Exodus 29:22

KJV

Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul [above] the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them, and the right shoulder; for it [is] a ram of consecration:

KJV (with Strong's)

Also thou shalt take {H3947} of the ram {H352} the fat {H2459} and the rump {H451}, and the fat {H2459} that covereth {H3680} the inwards {H7130}, and the caul {H3508} above the liver {H3516}, and the two {H8147} kidneys {H3629}, and the fat {H2459} that is upon them, and the right {H3225} shoulder {H7785}; for it is a ram {H352} of consecration {H4394}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Also take the fat from the ram, the fat tail, the fat that covers the inner organs, the two kidneys, the fat covering them and the right thigh - for it is a ram of consecration -

Berean Standard Bible

Take the fat from the ram, the fat tail, the fat covering the entrails, the lobe of the liver, both kidneys with the fat on them, and the right thigh (since this is a ram for ordination),

American Standard Version

Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat, and the fat tail, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul of the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and the right thigh (for it is a ram of consecration),

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:22 meticulously details the specific, choicest parts of the "ram of consecration" that were to be taken and offered to the Lord during the elaborate seven-day ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons. These precise instructions, encompassing various fatty portions, internal organs, and the right shoulder, underscore the absolute holiness of God and the complete, unreserved dedication required of those set apart for His sacred priestly service in the newly established Levitical system.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 29 is a pivotal chapter in the Pentateuch, providing God's detailed instructions for the seven-day ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons as priests. This chapter immediately follows the extensive blueprints for the Tabernacle and its furnishings outlined in [Exodus 25-28](/exodus/25-28 "Exodus 25-28 - Tabernacle Blueprints"), indicating that the establishment of a consecrated priesthood was essential for the proper functioning of the Tabernacle worship system. The "ram of consecration" mentioned in [Exodus 29:22](/exodus/29-22 "Exodus 29:22 - The Ram of Consecration") is one of three sacrificial animals prescribed for the ordination ritual, alongside a bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. This particular ram serves as a unique "peace offering" or "fellowship offering" (though with distinct elements for consecration), symbolizing the priests' complete dedication and their initiation into a covenant relationship with God, enabling them to mediate between God and Israel. The verse specifically describes the portions of this ram that were to be placed on the altar, emphasizing the divine precision required for holy service and the profound significance of the priests' installation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The consecration of priests in ancient Israel was a monumental event, establishing a divinely appointed intermediary class between a holy God and His people. In the ancient Near East, priestly installations often involved rituals, but Israel's system, as commanded by Yahweh, was unique in its meticulousness and emphasis on moral and ritual purity. The selection of specific parts of the ram—particularly the fat, which was considered the richest and most valuable portion of an animal—was not arbitrary. Throughout the Mosaic Law, the fat was consistently reserved for God, symbolizing the "best" and the life-force of the animal, wholly dedicated to Him, as seen in [Leviticus 3:16-17](/leviticus/3-16-17 "Leviticus 3:16-17 - All Fat Belongs to the Lord"). The inclusion of the "rump" (specifically the fat tail of a fat-tailed sheep, common in the region and highly prized) and various internal fatty organs further emphasized this principle of offering the choicest parts. The "right shoulder" (or thigh), while often a portion for the priests in other offerings, being included here in the offering to God during consecration, underscored the total dedication of the priest, surrendering even what might otherwise be their due. This entire ceremony was a public and sacred act, setting Aaron and his sons apart for a unique and holy office within the Israelite community, distinct from any secular role, demonstrating God's sovereign establishment of His covenant people.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 29:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, emphasizing God's absolute purity and His demand for separation unto Himself, particularly for those who serve in His presence. The meticulous instructions for the ram of consecration highlight the **Divine Precision and Authority** inherent in God's commands for worship, leaving no room for human improvisation. This verse also underscores the theme of **Mediation and Priesthood**, as it details the ritual by which individuals were set apart to serve as intermediaries between a holy God and an unholy people, foreshadowing the ultimate need for a perfect mediator. Finally, the offering of the "best" parts of the ram reinforces the theme of **Total Dedication and Unreserved Offering**, signaling that true service to God requires the surrender of one's most valuable resources, abilities, and even one's innermost being. These themes collectively lay the groundwork for understanding the nature of worship, the character of God, and the pathway to covenant relationship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fat (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** From the unused root meaning "to be fat," H2459 refers to the literal fat of an animal, but also figuratively to the richest, choicest, or finest part. In the context of sacrifices, the _cheleb_ was exclusively reserved for Yahweh, symbolizing the "best" of the offering and, by extension, the worshiper's complete dedication and reverence. Its repeated mention in the verse underscores the principle of offering the most valuable portion to God.
