Exodus 29:23

And one loaf of bread, and one cake of oiled bread, and one wafer out of the basket of the unleavened bread that [is] before the LORD:

And one {H259} loaf {H3603} of bread {H3899}, and one {H259} cake {H2471} of oiled {H8081} bread, and one {H259} wafer {H7550} out of the basket {H5536} of the unleavened bread {H4682} that is before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}:

along with one loaf of bread, one cake of oiled bread and one wafer from the basket of matzah which is before ADONAI -

along with one loaf of bread, one cake of bread made with oil, and one wafer from the basket of unleavened bread that is before the LORD.

and one loaf of bread, and one cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, out of the basket of unleavened bread that is before Jehovah:

Commentary

Exodus 29:23 is a specific instruction regarding the offerings to be presented during the ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood. It details three distinct types of bread to be taken from a basket of unleavened bread, symbolizing purity and dedication before the Lord.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed set of divine instructions for the consecration of the Aaronic priesthood, found in Exodus chapter 29. This elaborate ritual was essential for establishing the legitimate mediators between God and the nation of Israel. The various offerings, including these breads, along with the anointing oil and the blood of sacrifices, underscored the gravity and holiness of the priestly office. This ceremony immediately follows the detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where these priests would serve.

Key Themes

  • Consecration and Holiness: The meticulous instructions for the offerings highlight the sacredness of the priestly office and the need for purity in approaching God. The unleavened bread specifically points to freedom from corruption or sin, a prerequisite for those who serve in God's presence.
  • Divine Specification: God's precise commands regarding the types and quantities of bread emphasize His sovereignty and the importance of obedience in worship. Every detail mattered in the Old Testament sacrificial system.
  • Provision and Sustenance: The bread offerings also symbolize God's provision for His servants and the sustenance required for their sacred duties.

Linguistic Insights

The verse mentions three forms of bread: "loaf of bread," "cake of oiled bread," and "wafer."

  • The "loaf of bread" (ื—ึทืœึผึธื”, hallah) was a standard cake.
  • The "cake of oiled bread" (ื—ึทืœึผึทืช ืžึทืฆึผึธื” ื‘ึผึฐืœื•ึผืœึธื” ื‘ึทืฉึผืึถืžึถืŸ, hallat matzah belulah bashemen, though the KJV simplifies it to "oiled bread") implies unleavened bread mixed with oil. Oil (ืฉึผืึถืžึถืŸ, shemen) often symbolizes the Holy Spirit or anointing, signifying divine empowerment for service.
  • The "wafer" (ืจึธืงึดื™ืง, raqiq) was a very thin, flat cake, likely baked crisp. All these were taken from the basket of "unleavened bread" (ืžึทืฆึผื•ึนืช, matzot), which was crucial for its symbolism of purity and readiness, similar to its use in the Passover meal.

Practical Application

While we no longer operate under the Levitical priesthood and sacrificial system, this verse offers timeless principles:

  • Reverence in Worship: God still calls for intentionality and reverence in how we approach Him. Our "offerings" today, whether praise, service, or financial giving, should be presented with a heart of purity and obedience.
  • Purity in Service: For believers who are called to be a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), the emphasis on unleavened bread reminds us to serve with integrity, free from malice and wickedness (1 Corinthians 5:8).
  • Christ, Our High Priest: These Old Testament rituals ultimately foreshadow Christ, who is our perfect High Priest and the ultimate, spotless sacrifice (Hebrews 4:14). His offering was complete and pure, fulfilling all the requirements of the Law.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 29:2

    And unleavened bread, and cakes unleavened tempered with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil: [of] wheaten flour shalt thou make them.

  • 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 8:26

    And out of the basket of unleavened bread, that [was] before the LORD, he took one unleavened cake, and a cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, and put [them] on the fat, and upon the right shoulder:
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