Exodus 29:26

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt take {H3947} the breast {H2373} of the ram {H352} of Aaron's {H175} consecration {H4394}, and wave {H5130} it for a wave offering {H8573} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}: and it shall be thy part {H4490}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Take the breast of the ram for Aharon's consecration, and wave it as a wave offering before ADONAI; it will be your share.

Berean Standard Bible

Take the breast of the ram of Aaron’s ordination and wave it before the LORD as a wave offering, and it will be your portion.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt take the breast of Aaron’s ram of consecration, and wave it for a wave-offering before Jehovah: and it shall be thy portion.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:26 describes a pivotal moment in the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests: Moses is instructed to take the breast portion of the ram designated for Aaron's consecration and perform a "wave offering" before the LORD. This ritual act symbolized the offering's presentation to God and its subsequent return, signifying divine acceptance and the establishment of a sacred portion for Moses, the officiating priest, underscoring the meticulous nature of God's commands for priestly service and provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 29 is entirely dedicated to the elaborate and precise ceremony for the ordination of Aaron and his sons, marking their official induction into sacred service before the LORD. This chapter follows the detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 25-28), emphasizing that the holy place requires holy servants. The specific "ram of consecration" mentioned in [Exodus 29:22](/exodus/29-22 "Exodus 29:22 - The Ram of Consecration") is one of three sacrifices prescribed for the ordination, following a bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. Verses 22-25 detail the anointing of Aaron and his sons with blood from this ram, applied to their right earlobe, thumb, and big toe, symbolizing their complete dedication and sanctification. Verse 26, therefore, focuses on a specific part of this consecrated ram – the breast – and a particular ritual action, the "wave offering," which immediately precedes the boiling and eating of the remaining portions by Aaron and his sons (Exodus 29:31-34). This sequence underscores the step-by-step, divinely ordered nature of the priestly induction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the priesthood was not merely a ceremonial role but a foundational institution for the nation's covenant relationship with Yahweh. Priests served as mediators between God and humanity, offering sacrifices, teaching the Law, and discerning God's will. The meticulous instructions for their ordination, as detailed in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests"), highlight the immense sanctity and seriousness of this office. The "wave offering" (Hebrew: _tenuphah_) was a distinct ritual act, often involving a back-and-forth or up-and-down motion, symbolizing the offering being presented to God and then, in essence, received back from Him as a gift or a designated portion. This act visually represented God's ownership of all things and His subsequent provision for His consecrated servants. The concept of priestly portions, where specific parts of offerings were allocated to the priests, was a crucial aspect of their sustenance, as they had no tribal land inheritance (cf. [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Priests' Inheritance")). Moses' reception of the breast in this instance signifies his unique role as the divinely appointed officiant for this singular ordination ceremony, acting on God's behalf.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wave Offering (Hebrew, _tenuphah'_):** Derived from the verb _nuph_ (נוּף), meaning "to wave, to sway, to swing." This term describes a specific ritual action where the offering was moved back and forth, or sometimes up and down, before the altar or the LORD. Theologically, it symbolized the presentation of the offering to God, acknowledging His ownership and sovereignty over it, and then, in many cases, its return by God to the priest as a designated portion. It was an act of dedication and a recognition of divine acceptance and provision.
* **Consecration (Hebrew, _millu'im'_):** This term literally means "fillings" or "filling of the hands." It refers to the symbolic act of filling the priest's hands with portions of the sacrifice during the ordination ceremony, signifying their empowerment, authorization, and commissioning for sacred service. It marked their official induction into the priestly office, equipping them for their duties.
* **Thy Part (Hebrew, _cheleq'_):** This word signifies a "portion," "share," or "allotment." In this context, it designates the specific part of the offering that was divinely appointed for Moses, the officiating priest. It underscores God's meticulous provision for those who serve Him, establishing a precedent for the priestly portions that would sustain the Levitical priesthood throughout Israel's history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt take the breast":** This directive is given by God to Moses, highlighting Moses' unique role as the mediator and officiant in the ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons. The "breast" (Hebrew: _chazeh_) was a significant portion, often associated with the vitality or heart of the animal, and was frequently designated as a priestly share in various offerings.
* **"of the ram of Aaron's consecration":** This specifies the particular animal from which the breast is to be taken. This ram was dedicated solely for the purpose of ordaining Aaron and his sons, emphasizing the unique and sacred nature of this specific sacrifice within the broader sacrificial system.
* **"and wave it [for] a wave offering before the LORD":** This describes the ritual action. Moses is to perform the _tenuphah_, presenting the breast in a specific, symbolic motion "before the LORD," meaning in the sacred space of the Tabernacle, acknowledging God's presence and authority. This act signifies the offering's dedication and acceptance by God.
* **"and it shall be thy part":** This final clause designates the outcome of the wave offering for Moses. After being presented to the LORD, the breast is returned to Moses as his divinely appointed portion. This not only provided sustenance but also served as a tangible sign of God's acceptance of the offering and His provision for His servant.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Ritual Language** is paramount, characterized by precise, prescriptive commands ("thou shalt take," "wave it") that leave no room for deviation, emphasizing the divine authority behind the instructions and the meticulous nature of the Tabernacle worship. The use of **Symbolism** is also central: the "breast" itself, often associated with the heart or strength, represents a vital part of the offering, while the act of "waving" (**Tenuphah**) is a powerful visual symbol of offering something wholly to God and then receiving it back as a consecrated portion, signifying divine acceptance and provision. Furthermore, the phrase "ram of Aaron's consecration" uses **Metonymy**, where the ram stands for the entire ordination process and its associated sacrifices. The entire passage is permeated with **Didacticism**, serving to instruct Moses (and by extension, Israel) on the proper procedures for sacred service and the principles of holiness and divine order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:26 profoundly illustrates the themes of consecration, divine provision, and the nature of acceptable worship. The meticulous instructions for the wave offering underscore God's demand for holiness and order in approaching Him, emphasizing that those who serve Him must be set apart and empowered by His specific command. The act of waving the offering symbolizes a complete dedication to the LORD, acknowledging His ultimate ownership, while its return as a "part" for Moses signifies God's gracious provision for His servants. This ritual foreshadows the broader system of priestly portions (cf. [Numbers 18:11](/numbers/18-11 "Priestly Portions")), ensuring the sustenance of those dedicated to full-time service in the Tabernacle. Ultimately, this verse points to the principle that all true service and worship originate from God, are performed for God, and are sustained by God.

