Exodus 29:24

KJV

And thou shalt put all in the hands of Aaron, and in the hands of his sons; and shalt wave them [for] a wave offering before the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt put {H7760} all in the hands {H3709} of Aaron {H175}, and in the hands {H3709} of his sons {H1121}; and shalt wave {H5130} them for a wave offering {H8573} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and put it all in the hands of Aharon and his sons. They are to wave them as a wave offering in the presence of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons and wave them before the LORD as a wave offering.

American Standard Version

and thou shalt put the whole upon the hands of Aaron, and upon the hands of his sons, and shalt wave them for a wave-offering before Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:24 meticulously details a crucial step in the ordination of Aaron and his sons into the Levitical priesthood: the performance of the "wave offering." This ritual act involved Moses placing specific portions of the consecration sacrifice—the fat, the right thigh, the breast, and various unleavened breads—into the hands of the newly appointed priests, who then, guided by Moses, performed a ceremonial waving motion before the altar. This dynamic presentation served as a tangible declaration of dedication and transfer of ownership to the Lord, signifying divine acceptance of the priests and their offerings, thereby establishing their authorized mediation between God and Israel and underscoring the sacredness and precision required for approaching a holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus chapter 29 forms the divine blueprint for the consecration of Aaron and his sons, marking the foundational establishment of Israel's cultic worship and the formalization of the Mosaic covenant. The preceding verses, particularly [Exodus 29:1-9](/exodus/29-1-9 "Exodus 29:1-9 - Ordination of Aaron and Sons"), outline the elaborate preparations, including their investiture with sacred garments and anointing with oil, signifying their separation and empowerment for holy service. Immediately prior to this verse, [Exodus 29:22-23](/exodus/29-22-23 "Exodus 29:22-23 - Parts of the Consecration Ram") specifies the exact portions of the ram of consecration and the unleavened breads to be placed into the priests' hands, setting the stage for the physical act of the wave offering described in [Exodus 29:24](/exodus/29-24 "Exodus 29:24 - The Wave Offering"). The entire chapter, from the initial instructions to the subsequent sin and burnt offerings and the daily burnt offering in [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering"), underscores the profound solemnity, divine initiation, and precise obedience required for those who would mediate between a holy God and His people, culminating in God's promise to dwell among them in [Exodus 29:43-46](/exodus/29-43-46 "Exodus 29:43-46 - God's Presence Among Israel").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, priesthoods were common, often serving as intermediaries between deities and humanity, performing rituals to maintain cosmic order and secure divine favor. However, Israel's priesthood, as established in Exodus, stood apart. It was uniquely divinely appointed by Yahweh Himself, meticulously regulated, and founded upon a covenant relationship, distinguishing it sharply from pagan practices. The consecration ceremony, culminating in acts like the wave offering, was critical for establishing the legitimacy, sanctity, and authority of the Levitical priests. This emphasis on ritual purity and precise adherence to divine command was paramount for approaching God, who was understood to dwell among His people in the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle served as a sacred space where the divine and human realms intersected, demanding absolute holiness from those who ministered within it. While some parallels to "waving" or "presenting" offerings exist in broader ancient ritual, the Israelite wave offering was specifically imbued with theological meaning within the framework of the Mosaic covenant, symbolizing a unique act of dedication, divine acceptance, and the transfer of sacred responsibility within God's chosen people.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 29:24 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. The most prominent is the theme of **Divine Appointment and Consecration**, highlighting that the priesthood is not a human invention but a divine institution, set apart for holy service. This verse emphasizes the **Holiness of God** and the corresponding requirement for **Human Purity and Obedience** in approaching Him, a theme reiterated throughout the laws given at Sinai. The act of the wave offering itself underscores the theme of **Sacrifice and Atonement**, as the offerings are presented to secure God's favor and to atone for sin, even in the context of priestly ordination. Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of **Mediation**, as Aaron and his sons are established as the designated intermediaries between God and the people. Finally, the ritual's precise nature reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Meticulous Command**, demonstrating that God dictates the terms of worship and relationship, ensuring that all acts are performed "before the LORD" as prescribed, as seen throughout [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Put (Hebrew, _sûwm'_):** From H7760, this verb signifies "to put, place, set, or appoint." In this context, it denotes Moses' authoritative act of placing the designated portions of the sacrifice into the hands of Aaron and his sons. This act is not merely a physical transfer but a ceremonial conferral of responsibility and authority, formally initiating them into their priestly duties and empowering them to handle sacred offerings. It underscores the divine mandate behind their actions.
* **Hands (Hebrew, _kaph'_):** From H3709, meaning "the hollow hand or palm," this term is used figuratively to represent power, authority, and agency. The placement of the offering "in the hands of Aaron, and in the hands of his sons" is profoundly symbolic. It visually confers upon them the unique authority and responsibility to act as priests, making them the divinely designated agents through whom the offering is presented to God. This physical act of empowerment is central to their commissioning.
* **Wave (Hebrew, _nûwph'_):** From H5130, this primitive root means "to quiver, vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro." It describes the specific physical action of the wave offering, a dynamic movement performed before the altar. This action signifies a presentation to God, acknowledging His ownership and sovereignty over the offering. The movement often implied a transfer of ownership or dedication to the divine, followed by a potential return of a portion for the priests' sustenance, symbolizing God's acceptance and provision.
* **Wave offering (Hebrew, _tᵉnûwphâh'_):** From H8573, derived from the verb _nûwph_, this noun specifically denotes the offering that is "waved." It represents a distinct category of sacrifice, characterized by its unique ceremonial movement. The _tᵉnûwphâh_ was a public, physical declaration of dedication, signifying that the offering was wholly presented to the Lord, often with the understanding that a portion would then be returned to the priests as their divinely appointed share, symbolizing God's acceptance and provision for His servants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt put all in the hands of Aaron, and in the hands of his sons":** This initial clause directs Moses, as God's appointed agent, to place the specified portions of the ram of consecration—the fat, the right thigh, the breast, and the various unleavened breads and cakes (as detailed in [Exodus 29:22-23](/exodus/29-22-23 "Exodus 29:22-23 - Parts of the Consecration Ram"))—directly into the hands of Aaron and his sons. This act is crucial for their ordination, signifying their active participation and the formal transfer of sacred responsibility to them. It underscores that they are the divinely appointed conduits for these offerings, empowered to handle the holy.
* **"and shalt wave them":** This is the core instruction for the ritual performance. Moses is to guide Aaron and his sons in the physical act of "waving" these items. This motion, typically a back-and-forth or up-and-down movement, was not merely symbolic but a concrete, kinetic performance of dedication. It was a visual and dynamic prayer, actively presenting the offering to God, acknowledging His supreme authority, ownership, and the priests' complete surrender to His will in their service.
* **"[for] a wave offering before the LORD":** This concluding phrase clarifies the precise purpose and the divine recipient of the ritual. The waving is specifically designated as a "wave offering" (_tᵉnûwphâh_), a distinct type of sacrifice intended for Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes the divine audience and the sacred nature of the act, indicating that the offering is presented directly into God's presence, seeking His acceptance and favor for the newly consecrated priests and for the establishment of their legitimate ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 29:24 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its meaning and underscore the gravity of the priestly ordination. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "hands" representing the transfer of authority, responsibility, and agency to the priests, making them active, empowered participants in the sacred ritual. The "wave offering" itself is a powerful **symbol** of dedication, presentation, and divine acceptance, a tangible and kinetic act that communicates profound spiritual truths about God's ownership and His gracious reception of offerings. The **prescriptive language** and imperative commands ("thou shalt put," "shalt wave") throughout [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons") highlight the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of these instructions, emphasizing God's absolute authority in establishing the priesthood and its rituals. Furthermore, the **repetitive structure** of "in the hands of Aaron, and in the hands of his sons" underscores the dual and shared nature of the priestly office, extending the divine mandate and sacred responsibility to both the high priest and his successors, ensuring continuity in Israel's worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:24 is deeply significant for understanding the theology of priesthood, sacrifice, and divine-human interaction under the Old Covenant. It highlights the divine initiation and authorization of the priesthood, emphasizing that only those divinely chosen and consecrated could legitimately mediate between God and Israel. The wave offering itself underscores the principle of sacred ritual and ordered worship, demonstrating that approaching a holy God required precise obedience, a tangible act of dedication, and a recognition of His ultimate ownership. This ritual also speaks to divine ownership and gracious provision; while the offering was wholly presented to the Lord, portions were often returned to the priests for their sustenance, symbolizing that all things ultimately belong to God, and He graciously provides for those who serve Him faithfully within the parameters of His covenant. This act of presentation and acceptance foreshadows the greater reality of Christ's perfect offering and God's acceptance of it.

