Exodus 29:28

Exodus 29:28 outlines a crucial provision for the newly consecrated Levitical priesthood, establishing a perpetual right to a portion of the Israelites' offerings. This verse is part of God's detailed instructions for the ordination of Aaron and his sons, ensuring their sustenance as they ministered in the tabernacle.

Context

This verse is found within the intricate instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai regarding the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests (Exodus 29). It specifically addresses the "heave offering" derived from the "peace offerings" of the children of Israel. Earlier in the chapter, the "wave breast" and "heave thigh" of the ram of consecration were designated as portions for Aaron and his sons. This verse solidifies that such portions, particularly from the people's voluntary peace offerings, would be their permanent inheritance, emphasizing God's meticulous care for the operational structure of worship and the support of those who served Him.

Key Themes

• Divine Provision for the Priesthood

  God Himself institutes a system for the financial support of His ministers. The offerings made by the people to the LORD were also designated to sustain the priests, highlighting the principle that those who dedicate their lives to sacred service should be provided for. This foreshadows the New Testament teaching on the laborer being worthy of his hire and the support of those who preach the gospel.

• Perpetual Ordinance

  The phrase "a statute for ever" underscores the enduring nature of this divine command. It was not a temporary measure but a foundational and unchanging aspect of the Mosaic covenant, ensuring the continuous care for the priestly line through generations. This speaks to God's faithfulness and His long-term plan for the spiritual leadership of His people.

• The Significance of Offerings

  The verse specifically mentions the heave offering from the peace offerings. The peace offering (also known as the fellowship offering) was a voluntary sacrifice expressing thanksgiving, a vow, or general communion with God, often culminating in a shared meal. The heave offering was a portion "lifted up" or "separated" from the whole, signifying its dedication to God before being given to the priests. This act symbolized a sacred separation and divine allocation, ensuring that the priests received a holy portion from the people's acts of worship.

Linguistic Insights

The term "heave offering" translates the Hebrew word terumah (תְּרוּמָה), which literally means "a contribution" or "a thing lifted up." It signifies a portion that is set apart or elevated from the main body of an offering, designated specifically for sacred use, often as provision for the priests. The phrase "statute for ever" uses chuqqat olam (חֻקַּת עוֹלָם), emphasizing an everlasting and binding ordinance, a perpetual decree within the covenant.

Practical Application

Exodus 29:28 provides valuable insights for believers today:

• Supporting Ministry: This verse establishes a foundational biblical principle for supporting those who dedicate themselves to spiritual service. Just as the Old Testament priests were sustained by the offerings of the people, the New Testament encourages believers to support those who teach and minister the Word, enabling them to devote themselves fully to their calling.
• Generosity and Gratitude: The fact that the priests' portion came from "peace offerings" reminds us that giving should flow from a heart of peace, gratitude, and fellowship with God. Our contributions to God's work are not merely obligations but acts of worship and expressions of our communion with Him.
• God's Order and Faithfulness: The meticulous detail in God's instructions demonstrates His concern for order within His worship and His faithfulness to provide for those He calls into service. This assures us that God is always faithful to provide for His people and for the work of His kingdom.