Exodus 29:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt take {H3947} the other {H8145} 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 the other ram: Aharon and his sons are to lay their hands on the ram's head;

Berean Standard Bible

Take the second ram, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on its head.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:19 details a pivotal moment in the elaborate ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons, focusing on the presentation of the "other ram," often identified as the ram of consecration or ordination. This verse specifically instructs Aaron and his sons to lay their hands upon the head of this ram, a profound symbolic act signifying their identification with the sacrifice and the transfer of their unworthiness, thereby dedicating them fully to their newly appointed holy office as priests before the Lord. This ritual was absolutely foundational for their sanctification, empowerment, and divine authorization to mediate between God and the people of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the comprehensive divine instructions for the consecration of the Levitical priesthood, meticulously outlined by God to Moses in [Exodus chapter 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - The Consecration of Priests"). The chapter initiates with detailed commands for preparing specific animals and elements for the seven-day ordination ritual, setting the stage for the solemn proceedings ([Exodus 29:1-3](/exodus/29-1-3 "Exodus 29:1-3 - Preparations for Consecration")). Prior to the "other ram" introduced in verse 19, a bull for a sin offering ([Exodus 29:10-14](/exodus/29-10-14 "Exodus 29:10-14 - The Sin Offering")) and a ram for a burnt offering ([Exodus 29:15-18](/exodus/29-15-18 "Exodus 29:15-18 - The Burnt Offering")) have already been presented and sacrificed. Each of these sacrifices serves a distinct theological purpose: the sin offering purifies from defilement and makes atonement, the burnt offering signifies complete dedication and devotion, while the "other ram," the specific focus of this verse, is uniquely tied to the "filling of the hand" ceremony, symbolizing the priests' empowerment and readiness for active service. The sequential nature of these sacrifices underscores a progressive sanctification, moving from purification to dedication, and ultimately to enablement for the sacred priestly ministry.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - The Consecration of Priests") are delivered at Mount Sinai, following the momentous giving of the Law and the elaborate architectural plans for the Tabernacle and its furnishings ([Exodus 25-28](/exodus/25-28 "Exodus 25-28 - Tabernacle and Priestly Garments")). The establishment of a divinely consecrated priesthood was an absolute necessity for the proper functioning of the Mosaic covenant and the intricate sacrificial system it entailed. While priests existed in various ancient Near Eastern cultures, often serving as intermediaries between their deities and people, Israel's priesthood was distinct in its divine appointment, its strict requirements for holiness, and its unique role in maintaining the covenant relationship with Yahweh. The act of laying hands on a sacrificial animal was a common and profound practice in Israelite worship, signifying identification, dedication, or the symbolic transfer of sin or blessing. For the ordination of priests, this gesture was particularly potent, symbolizing the priests' transference of their unholy status or their dedication onto the ram, which would then be offered to make them holy and acceptable for service. This ritual was far more than mere symbolism; it was a divinely ordained means of setting apart specific individuals for sacred duties, ensuring that those who approached God on behalf of the people were themselves consecrated and ritually pure, reflecting the absolute holiness of God Himself, as tragically demonstrated by the fate of Nadab and Abihu ([Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1-3 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire")).

* **Key Themes:** The ritual in [Exodus 29:19](/exodus/29-19 "Exodus 29:19 - The Ram of Consecration") profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness** and **Consecration**. God, being utterly holy, demands that those who serve Him, especially in a mediatorial role, must be set apart and purified. This verse highlights the meticulous process by which Aaron and his sons are consecrated, underscoring that holiness is not inherent but divinely bestowed through specific rituals. It also reinforces the theme of **Divine Appointment** and **Authority**, as the priesthood is not self-selected but established by God's explicit command, ensuring legitimate mediation between God and Israel. Furthermore, the act of laying hands on the ram points to the theme of **Substitution** and **Identification**, a foundational concept for understanding atonement and the transfer of status, which is central to the entire sacrificial system detailed in books like [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Laws and Sacrifices"). These themes collectively emphasize the seriousness of approaching a holy God and the grace by which He provides a way for humanity to draw near.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ram (Hebrew, _ʼayil'_):** This term (H352) refers to a male sheep, specifically chosen for its symbolic significance in various sacrifices. Derived from a root meaning "strength," the ram embodies robustness and resilience. While other animals were used for sin or burnt offerings, the ram here is designated as the "ram of consecration" or "ram of ordination" (often referred to as the "ram of filling the hand," related to the Hebrew _milu'im_, which describes the ceremony where portions of the ram were placed in the priests' hands). Its selection for this particular ritual underscores its role in empowering and dedicating the priests for their sacred service, distinct from mere atonement or general dedication.