* [Leviticus 8:29](/leviticus/8-29 "Moses' Portion of the Consecration Ram")
* [Numbers 18:11](/numbers/18-11 "Priestly Portions")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Priests' Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific rituals of the Old Testament priesthood are no longer performed, Exodus 29:26 offers timeless principles for believers today. As New Testament believers, we are called a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), consecrated not by animal sacrifice but by the blood of Christ. The meticulous nature of the wave offering challenges us to consider the intentionality and wholeheartedness of our own worship and service. Are we presenting our lives, talents, and resources to God with the same reverence and dedication? The concept of the offering being presented to God and then returned as a "part" reminds us that everything we have comes from Him, and our "offering" is simply returning a portion of what is already His. This should foster a spirit of gratitude and trust in His ongoing provision for us as we faithfully serve Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of the wave offering challenge my approach to worship and service, prompting me to consider areas where I might offer less than my whole self?**
* **In what practical ways can I present myself as a "living sacrifice" today, acknowledging God's ownership of all I have and dedicating it to His purposes (Romans 12:1)?**
* **How does understanding God's specific provision for the priests encourage my trust in His faithful care for me as I serve Him in my own calling?**

### FAQ
**Why was the breast specifically chosen for the wave offering in this context?**

Answer: The breast (Hebrew: _chazeh_) was a significant portion of the animal, often associated with the vitality or "heart" of the sacrifice. In the context of offerings, it was frequently designated as a priestly portion, symbolizing the priest's right to partake in the offerings presented to God. For the ram of consecration, the breast's selection for the wave offering emphasized the complete dedication of the animal, and by extension, the priests, to the LORD. Its subsequent return to Moses, the officiating priest, underscored the divine acceptance of the offering and God's provision for His servants (cf. [Leviticus 7:30-31](/leviticus/7-30 "The Wave Breast and Heave Thigh")).

**What was the significance of Moses receiving this portion as "his part"?**

Answer: Moses receiving this portion was highly significant for several reasons. First, it highlighted his unique role as the divinely appointed mediator and officiant for this singular, foundational ordination ceremony. He was acting on God's behalf to consecrate Aaron and his sons. Second, it established a precedent for the system of priestly portions, where specific parts of sacrifices were designated for the sustenance of the priests (cf. [Numbers 18:8-19](/numbers/18-8 "Priests' Inheritance from Offerings")). Since the priests had no tribal land inheritance, God directly provided for them through the offerings, underscoring His faithfulness to those who serve Him. In this specific instance, it was Moses' "part" as the one performing the sacred ritual of induction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 29:26, with its focus on the "ram of consecration" and the "wave offering," finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true "Ram of Consecration," whose perfect, once-for-all sacrifice consecrates us, making us holy and acceptable to God (Hebrews 10:10). Just as the breast of the ram was presented as a wave offering, Jesus offered His very body as the ultimate, living sacrifice, a perfect act of dedication to the Father (Hebrews 9:14). His entire life and death were a complete "wave offering" before the LORD, signifying His absolute surrender and obedience, culminating in His resurrection as God's acceptance of His offering. Through His sacrifice, we, who were once far off, are brought near and made a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), empowered to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service (Hebrews 13:15). Moreover, just as the breast became Moses' "part," so too does the redeemed humanity, the Church, become Christ's "part"—His inheritance (Ephesians 1:11), His bride (Ephesians 5:25-27), purchased by His own blood (Acts 20:28). He is both the perfect sacrifice and the High Priest who ever lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25), ensuring our ongoing consecration and access to 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.