Exodus 29:10

And thou shalt cause a bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the bullock.

And thou shalt cause a bullock {H6499} to be brought {H7126} before {H6440} the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}: and Aaron {H175} and his sons {H1121} shall put {H5564} their hands {H3027} upon the head {H7218} of the bullock {H6499}.

"Bring the young bull to the front of the tent of meeting. Aharon and his sons are to lay their hands on the bull's head,

You are to present the bull at the front of the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on its head.

And thou shalt bring the bullock before the tent of meeting: and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands upon the head of the bullock.

Commentary

Exodus 29:10 describes a pivotal moment in the consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons, establishing the foundational rituals for the Levitical priesthood. This verse details the initial act of bringing the sacrificial bullock and the symbolic laying on of hands by the priests-to-be.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed instruction set in Exodus 29 for the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests. Following the construction of the Tabernacle, or "tent of meeting," described in earlier chapters, God now outlines the specific rituals necessary for those who would minister within it. The consecration process involved several sacrifices, washings, and anointing, all designed to purify and set apart the priests for their sacred service to God and the Israelite community. The bullock mentioned here is specifically for a sin offering, vital for cleansing before they could serve in the Tabernacle of the congregation.

Key Themes

  • Identification and Atonement: The act of laying hands upon the head of the bullock is a powerful symbolic gesture. Known in Hebrew as semikhah, it signifies the transfer of sin, guilt, or unworthiness from the offerer (Aaron and his sons) to the sacrificial animal. In this context, it emphasizes their need for atonement before they can enter into holy service. It also represents their identification with the sacrifice being offered on their behalf.
  • Holiness and Purity for Service: God's stringent requirements for the priesthood underscore the absolute necessity of holiness for those who would approach Him. The elaborate rituals, including these sacrifices, were designed to purify the priests and make them acceptable to minister in the presence of a holy God. This foreshadows the ultimate need for spiritual purity for all who seek to draw near to God.
  • Divine Ordination and Authority: Every step of this consecration ceremony is precisely commanded by God. This highlights that the authority and legitimacy of the priesthood did not come from human design but from divine appointment. Aaron and his sons were not self-appointed; they were chosen and sanctified by God Himself for their sacred duties.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "put their hands upon the head" translates the Hebrew verb `samakh` (סָמַךְ), meaning "to lean upon," "to support," or "to lay on." In the context of sacrifices, this act, often called semikhah, was a crucial ritual. It physically demonstrated the offerer's identification with the animal and, in the case of a sin offering, the symbolic transfer of their sins onto the innocent substitute. This visual act reinforced the concept of substitutionary atonement, where the life of the animal was given in place of the offerer's.

Practical Application

While the specific rituals of the Old Testament priesthood are no longer practiced today, this verse offers profound spiritual insights. The need for atonement, symbolized by the bullock sacrifice, points directly to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the perfect and final High Priest. His death on the cross was the ultimate act of `semikhah`, where the sins of humanity were laid upon Him, the innocent substitute. As believers, we are called to be a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), not through animal sacrifices, but through our identification with Christ's finished work. Our approach to God is now based on His purity and sacrifice, not our own merit. This verse reminds us of the serious nature of sin, the holiness of God, and the indispensable provision for forgiveness through a substitutionary offering.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 8:14 (4 votes)

    ¶ And he brought the bullock for the sin offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the bullock for the sin offering.

  • Leviticus 1:4 (4 votes)

    And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.

  • Exodus 29:15 (3 votes)

    Thou shalt also take one ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram.

  • Exodus 29:19 (3 votes)

    And thou shalt take the other ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram.

  • Leviticus 8:18 (2 votes)

    And he brought the ram for the burnt offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.

  • Leviticus 3:2 (2 votes)

    And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.

  • Isaiah 53:6 (2 votes)

    All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.