* [Leviticus 7:30](/leviticus/7-30 "Leviticus 7:30 - The Law of the Wave Offering")
* [Leviticus 8:29](/leviticus/8-29 "Leviticus 8:29 - Moses Waves the Offering")
* [Numbers 8:11](/numbers/8-11 "Numbers 8:11 - Levites Presented as a Wave Offering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous instructions for the wave offering in Exodus 29:24, though part of an ancient ritual, offer profound insights into the nature of worship, dedication, and our relationship with God that remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse reminds us that true worship is not casual or spontaneous but intentional, requiring careful preparation and a conscious act of presenting our lives and gifts to God with reverence and humility. Just as the priests were consecrated and set apart through specific rituals, believers are called to a life of holiness, recognizing that our service and offerings to God should reflect our very best, not merely what is convenient or leftover. As members of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), we are called to actively and deliberately present our entire lives—our bodies, talents, resources, and time—as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")). This ancient ritual encourages us to consider the intentionality and dedication with which we approach our spiritual duties, ensuring that our acts of worship, service, and giving are truly "waved" before the Lord, signifying our complete surrender and trust in His divine acceptance and provision, not for earning favor, but in grateful response to His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision and intentionality required for the wave offering challenge my own approach to worship and service in daily life, prompting me to be more deliberate in my devotion?**
* **In what practical ways can I, as a New Testament believer, "wave" my gifts, talents, and resources before the Lord as an act of complete dedication and trust, recognizing His ownership over all I possess?**
* **What does the concept of divine acceptance, symbolized by the wave offering, mean for my assurance and confidence in Christ today, knowing that through Him, my offerings are always acceptable?**