* **Put their hands (Hebrew, _çâmak'_):** The verb _çâmak_ (H5564) literally means "to lean upon," "to lay on," or "to support." In the context of sacrifice, it denotes a profound act of identification and transfer. It is not a casual touch but a weighty imposition, signifying that the offerer (here, Aaron and his sons) is identifying with the animal, transferring their status, unworthiness, or dedication onto it. For the priests, this act symbolized their complete dedication to God and the transfer of their need for purification and sanctification onto the ram, which would then bear the consequences of their unworthiness, making them acceptable to God for service.

* **Head (Hebrew, _rôʼsh'_):** The head (H7218) of the animal is consistently the point of contact for the laying on of hands in sacrificial rituals. Symbolically, the head often represents the whole being, the essence, or the leadership of an individual. By placing hands on the ram's head, Aaron and his sons were symbolically identifying their entire being and their new priestly identity with the sacrifice. This act emphasized that their whole person was being consecrated and set apart through this specific offering, highlighting the totality of their dedication and the comprehensive nature of the ritual's effect.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt take the other ram":** This clause directs Moses, as the mediator of the covenant and the one overseeing the ordination, to select a third specific ram for the consecration ceremony. This "other ram" is explicitly distinguished from the bull previously designated for the sin offering and the first ram for the burnt offering. Its unique designation signifies its particular purpose within the ordination process, specifically for the "ram of consecration" ritual, which involved the "filling of the hands" of the priests, symbolizing their empowerment and readiness for active service. This distinct purpose highlights the multi-faceted and progressive nature of the ordination process.

* **"and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram":** This is the core action commanded in the verse. It instructs Aaron and his sons, the individuals destined to be consecrated as priests, to perform the solemn and symbolic act of laying their hands firmly upon the ram's head. As explored in the key word analysis, this gesture signifies a deep and personal identification with the sacrifice. It represents the transfer of their unworthiness, their need for purification, and the dedication of their lives and future service onto the animal. This act is a powerful visual and tactile representation of their participation in the sacrificial act that would ritually set them apart for holy ministry, making them acceptable to God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 29:19 is **Symbolism**. The entire ritual of consecration, and specifically the act of laying hands on the ram, is deeply symbolic, conveying profound theological truths through physical actions. The ram itself symbolizes a substitute that bears the weight of the priests' unworthiness and facilitates their sanctification. The act of "putting their hands upon the head" is a powerful symbol of **Identification** and **Transfer**. It visually represents the priests' profound connection to the sacrifice, signifying that their need for purification and their complete dedication to God are being transferred to the animal, which will then be offered. This ritualistic action also exemplifies **Ritual**, a prescribed set of actions performed in a specific order, which serves to establish, reinforce, and make real a sacred reality. The meticulous detail in the instructions underscores both the divine origin and the solemnity of the priestly office, ensuring that every step contributes to the spiritual transformation and divine authorization of Aaron and his sons for their sacred calling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:19 offers a profound illustration of the Old Testament principles of substitutionary sacrifice and the absolute necessity of divine consecration for holy service. The act of laying hands on the ram signifies a deep identification between the priests and the sacrifice, establishing a foundational theological truth: those who serve God must first be purified and set apart by a divinely appointed means. This ritual underscores the inherent unholiness of humanity and the absolute holiness of God, demonstrating that a mediator and a specific, divinely ordained process are required for humanity to approach Him. The "ram of consecration" points to the idea that entrance into God's service is not by human merit, self-appointment, or personal qualification, but solely by God's gracious provision and a ritual that both cleanses and empowers for sacred duties.