* **Consecration (Hebrew, _millu'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to fill," H4394, when used in plural (_millu'im_), technically refers to a "filling" or "fullness," specifically in the context of a dedicatory sacrifice or the act of consecration. This term is directly linked to the "filling of the hands" ceremony for the priests, where specific portions of the offering were placed into their hands, symbolizing the bestowal of authority and the sacred duties of their office. It signifies a complete setting apart for a holy purpose.
* **Shoulder (Hebrew, _shôwq'_):** H7785 refers to the (lower) leg or thigh, often translated as "shoulder" in the context of sacrifices, particularly the right shoulder. This part of the animal represents strength, power, and active service. Its inclusion among the parts offered to God during the consecration ceremony, rather than being designated for the priests' sustenance (as was common in other offerings), profoundly symbolizes the priests' complete surrender of their strength and capabilities to divine service, for God's purposes alone.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump":** This initial command specifies the selection of the most prized and valuable parts of the ram. The "fat" (cheleb) signifies the richest essence, while the "rump" ('alyâh) refers specifically to the large, fatty tail of certain sheep breeds, which was considered a delicacy and a highly valued portion, emphasizing the offering of the choicest and most substantial parts to God.
* **"and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul [above] the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them":** This detailed enumeration specifies the internal fatty organs. These deeply internal parts symbolize the offering of the innermost being, the core vitality, and the hidden aspects of life to God. The meticulousness of this list highlights God's demand for thoroughness and completeness in dedication, signifying that nothing is to be withheld from Him.
* **"and the right shoulder":** This prominent and strong part of the animal is included, representing the offering of strength, capability, and active service to God. Its inclusion in this specific offering for consecration underscores the total dedication of the priest's physical and functional capacity, signifying that their very strength is yielded to divine purposes.
* **"for it [is] a ram of consecration":** This concluding clause provides the divine rationale and profound significance for the specific and extensive selection of parts. It signifies that this is not a general offering but one uniquely tied to the sacred act of priestly ordination, demanding a complete and unparalleled offering of the very best to God. This phrase elevates the sacrifice from a mere ritual to a foundational act of setting apart for holy service.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 29:22 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message regarding divine worship and priestly consecration. **Detailed Enumeration** is prominently featured, with the verse meticulously listing each specific part of the ram to be offered. This precision underscores the absolute holiness of God and the non-negotiable exactitude required in approaching Him and in the consecration of His servants, leaving no room for ambiguity or human discretion in divine worship. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded, as each part of the animal carries significant theological meaning: the "fat" symbolizes the best and most valuable offered to God; the "internal organs" represent the innermost being and vitality; and the "right shoulder" signifies strength, power, and dedicated service. The act of offering these specific parts is a symbolic surrender of the priest's entire being to God. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Divine Command**, expressed through the imperative "thou shalt take," highlighting the authoritative nature of God's instructions and the foundational principle that all worship and service must be in strict obedience to His revealed will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:22 profoundly illustrates God's demand for holiness and complete dedication from those who serve Him. The meticulous selection of the "best" parts of the ram—the fat, the internal organs, and the right shoulder—reveals a theological principle that true consecration involves offering one's choicest and innermost being, along with one's strength and capabilities, entirely to God. This act of offering was not merely ritualistic but deeply symbolic of the priests' entire lives being set apart for divine service, emphasizing that God is worthy of nothing less than our absolute best. It also foreshadows the need for a perfect mediator and a perfect sacrifice, as the repeated nature of these Old Testament rituals pointed to their temporary and typological nature, awaiting a definitive fulfillment.

