Exodus 29:31

And thou shalt take the ram of the consecration, and seethe his flesh in the holy place.

And thou shalt take {H3947} the ram {H352} of the consecration {H4394}, and seethe {H1310} his flesh {H1320} in the holy {H6918} place {H4725}.

Take the ram of consecration, and boil its meat in a holy place.

You are to take the ram of ordination and boil its flesh in a holy place.

And thou shalt take the ram of consecration, and boil its flesh in a holy place.

Commentary

Exodus 29:31 provides a specific instruction regarding the sacrificial ritual for the consecration of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood. This verse details the preparation of the "ram of the consecration," emphasizing its sacred nature and the precise location for its handling.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed set of instructions given by God to Moses concerning the ordination ceremony for the Levitical priesthood, specifically Aaron and his sons. The entire chapter of Exodus 29 outlines various sacrifices, anointings, and rituals designed to set apart those who would serve in the Tabernacle. The "ram of consecration" (also called the ram of ordination or installation) was a crucial element, symbolizing the priests' full dedication and God's provision for their service. Unlike a burnt offering, this particular ram's flesh was to be cooked and eaten by the priests, signifying a fellowship meal and their participation in the sacred offering within the designated "holy place" of the Tabernacle court.

Key Themes

  • Consecration and Holiness: The primary theme is the setting apart of individuals for sacred service. The detailed instructions underscore the importance of holiness and purity for those approaching God in worship.
  • Sacrifice and Atonement: While not a sin offering, the ram of consecration was part of a larger sacrificial system that ultimately pointed to the need for atonement and the means by which sinful humanity could approach a holy God.
  • Divine Ordination: God Himself institutes the priesthood and prescribes the exact methods for their inauguration, highlighting His authority and the divine origin of their office.
  • Fellowship and Participation: The act of "seething" (boiling) and consuming the flesh by the priests indicates a shared meal, symbolizing their communion with God and their participation in the covenant. This foreshadows the concept of communion with God through sacrifice.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "seethe" is bashal (ื‘ึธึผืฉึทืืœ), which means to boil, cook, or ripen. This distinguishes it from other methods of preparing sacrifices, such as burning the entire animal on the altar. The phrase "ram of the consecration" comes from the Hebrew 'รชl hammillu'รฎm (ืึตื™ืœ ื”ึทืžึดึผืœึปึผืึดื™ื), literally "ram of the fillings" or "ram of the installations," referring to the filling of the priests' hands with their appointed duties and privileges.

Practical Application

While the Levitical priesthood and its specific rituals have been fulfilled in Christ, the principles of consecration and holy living remain relevant. Believers today are called to be a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), set apart for God's purposes. This verse reminds us that:

  • God desires a consecrated life: Just as the priests were set apart, believers are called to live lives dedicated to God, separating themselves from worldly defilement (2 Corinthians 6:17).
  • Worship involves participation: The eating of the sacrifice symbolized active participation. Our worship should not be passive but an active engagement with God, offering ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
  • Holiness is paramount in service: Those who serve God are called to do so with reverence and in accordance with His commands, recognizing the sacredness of His presence and work.

Reflection

Exodus 29:31, though seemingly a minor detail, underscores the meticulousness of God's instructions for worship and service. It highlights the profound significance of the priestly office and the sacredness of the Tabernacle rituals, all of which pointed forward to the perfect and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who entered the true holy place once for all to secure our eternal redemption.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 8:31

    ยถ And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that [is] in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it.

  • Ezekiel 46:20

    Then said he unto me, This [is] the place where the priests shall boil the trespass offering and the sin offering, where they shall bake the meat offering; that they bear [them] not out into the utter court, to sanctify the people.

  • Ezekiel 46:24

    Then said he unto me, These [are] the places of them that boil, where the ministers of the house shall boil the sacrifice of the people.

  • 1 Samuel 2:13

    And the priests' custom with the people [was, that], when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;

  • 1 Samuel 2:15

    Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.
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