Exodus 29:16

And thou shalt slay the ram, and thou shalt take his blood, and sprinkle [it] round about upon the altar.

And thou shalt slay {H7819} the ram {H352}, and thou shalt take {H3947} his blood {H1818}, and sprinkle {H2236} it round about {H5439} upon the altar {H4196}.

and you are to slaughter the ram, take its blood, and splash it on all sides of the altar.

You are to slaughter the ram, take its blood, and sprinkle it on all sides of the altar.

And thou shalt slay the ram, and thou shalt take its blood, and sprinkle it round about upon the altar.

Commentary

Exodus 29:16 describes a crucial step in the elaborate ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests, as commanded by God. This specific act involves the burnt offering ram, symbolizing total dedication and purification.

Context

This verse is part of the detailed instructions given to Moses for the consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood. The entire chapter outlines a seven-day ritual involving various sacrifices (sin offering, burnt offering, ram of consecration), anointing, and specific actions with blood and fat. The slaying of the ram and the sprinkling of its blood on the altar are central to making the altar holy and acceptable for divine interaction, preparing it for the sacrifices that would continuously be offered upon it by the newly consecrated priests.

Key Themes

  • Purification and Consecration: The act of sprinkling blood on the altar is fundamental for cleansing and setting apart the altar for sacred use. It makes the place of worship holy and fit for God's presence.
  • Atonement through Blood: In the Old Testament sacrificial system, blood was intrinsically linked to life and atonement. As Leviticus 17:11 states, "the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls". The shedding and application of blood signified a covering for sin and impurity, making reconciliation with a holy God possible.
  • Total Dedication: The burnt offering ram symbolized complete surrender and devotion to God. The offering was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, signifying a life wholly given over to the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sprinkle" here is zaraq (Χ–ΦΈΧ¨Φ·Χ§), which often implies a more forceful or comprehensive throwing or casting of the blood, rather than a gentle drip. This suggests a thorough and deliberate act of purification and dedication, ensuring the altar was fully covered and sanctified by the blood.

Significance and Application

The rituals described in Exodus, including the detailed instructions for animal sacrifices and the use of blood, prefigured the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament system, with its repeated offerings, constantly pointed to the future need for a perfect, once-for-all atonement. The blood of animals could only temporarily cover sins; it could not take them away completely. This verse, with its emphasis on blood for consecration and atonement, highlights the profound truth later revealed in the New Testament: "without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22). Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross, through His own shed blood, fulfilled all the Old Testament requirements, offering eternal redemption and truly cleansing believers from sin. Today, believers are consecrated and purified not by animal blood, but by the precious blood of Jesus, enabling direct access to God.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 29:11

    And thou shalt kill the bullock before the LORD, [by] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • Exodus 29:12

    And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.
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