* [Leviticus 3:16-17](/leviticus/3-16-17 "Leviticus 3:16-17 - All Fat Belongs to the Lord"): "All the fat is the Lord's. It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood."
* [Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice"): "Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself."
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood"): "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 29:22, though rooted in an ancient sacrificial system, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. The meticulousness of God's instructions for the "ram of consecration" reminds us that God desires not just *some* of us, but our *entirety*—our "fat" (our best, our most valuable resources), our "inwards" (our innermost thoughts, desires, and affections), and our "right shoulder" (our strength, talents, and capabilities). As believers, we are called to be a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), consecrated not by animal blood, but by the blood of Christ. Our response to this divine consecration should be a life of complete dedication, offering ourselves as a "living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")). This involves intentional surrender of our will, time, finances, and abilities to God's purposes, striving for excellence and purity in all areas of our lives, recognizing that our service is a privileged response to His holiness and grace, enabling us to participate in His redemptive work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fat" or "best" parts of my life (time, talents, resources, affections) am I currently holding back from God, and how can I offer them more fully?**
* **How does the meticulousness of God's instructions for priestly consecration challenge my own approach to worship and service today, prompting me towards greater intentionality and reverence?**
* **In what practical ways can I live out my calling as a "royal priesthood" with greater intentionality and complete dedication to God's will, mirroring the unreserved offering of the ram of consecration?**

### FAQ
**Why were these specific parts of the ram chosen for the consecration offering?**

Answer: The selection of these specific parts was highly symbolic and divinely commanded. The fat (including the rump and internal fatty organs) was considered the richest, most valuable, and choicest part of the animal, consistently reserved for God in the sacrificial system, as highlighted in [Leviticus 3:16-17](/leviticus/3-16-17 "Leviticus 3:16-17 - All Fat Belongs to the Lord"). Offering the fat symbolized giving the "best" to God, representing the essence and vitality of the offering. The internal organs also represented the innermost being and core vitality. The right shoulder, a powerful and prominent part of the animal, symbolized strength and service. Its inclusion in this specific offering, rather than being given to the priest (as was common in other offerings), emphasized the complete dedication of the priest's strength and capabilities to God. Together, these parts signified a total, unreserved offering of the most valuable and essential aspects of the animal, mirroring the complete dedication required of the priests being consecrated for their holy office.

**What is the "rump" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: In the context of ancient Israelite sacrifices, the "rump" (Hebrew: *'alyah*) refers specifically to the large, fatty tail of certain sheep breeds common in the Near East. These fat-tailed sheep were highly valued, and their tails were considered a delicacy, rich in fat. Therefore, including the "rump" in the offering further emphasized the principle of giving the choicest and most prized parts of the animal to the Lord as part of the consecration ceremony. This detail underscores the comprehensive and unreserved nature of the offering required for priestly ordination.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The intricate details of the "ram of consecration" in [Exodus 29:22](/exodus/29-22 "Exodus 29:22 - The Ram of Consecration"), though seemingly obscure, serve as a profound type pointing to the ultimate consecration and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Levitical priests, consecrated through the blood of animals and the offering of their choicest parts, were imperfect and temporary mediators, needing to offer sacrifices repeatedly for their own sins and the sins of the people ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Jesus, however, is our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who consecrated Himself not with animal blood, but with His own perfect blood, entering the true heavenly sanctuary once and for all ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Own Blood")). He offered His entire being—His "fat" (the absolute best of His sinless life, His perfect obedience), His "inwards" (His innermost will perfectly aligned with the Father), and His "right shoulder" (His divine strength and unwavering commitment)—as the ultimate, complete, and fragrant sacrifice to God ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). Through His one perfect offering, Christ fulfilled the essence of all the Old Testament sacrifices, including the ram of consecration. He "filled His hands" not with animal portions, but with the power to redeem and intercede eternally for His people. By His sacrifice, He has consecrated us, making us a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), enabling us to draw near to God with full assurance, no longer needing animal sacrifices, but offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and good works ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). The temporary shadow of the ram of consecration finds its eternal substance and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of 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

Exodus 29:13

And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul [that is] above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them, and burn [them] upon the altar.

Leviticus 7:32

And the right shoulder shall ye give unto the priest [for] an heave offering of the sacrifices of your peace offerings.

Leviticus 7:33

He among the sons of Aaron, that offereth the blood of the peace offerings, and the fat, shall have the right shoulder for [his] part.

Leviticus 9:19

And the fat of the bullock and of the ram, the rump, and that which covereth [the inwards], and the kidneys, and the caul [above] the liver:

Leviticus 9:21

And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved [for] a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded.

Numbers 18:18

And the flesh of them shall be thine, as the wave breast and as the right shoulder are thine.

Leviticus 10:14

And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for [they be] thy due, and thy sons' due, [which] are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.