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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 29:38–46. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
In this paragraph we have,
I.The daily service appointed.
A lamb was to be offered upon the altar every morning, and a lamb every evening, each with a meat-offering, both made by fire, as a continual burnt-offering throughout their generations, Exo 29:38-41. Whether there were any other sacrifices to be offered or not, these were sure to be offered, at the public charge, for the benefit and comfort of all Israel, to make atonement for their daily sins, and to be an acknowledgement to God of their daily mercies. This was that which the duty of every day required. The taking away of this daily sacrifice by Antiochus, for so many evenings and mornings, was that great calamity of the church which was foretold, Dan 8:11. Note,
1.This typified the continual intercession which Christ ever lives to make, in virtue of his satisfaction, for the continual sanctification of his church: though he offered himself once for all, yet that one offering thus becomes a continual offering.
2.This teaches us to offer up to God the spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise every day, morning and evening, in humble acknowledgement of our dependence upon him and our obligations to him. Our daily devotions must be looked upon as the most needful of our daily works and the most pleasant of our daily comforts. Whatever business we have, this must never be omitted, either morning or evening; prayer-time must be kept up as duly as meat-time. The daily sacrifices were as the daily meals in God's house, and therefore they were always attended with bread and wine. Those starve their own souls that keep not up a constant attendance on the throne of grace.
II.Great and precious promises made of God's favour to Israel, and the tokens of his special presence with them, while they thus kept up his institutions among them. He speaks as one well pleased with the appointment of the daily sacrifice; for, before he proceeds to the other appointments that follow, he interposes these promises. It is constancy in religion that brings in the comfort of it. He promises,
1.That he would keep up communion with them; that he would not only meet Moses, and speak to him, but that he would meet the children of Israel, (Exo 29:43), to accept the daily sacrifices offered up on their behalf. Note, God will not fail to give those the meeting who diligently and conscientiously attend upon him in the ordinances of his own appointment.
2.That he would own his own institutions, the tabernacle, the altar, the priesthood (Exo 29:43, Exo 29:44); he would take possession of that which was consecrated to him. Note, What is sanctified to the glory of God shall be sanctified by his glory. If we do our part, God will do his, and will mark and fit that for himself which is in sincerity given up to him.
3.That he would reside among them as God in covenant with them, and would give them sure and comfortable tokens of his peculiar favour to them, and his special presence with them (Exo 29:45, Exo 29:46): I will dwell among the children of Israel. Note, Where God sets up the tabernacle of his ordinances he will himself dwell. Lo, I am with you always, Mat 28:20. Those that abide in God's house shall have God to abide with them. I will be their God, and they shall know that I am so. Note, Those are truly happy that have a covenant-interest in God as theirs and the comfortable evidence of that interest. If we have this, we have enough, and need no more to make us happy.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
For do not think that the omnipotent God commanded this and consecrated this in the law that incense be brought to him from Arabia. But this is the incense that God seeks to be offered by human beings to him, from which he receives “a pleasing odor,” prayers from a pure heart and good conscience in which God truly receives a pleasing warmth.
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Summary
Exodus 29:41 provides specific instructions for the evening daily burnt offering, a crucial component of the perpetual sacrificial system established for the newly consecrated Tabernacle. It mandates that the second lamb of the day be offered at twilight, accompanied by the same grain and drink offerings prescribed for the morning sacrifice. This consistent, twice-daily ritual was designed to ascend to the LORD as a "sweet savour," signifying divine acceptance, maintaining a continuous state of atonement, and ensuring the ongoing communion between God and His people, thereby securing His holy presence among them.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 29:41 is an integral part of a larger section (Exodus 29:38-42) that details the Tamid (perpetual) daily burnt offering. This instruction immediately follows the elaborate consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests (Exodus 29:1-37), which established their authority and role in mediating between God and Israel. The preceding verses (Exodus 29:38-40) describe the morning lamb offering, setting the pattern that the evening sacrifice is to mirror. The subsequent verse, Exodus 29:42, reinforces the perpetual nature and significance of this offering at the Tabernacle entrance, underscoring its foundational role in Israel's worship and God's covenantal dwelling. This entire chapter serves as a pivotal transition from the architectural plans and construction of the Tabernacle to the commencement of its sacred services, highlighting the meticulous divine requirements for approaching a holy God and for the maintenance of His presence.
