication, and their need for purification onto the animal, which would then be offered to God as a substitute for their complete surrender and acceptance into priestly service. The head, as the seat of life and thought, further emphasizes the totality of this identification and dedication.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 29:15 employs several profound literary devices that amplify its theological significance. **Symbolism** is central, with the ram itself symbolizing a valuable, unblemished offering, and the act of laying hands symbolizing identification, transfer, and complete dedication. This ritual act is a potent visual and tactile representation of the spiritual transaction occurring. The meticulous detail in the instructions throughout [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - The Consecration of Priests") demonstrates **Divine Specificity**, underscoring that God's worship and sacred service must be conducted precisely according to His revealed will, not human preference or innovation. This divine precision also highlights the absolute **Ritual Purity** and moral holiness required for those who would dare to approach a holy God, thereby emphasizing the gravity and sacredness of the priestly office. Furthermore, the entire sacrificial system, including this specific act of identification, serves as profound **Foreshadowing**, pointing forward to the ultimate, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would fulfill and transcend these temporary, typological rituals.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:15, with its emphasis on identification and substitution through the laying of hands on a sacrificial ram, powerfully illustrates the foundational theological truth that sinful humanity cannot approach a holy God without a divinely appointed mediator and a perfect, unblemished substitute. This ritual underscores the absolute necessity of atonement and consecration for service, highlighting God's meticulous and gracious provision for a way for His people to draw near. It establishes the enduring principle that access to God is not earned through human merit but is graciously granted through a costly, unblemished offering that bears the weight of the offerer's dedication and profound need for purification. This act of identification on the ram foreshadows the deeper spiritual reality of identifying with Christ's sacrifice.

* [Leviticus 1:4](/leviticus/1-4 "Leviticus 1:4 - Laying Hands on the Burnt Offering")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient ritual of laying hands on the sacrificial ram in Exodus 29:15 offers profound and enduring insights into our contemporary walk of faith. It serves as a stark reminder that approaching God, whether in personal worship, corporate liturgy, or dedicated service, is never a casual affair but demands intentionality, profound humility, and a deep recognition of our inherent need for His divine provision. Just as Aaron and his sons were required to identify themselves with the unblemished ram, we, as New Testament believers, are called to identify completely with Christ's perfect and sufficient sacrifice, acknowledging that our ability to stand before God and serve Him stems not from our own merit or efforts but solely from His atoning work on the cross. This verse challenges us to deeply consider the depth and sincerity of our dedication to God. Are we truly offering Him our "best," our whole selves, as a "living sacrifice" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice"))? It also powerfully reinforces the truth that genuine spiritual service is always to be conducted in accordance with God's revealed will, not our fleeting preferences, personal convenience, or cultural trends. We are called to walk in holiness, set apart for His sacred purposes, trusting implicitly in His grace to empower and sustain our service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the ancient act of laying hands on the ram deepen your understanding of the concept of identification with sacrifice and substitution?**
* **In what tangible ways do you "lay your hands" on Christ's finished sacrifice in your daily life, acknowledging His complete work on your behalf and living in light of it?**
* **What does the meticulous detail and divine specificity of this priestly ordination ceremony teach us about God's expectations for those who serve Him in any capacity today?**
* **How can we, as New Testament believers, embody the spirit of "complete dedication" and "wholehearted surrender" symbolized by the burnt offering, in our personal lives and corporate worship?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Aaron and his sons laying their hands on the ram's head?**

Answer: The act of laying hands (Hebrew: _çâmak_, H5564) on the head of a sacrificial animal in the Old Testament was a highly symbolic and weighty gesture. In this specific context, for the ram designated as a burnt offering, it primarily signified profound identification and complete dedication. By placing their hands on the ram, Aaron and his sons were symbolically transferring their identity, their need for purification, and their complete dedication onto the animal. The ram then became their representative, offered to God in their stead, symbolizing their full surrender and consecration to divine service. This ritual was absolutely crucial for their purification and setting apart as priests, enabling them to mediate between a holy God and the people of Israel, a practice seen consistently throughout the sacrificial laws in [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus").

**Why was a ram chosen for this specific part of the ordination ceremony?**

Answer: Rams (Hebrew: _’ayil_, H352) were frequently utilized in the Israelite sacrificial system for various offerings, including burnt offerings, peace offerings, and specific consecration and purification rituals. They were considered valuable, strong, and unblemished animals, making them highly suitable for presentation as a worthy offering to God. In the context of the ordination ceremony described in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - The Ordination of Aaron and His Sons"), the ram served as the animal for the burnt offering, which profoundly symbolized complete dedication and atonement. Its sacrifice, following the sin offering (a bull), underscored the comprehensive nature of the priests' consecration, moving them from purification from sin to a state of complete surrender and unreserved dedication to God's service. The ram's strength also symbolized the strength of dedication required for such a holy office.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 29:15, with its vivid depiction of Aaron and his sons laying hands on the sacrificial ram, finds its ultimate, perfect, and eternal fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The ram, a temporary and repeatedly offered animal, served as a profound type, foreshadowing the singular, perfect sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who truly "takes away the sin of the world." While the Old Testament priests laid their hands on an animal to symbolize identification and the transfer of dedication, God Himself, in His divine wisdom and love, "laid on Him the iniquity of us all" ([Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All We Like Sheep Have Gone Astray")). Jesus, uniquely serving as both the perfect High Priest and the spotless Lamb, had no need for a substitute for Himself, but willingly became the ultimate and sufficient substitute for all humanity. His one-time sacrifice on the cross, a complete and final burnt offering, perfectly atoned for sin and perfectly consecrated all who believe, granting them direct, unhindered access to God's presence ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through Christ's finished work, believers are now part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called not to offer animal sacrifices, but to present their "bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")), empowered by His finished work rather than dependent on repeated, imperfect rituals.

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

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.

Exodus 29:10

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.

Exodus 29:3

And thou shalt put them into one basket, and bring them in the basket, with the bullock and the two rams.

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.

Leviticus 1:9

But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, [to be] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

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 8:21

And he washed the inwards and the legs in water; and Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar: it [was] a burnt sacrifice for a sweet savour, [and] an offering made by fire unto the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.