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 details a crucial step in the ordination of Aaron and his sons, instructing Moses to take the breast of the consecrated ram and perform a "wave offering" before the LORD. This ritual act was a profound symbol of the offering's presentation to God, signifying divine acceptance and the establishment of a sacred portion for Moses, the officiating priest. It underscores the meticulous divine blueprint for priestly service, highlighting God's sovereignty over all offerings and His gracious provision for those consecrated to His service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 29 is entirely dedicated to the elaborate and divinely prescribed 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), establishing that the holy dwelling place of God necessitates holy, consecrated servants. The specific "ram of consecration" mentioned in this verse is one of three sacrifices prescribed for the ordination, following a bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, as detailed earlier in the chapter. Verses 22-25 specifically describe the anointing of Aaron and his sons with blood from this very ram, applied to their right earlobe, thumb, and big toe, symbolizing their complete dedication and sanctification. Verse 26, therefore, focuses on a particular portion of this consecrated ram – the breast – and a specific 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 precise sequence underscores the step-by-step, divinely ordered nature of the priestly induction, emphasizing that every detail of their service and provision was ordained by God.
* **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 throughout [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 (compare [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 in the establishment of the Levitical priesthood.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. The theme of **Holiness and Consecration** is paramount, as the entire chapter focuses on setting apart Aaron and his sons for sacred service, emphasizing that God demands purity and separation for those who approach Him. The ritual of the wave offering, and the ram itself, are integral to this process. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Provision** is evident, as God meticulously outlines how His priests will be sustained through specific portions of the offerings, ensuring their livelihood as they dedicate themselves fully to His service. This is a recurring principle for the Levitical priesthood (see [Numbers 18](/numbers/18 "Numbers 18 - Priestly Dues")). Thirdly, the theme of **Mediatorial Authority** is highlighted through Moses' role. As God's chosen prophet and leader, Moses performs this sacred act, demonstrating the divine delegation of authority necessary for establishing the covenant relationship and its institutions. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Order and Precision in Worship**, underscoring that God's worship is not arbitrary but must adhere to His exact specifications, reflecting His perfect character and sovereignty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Breast (Hebrew, _châzeh'_):** From the root _châzâh_ (to see), referring to the most prominent part of the animal, the breast. In sacrificial contexts, it was a significant portion, often designated for the priests. Its selection for the wave offering emphasizes a vital, visible part of the animal being presented to God, symbolizing the dedication of the animal's strength and life.
* **Consecration (Hebrew, _milluʼ'_):** Derived from _mâlêʼ_ (to fill), this term literally means "a fulfilling" 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.
* **Wave (Hebrew, _nûwph'_):** A primitive root meaning "to quiver," "vibrate up and down," or "rock to and fro." This verb describes the specific ritual motion of the offering, which 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.
* **Part (Hebrew, _mânâh'_):** From the root _mânâh_ (to weigh out, to count), signifying 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 and indispensable role as the divinely appointed mediator and officiant in the foundational ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons. The "breast" (Hebrew: _châzeh_) was a prominent and significant portion, often associated with the vitality or heart of the animal, and was frequently designated as a priestly share in various offerings, signifying a portion of life and strength.
* **"of the ram of Aaron's consecration":** This clause precisely identifies the specific 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, sacred, and unrepeatable nature of this specific sacrifice within the broader sacrificial system. It was not a general offering but one specifically set apart for the inauguration of the priesthood.
* **"and wave it [for] a wave offering before the LORD":** This describes the precise ritual action Moses is commanded to perform. He is to execute the _tenuphâh_, presenting the breast in a specific, symbolic motion "before the LORD," meaning in the sacred space of the Tabernacle, acknowledging God's immediate presence and supreme authority. This act signifies the offering's complete dedication, its presentation for divine inspection and acceptance, and the transfer of its sacred status.
* **"and it shall be thy part":** This final clause designates the outcome of the wave offering for Moses. After being presented to the LORD and symbolically accepted by Him, the breast is returned to Moses as his divinely appointed portion. This not only provided sustenance for Moses but also served as a tangible sign of God's acceptance of the offering and His gracious provision for His servant who faithfully carried out His commands, establishing a pattern for priestly sustenance.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 29:26 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning. **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 elaborate 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 foundational principles of holiness, divine order, and gracious provision.

### 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, 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, establishing a pattern of divine economy and faithfulness.

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

### 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 precious blood of Christ. The meticulous nature of the wave offering challenges us to consider the intentionality, wholeheartedness, and reverence of our own worship and service to God. Are we presenting our lives, talents, and resources to God with the same dedication and precision, understanding that our service is an act of worship? 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 profound gratitude and unwavering trust in His ongoing provision for us as we faithfully serve Him in our respective callings, knowing that He sustains those who are consecrated to 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 to God?**
* **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 (compare [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice"))?**
* **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, knowing He will sustain me?**

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

Answer: The breast (Hebrew: _châzeh_) was a significant and prominent portion of the animal, often associated with the vitality, strength, 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 the priests being consecrated, 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 (compare [Leviticus 7:30-31](/leviticus/7-30-31 "Leviticus 7:30-31 - 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 and foundational 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, establishing the very institution of the priesthood. Second, it established a precedent for the system of priestly portions, where specific parts of sacrifices were designated for the sustenance of the priests (see [Numbers 18:8-19](/numbers/18-8-19 "Numbers 18:8-19 - 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, a tangible sign of divine approval and provision for his obedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 29:26, with its focus on the "ram of Aaron's consecration" and the "wave offering," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true "Ram of Consecration," the perfect Lamb of God (as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), whose perfect, once-for-all sacrifice consecrates us, making us holy and acceptable to God (as taught in [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified by Christ's Sacrifice")). 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 and obedience to the Father (as seen in [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Purifies")). His entire life, culminating in His death and resurrection, was a complete "wave offering" before the LORD, signifying His absolute surrender and obedience, and culminating in His resurrection as God's divine acceptance of His perfect offering. Through His sacrifice, we, who were once far off, are brought near and made a "royal priesthood" (as declared in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), empowered to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service (as encouraged in [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")). Moreover, just as the breast became Moses' "part," so too does the redeemed humanity, the Church, become Christ's "part"—His inheritance (as described in [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")), His beloved bride (as beautifully portrayed in [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church")), purchased by His own precious blood (as affirmed in [Acts 20:28](/acts/20-28 "Acts 20:28 - Purchased with His Own Blood")). He is both the perfect sacrifice and the eternal High Priest who ever lives to intercede for us (as confirmed in [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")), ensuring our ongoing consecration and perpetual 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.

Cross-References

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.

Leviticus 7:31

And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'.

Psalms 99:6

¶ Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.

Leviticus 7:34

For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons by a statute for ever from among the children of Israel.