* [Leviticus 1:4](/leviticus/1-4 "Laying on of Hands in Burnt Offering")
* [Leviticus 8:14-17](/leviticus/8-14-17 "Moses Consecrates Aaron and Sons with Sin Offering")
* [Numbers 8:10](/numbers/8-10 "Laying on of Hands on Levites")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed ritual of Exodus 29:19, though part of an Old Testament sacrificial system, offers timeless principles for believers today. The act of identification with the sacrifice, symbolized by the laying on of hands, reminds us that our ability to serve God does not stem from our own inherent goodness, moral uprightness, or personal qualifications, but fundamentally from our identification with a greater, perfect sacrifice. Just as Aaron and his sons were meticulously set apart for a specific, holy calling, so too are all believers in Christ called to be a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1-peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Holy Priesthood")) and a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), consecrated for God's redemptive purposes in the world. This verse challenges us to consider the profound seriousness of our spiritual service and the continuous necessity of being divinely appointed, purified, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Our consecration is not a one-time event but a continuous dedication of our lives to Christ, allowing Him to equip and empower us for the specific work He has called us to do. It prompts us to live lives worthy of our high calling, recognizing that our service is sacred because the One whom we serve is supremely holy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "identification with the sacrifice" in Exodus 29:19 relate to a believer's identification with Christ today, particularly in terms of our sin and our new identity?**
* **In what practical ways do you understand yourself to be "set apart" or "consecrated" for God's service in your daily life, beyond formal religious duties?**
* **What specific steps can you take to live out your calling as a "holy priesthood" with greater intentionality, dedication, and dependence on Christ's empowering grace?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of this "other ram" compared to the previous sacrifices in Exodus 29?**

Answer: The "other ram" in [Exodus 29:19](/exodus/29-19 "Exodus 29:19 - The Ram of Consecration") is distinct from the bull for the sin offering and the first ram for the burnt offering, each of which served a different purpose in the ordination ceremony. This particular ram is specifically designated as the "ram of consecration" or "ram of ordination." While the sin offering purified from sin and the burnt offering signified general dedication, this ram is central to the unique "filling of the hand" ceremony ([Exodus 29:22-24](/exodus/29-22-24 "Exodus 29:22-24 - The Filling of the Hands")), where specific portions of the ram are placed into the priests' hands. This ritual uniquely symbolizes their empowerment, authorization, and readiness to perform their specific priestly duties, marking their formal and divinely sanctioned induction into the sacred office.

**What does the act of "putting their hands upon the head of the ram" signify?**

Answer: The act of laying hands upon the head of the sacrificial animal is a recurring and highly symbolic gesture throughout the Old Testament. In [Exodus 29:19](/exodus/29-19 "Laying on Hands for Consecration"), for Aaron and his sons, it primarily signifies profound identification and transfer. By placing their hands on the ram, they were symbolically identifying themselves with the animal, thereby transferring their unworthiness, their need for purification, and the dedication of their entire being onto it. It also represented their complete commitment, signifying that their future priestly service was being committed to God through this specific offering. This act was crucial for their ritual purification, sanctification, and divine authorization to mediate between God and the people of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 29:19, with its profound emphasis on a consecrated priesthood established through substitutionary sacrifice, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "other ram" of consecration, upon whose head Aaron and his sons laid their hands to signify identification and transfer, powerfully foreshadows the Lamb of God, Jesus, who is the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. Just as the ram was set apart to consecrate the earthly priests for temporary service, Jesus, by His own perfect and sinless sacrifice on the cross, consecrated Himself for His redemptive mission and, through His shed blood, eternally consecrated all who believe in Him. His death was the definitive act of "laying on of hands" by humanity's sin, yet He bore it perfectly, not for His own purification but for ours. Through His singular, efficacious sacrifice, He has established a new covenant and a new priesthood, not limited to a select few from a particular lineage, but encompassing all believers ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). We, as believers, are now a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "The Priesthood of All Believers")), consecrated and empowered by our identification with Christ's perfect offering, enabling us to draw near to God with full confidence and access into His very presence ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")) and to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise, worship, and service that are pleasing to God ([Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Sacrifices Pleasing to God")). The ram's consecration of earthly priests points directly to Christ's eternal consecration of His people for eternal service in His kingdom.

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 29:3

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

Leviticus 8:22

And he brought the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.

Leviticus 8:29

And Moses took the breast, and waved it [for] a wave offering before the LORD: [for] of the ram of consecration it was Moses' part; as the LORD commanded Moses.