Historical & Cultural Context
The daily burnt offering was a cornerstone of Israelite worship, symbolizing continuous devotion, atonement, and fellowship with Yahweh. While daily sacrifices were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, Israel's Tamid offering was unique in its specific divine mandate, its connection to the Mosaic Covenant, and its exclusive focus on Yahweh. The offerings "at even" (twilight) and in the morning established a sacred rhythm that permeated the daily life of the community, reminding them of God's constant presence and their continuous need for His grace. These offerings were not merely ritualistic acts but were understood as the divinely ordained means by which a holy God could dwell amidst an imperfect people without consuming them. The meticulous instructions for the offerings, including the accompanying "meat offering" (grain offering) and "drink offering," underscored the comprehensive nature of Israel's dedication—presenting not just animal life but also the produce of the land and the fruit of the vine, signifying a complete surrender of livelihood and devotion to the LORD, essential for maintaining the purity of the Tabernacle and ensuring God's ongoing presence, as promised in Exodus 25:8.
Key Themes
This verse, within the broader context of Exodus 29, contributes significantly to several key themes. The theme of Divine Presence is paramount, as the sacrifices are the means by which God's holiness can abide among His people without consuming them. The consistent, twice-daily nature of the offering emphasizes the theme of Perpetual Atonement and Communion, signifying an ongoing need for reconciliation and a continuous relationship with God. The meticulous instructions highlight the theme of Holiness and Obedience, underscoring the absolute necessity of adhering to God's precise commands for worship and approach. Furthermore, the concept of a "sweet savour" speaks to the theme of Divine Acceptance, indicating that the offering, when performed according to God's will, was pleasing and effective in securing His favor. This daily ritual, therefore, is a foundational element in establishing the covenant relationship and preparing Israel for a life lived in the presence of their holy God, as further detailed in the sacrificial laws of Leviticus 1, Leviticus 2, Leviticus 3, Leviticus 4, Leviticus 5, Leviticus 6, Leviticus 7.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root meaning "to rest," this word properly signifies something "restful" or "pleasant," and abstractly, "delight." When used in the phrase "sweet savour" (as in Genesis 8:21 or Leviticus 1:9), it describes an offering that is fully acceptable to God, one that brings Him satisfaction and delight. It implies that the offering met all divine requirements and successfully achieved its purpose of facilitating communion and reconciliation between God and His people.
This term refers to a "donation" or "tribute," specifically a "sacrificial offering" that is usually bloodless and voluntary. In the KJV, "meat offering" is an archaic term for what is more accurately a grain or meal offering, typically consisting of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. It represented the dedication of the produce of the land and the worshiper's labor to God, acknowledging Him as the provider of sustenance. It was often offered in conjunction with burnt offerings, symbolizing gratitude, provision, and the consecration of one's daily provisions.
This word denotes a "libation," specifically an offering of wine or other liquids poured out at the base of the altar. It served as an accompaniment to other sacrifices (e.g., Numbers 15:5) and symbolized joy, covenant faithfulness, and complete devotion. The act of pouring out the liquid signified a full, unreserved, and often irreversible offering to God, frequently associated with prayers, vows, or the sealing of a covenant.
Verse Breakdown
"And the other lamb thou shalt offer at even"
This clause specifies the subject and timing of the second daily sacrifice. "The other lamb" directly references the second of the two lambs offered each day, distinguishing it from the morning sacrifice described earlier in the chapter. "At even" (Hebrew, ben ha'arbayim) refers to the period "between the two evenings," which is generally understood as twilight or late afternoon, marking the close of the day. This established a consistent, twice-daily rhythm of worship, ensuring that God was honored at both the beginning and end of the active day.
"and shalt do thereto according to the meat offering of the morning, and according to the drink offering thereof"
This instruction emphasizes the precise replication of the accompanying offerings. The evening sacrifice was not a standalone act but a mirror image of the morning's ritual, including the specific quantities and types of grain (minchâh) and liquid (neçek) offerings. This ensured uniformity and absolute adherence to divine prescription, underscoring the critical importance of obedience and precision in all aspects of Israelite worship.
"for a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD."
This concluding phrase articulates the purpose and nature of the offering. "For a sweet savour" highlights God's acceptance and pleasure in the offering, signifying that it was wholly received and achieved its intended effect of reconciliation and fellowship. "An offering made by fire" (Hebrew, ishsheh) indicates that the sacrifice was consumed on the altar by fire, symbolizing its ascent to God and its complete dedication. This fiery consumption was a central element of burnt offerings in the Israelite sacrificial system, representing the complete surrender and consumption of the offering by God.
Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices to convey its meaning and emphasize its importance. Repetition is a primary device, evident in the mirroring of the morning and evening sacrifices, which underscores the perpetual, consistent, and foundational nature of Israel's daily worship. The phrase "sweet savour" functions as powerful symbolism, transforming a physical aroma into a profound spiritual reality of divine acceptance, pleasure, and the restoration of fellowship. The entire sacrificial system, including this daily offering, serves as rich foreshadowing, pointing forward to a greater, ultimate sacrifice that would truly reconcile humanity to God. Furthermore, the meticulous detail in the instructions, including the specific types of offerings (lamb, grain, drink), highlights the precision and exactitude required in approaching a holy God, thereby underscoring the seriousness of worship and the divine origin of these immutable commands.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 29:41, as an integral part of the Tamid offering instructions, underscores profound theological truths about God's holiness, His desire for communion, and the divinely appointed means by which a sinful people can approach Him. The daily repetition of the sacrifice emphasizes the continuous need for atonement and the ongoing nature of the covenant relationship. It reveals God's gracious provision for His people to dwell in His presence despite their imperfections, accepting their prescribed acts of worship as a "sweet savour"—an indication of His satisfaction and their acceptance. While these animal sacrifices were temporary and ritualistic, they pointed to a deeper reality—the inherent human need for a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that would truly and eternally reconcile humanity to God, a theme richly developed in the New Testament.
Reflection and Application
The detailed instructions for the daily evening sacrifice in Exodus 29:41, though part of an Old Covenant system no longer practiced in its original form, offer timeless principles for believers today. The emphasis on consistency and regularity in worship reminds us that our relationship with God is not a sporadic event but a continuous journey of devotion and surrender. Just as the lamb was offered daily, we are called to daily surrender, daily seeking God's presence through prayer, diligent Scripture reading, and active fellowship. The concept of a "sweet savour" challenges us to consider the quality of our spiritual offerings—are our lives, our service, our attitudes, and our worship truly pleasing and acceptable to God? This passage invites us to live lives of intentional devotion, recognizing that our ultimate offering is a life wholly consecrated to Christ, lived out in obedience, love, and gratitude. It also deepens our appreciation for the finality and absolute sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, which has made consistent, direct, and unhindered access to God possible for all who believe.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of offering the lamb "at even" (in the evening)?
Offering the lamb "at even" (Hebrew, ben ha'arbayim, meaning "between the two evenings" or twilight) signifies the perpetual and continuous nature of the daily burnt offering. Along with the morning sacrifice, it established a rhythm of worship that covered the entire day, from dawn to dusk. This ensured that Israel was constantly in a state of atonement and communion with God, symbolizing an unbroken fellowship and a continuous acknowledgment of God's holiness and their need for His grace. It underscored that God's presence and the means of approaching Him were available at all times, providing a constant spiritual anchor for the community, as described in Numbers 28:3-4.
Why were "meat offerings" and "drink offerings" included with the animal sacrifice?
The "meat offering" (grain offering) and "drink offering" were integral components that accompanied the animal sacrifices, signifying a more comprehensive and holistic dedication. The grain offering (minchâh) represented the dedication of the fruits of the land and the worshiper's labor, acknowledging God as the source of all provision and the giver of all good things. The drink offering (neçek), typically wine poured out, symbolized joy, covenant faithfulness, and complete devotion, signifying a full and unreserved giving of oneself and one's blessings to the LORD. Together, these offerings demonstrated that worship involved not just the shedding of blood for atonement, but also the consecration of one's entire life, livelihood, and joy to God, presenting a complete picture of devotion, as detailed in Leviticus 2 and Numbers 15:1-10.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 29:41, with its emphasis on the daily, perpetual evening sacrifice as a "sweet savour" to the LORD, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The repeated offering of lambs, morning and evening, highlighted the temporary and insufficient nature of the Old Covenant sacrifices, which could only ritually cover sin but never truly take it away (Hebrews 10:1-4). Christ, however, is the perfect and eternal Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!, whose single, definitive sacrifice on the cross was offered "once for all" (Hebrews 10:10). His offering was the true "sweet savour" to God, perfectly pleasing and fully efficacious, not merely covering sins but permanently removing them and reconciling humanity to God (Ephesians 5:2). Through His finished work, the continuous need for daily animal sacrifices ceased, as He perfectly satisfied divine justice and opened a new and living way for humanity to approach God directly, not through rituals but through faith in His shed blood (Hebrews 10:19-20). Thus, the evening lamb of Exodus 29:41 points forward to the eternal efficacy and perfect acceptance of Christ's sacrifice, which continually intercedes for believers and ensures God's perpetual presence among His redeemed people, establishing a covenant that is superior and everlasting (Hebrews 8:6).