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:

And thou shalt sanctify {H6942} the breast {H2373} of the wave offering {H8573}, and the shoulder {H7785} of the heave offering {H8641}, which is waved {H5130}, and which is heaved up {H7311}, of the ram {H352} of the consecration {H4394}, even of that which {H834} is for Aaron {H175}, and of that which is for his sons {H1121}:

Consecrate the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of any contribution that has been waved and raised up, whether from the ram of consecration, or from anything else meant for Aharon or his sons;

Consecrate for Aaron and his sons the breast of the wave offering that is waved and the thigh of the heave offering that is lifted up from the ram of ordination.

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

Commentary

Exodus 29:27 continues the detailed instructions for the ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood. This verse specifies the handling of particular portions of the ram of consecration, highlighting their significance in the ritual of setting apart the priests for divine service.

Context

This verse is embedded within Exodus chapter 29, which meticulously outlines the seven-day ceremony for consecrating Aaron and his sons. The entire chapter emphasizes the sacredness and divine origin of the Levitical priesthood. The offerings described—sin offering, burnt offering, and the ram of consecration (a peace offering)—were crucial steps in purifying, dedicating, and providing for the newly appointed priests. The "wave offering" and "heave offering" were specific ritual actions signifying dedication and provision, respectively, establishing the framework for their priestly duties in the Tabernacle.

Key Themes

  • Sanctification and Consecration: The primary theme is the setting apart of Aaron and his sons for holy service. The act of "sanctifying" these portions means they were made holy and designated exclusively for God's use and for the priests who served Him.
  • Priestly Provision: The breast of the wave offering and the shoulder of the heave offering were given to the priests as their rightful sustenance. This demonstrates God's commitment to provide for those who are dedicated to His work, establishing a system where the priests lived by the offerings of the people. Numbers 18:11-19 further elaborates on the portions designated for the priests.
  • Symbolism of Offerings: The wave offering (breast) involved a back-and-forth motion, symbolizing presentation before the Lord and then being returned to the priest, acknowledging God's ownership and gracious giving. The heave offering (shoulder) was lifted up, signifying a portion lifted directly to God as an act of dedication and worship. These specific parts of the ram were chosen for their symbolic value and as significant food portions for the priests.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew verb for "sanctify" is qadash (קָדַשׁ), meaning "to make holy," "to set apart," or "to dedicate." It implies a separation from common use and a devotion to sacred purposes.
  • The "wave offering" is tenuphah (תְּנוּפָה), derived from the root nuph, meaning "to wave" or "to sway." This refers to the ritual motion performed with the offering, presenting it before the Lord.
  • The "heave offering" is terumah (תְּרוּמָה), from the root rum, meaning "to lift up" or "to raise." This refers to the act of lifting the offering toward God as a tribute.

Practical Application

While these specific rituals belong to the Old Covenant, the underlying principles they convey remain relevant for believers today. This verse reminds us of:

  • God's Demand for Holiness: God requires those who serve Him to be set apart and consecrated. For believers today, this means living a life dedicated to Christ, reflecting His holiness in our daily walk (1 Peter 1:16).
  • Divine Provision for Service: Just as God meticulously provided for the Levitical priests, He promises to sustain those who faithfully serve Him in the New Covenant. This can be spiritual, emotional, or physical provision, enabling us to fulfill our calling and ministry.
  • The Priesthood of Believers: In the New Testament, all believers are considered part of a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). We are called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and good works (Hebrews 13:15-16), dedicating ourselves fully to God in our lives and service.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 10:15

    The heave shoulder and the wave breast shall they bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave [it for] a wave offering before the LORD; and it shall be thine, and thy sons' with thee, by a statute for ever; as the LORD hath commanded.

  • Numbers 18:11

    And this [is] thine; the heave offering of their gift, with all the wave offerings of the children of Israel: I have given them unto thee, and to thy sons and to thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: every one that is clean in thy house shall eat of it.

  • Deuteronomy 18:3

    And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether [it be] ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.

  • Hebrews 7:28

    For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, [maketh] the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

  • Numbers 18:18

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

  • Numbers 18:19

    All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it [is] a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee.

  • Leviticus 9:21

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