### FAQ
**What was the difference between a wave offering and a heave offering?**

Answer: While both were categories of offerings presented to the Lord, they involved distinct physical actions and often had different dispositions. The **wave offering** (_tᵉnûwphâh_) involved a horizontal, back-and-forth motion, symbolizing the presentation of the offering to God and His acceptance. Portions of the wave offering, such as the breast of the peace offering ([Leviticus 7:30](/leviticus/7-30 "Leviticus 7:30 - The Law of the Wave Offering")), were typically given to the priests for their sustenance, symbolizing God's provision. The **heave offering** (_tᵉrûmâh_), on the other hand, involved a vertical, upward motion, symbolizing the lifting up or setting apart of a portion for God. Examples include the right thigh of the peace offering, which was a heave offering for the priests ([Leviticus 7:32](/leviticus/7-32 "Leviticus 7:32 - The Priest's Share of the Heave Offering")), and the firstfruits, which were also heave offerings ([Numbers 15:19-20](/numbers/15-19-20 "Numbers 15:19-20 - The Heave Offering of Bread")). Both rituals emphasized dedication to God and the sacred nature of the offering, but their specific movements and dispositions varied according to divine instruction.

**Why was it necessary for Aaron and his sons to perform this specific ritual?**

Answer: The wave offering for Aaron and his sons was a critical component of their ordination ceremony, as detailed in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"). It served several vital purposes: it formally transferred the sacred responsibility of handling offerings to them, signifying their divine appointment and consecration. By physically performing the act, they acknowledged God's ownership of the sacrifice and dedicated themselves to His service. This ritual also symbolized God's acceptance of them as His chosen priests, thereby legitimizing their mediatorial role between God and the people of Israel. It was a public and tangible demonstration of their being set apart for holy service, ensuring that their ministry was divinely authorized and accepted.

**Did the wave offering always go to the priests?**

Answer: Not always. While specific portions of certain wave offerings, such as the breast of the peace offering ([Leviticus 7:30-31](/leviticus/7-30-31 "Leviticus 7:30-31 - The Priest's Share of the Peace Offering")), were designated for the priests as their sustenance, the primary purpose of the wave offering was the symbolic presentation to the Lord. In some cases, the entire offering might be consumed on the altar, or its disposition could vary based on the specific type of sacrifice. For instance, the wave offering of the sheaf of firstfruits ([Leviticus 23:11](/leviticus/23-11 "Leviticus 23:11 - The Wave Sheaf Offering")) was an act of dedication to God, with the produce then available for consumption by the people. The disposition of the wave offering depended on the specific instructions given for each type of sacrifice, always emphasizing its initial presentation to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The wave offering of Exodus 29:24, a pivotal act in the consecration of the Levitical priesthood, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The ritual of placing the offering into the hands of the priests and waving it before the Lord foreshadows Christ's complete and willing self-offering. Unlike Aaron and his sons, who continually offered sacrifices for themselves and the people, Jesus, our great High Priest, offered Himself "once for all" ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")), a perfect and sufficient sacrifice. His body, broken and presented on the cross, was the ultimate "wave offering" to God, signifying His total dedication and God's complete acceptance of His sacrifice for the sins of humanity. The very act of God raising Jesus from the dead can be seen as the divine "receiving back" of the offering, signifying its full acceptance and the establishment of a new covenant ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus Raised for Our Justification")). Through Christ, believers are now invited to draw near to God directly, not through human mediation or repeated rituals, but by the "new and living way" He consecrated for us through His flesh ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Our Access to God Through Christ")). His perfect, once-for-all offering renders the shadows of the Levitical system obsolete, inviting us to present our lives as living sacrifices in response to His perfect work ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")), a spiritual "wave offering" of praise and service acceptable through Him.

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

Leviticus 7:30

His own hands shall bring the offerings of the LORD made by fire, the fat with the breast, it shall he bring, that the breast may be waved [for] a wave offering before the LORD.

Leviticus 8:27

And he put all upon Aaron's hands, and upon his sons' hands, and waved them [for] a wave offering before the LORD.

Leviticus 9:21

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

Exodus 29:26

And thou shalt take the breast of the ram of Aaron's consecration, and wave it [for] a wave offering before the LORD: and it shall be thy part.

Exodus 29:27

And thou shalt sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the shoulder of the heave offering, which is waved, and which is heaved up, of the ram of the consecration, [even] of [that] which [is] for Aaron, and of [that] which is for his sons:

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.