Exodus 29:19

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

And thou shalt take {H3947} the other {H8145} ram {H352}; and Aaron {H175} and his sons {H1121} shall put {H5564} their hands {H3027} upon the head {H7218} of the ram {H352}.

"Take the other ram: Aharon and his sons are to lay their hands on the ram's head;

Take the second ram, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on its head.

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

Commentary

Exodus 29:19 (KJV) is a pivotal verse in the detailed instructions for the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests in ancient Israel. It describes a critical step in the sacrificial ritual involving the "other ram," specifically designated as the ram of consecration.

Context

This verse is part of the extensive ordination ceremony for the Levitical priesthood, outlined in Exodus chapter 29. God is instituting a holy system of worship and service, and central to this is the establishment of a consecrated priesthood. Prior to this verse, a bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering had already been presented. The "other ram" here refers to the third and final animal sacrifice in this specific sequence, often called the "ram of consecration" or "ram of ordination," which played a unique role in sanctifying the priests for their sacred duties.

Key Themes

  • Consecration and Ordination: The entire ceremony, culminating in this sacrifice, was designed to set Aaron and his sons apart for holy service. It signified their transition from ordinary men to divinely appointed mediators between God and the people. This act of priestly ordination was essential for their ministry in the tabernacle.
  • Identification and Transfer: The act of "putting their hands upon the head of the ram" was a symbolic gesture of profound significance. It represented the priests' identification with the sacrifice. In general sacrificial law, this act often signified the transfer of sin or dedication from the offerer to the animal. Here, it signifies their dedication to God and the transfer of their unworthiness or need for purification onto the animal, which would then be offered on their behalf to make them holy for service. This concept of laying on of hands is a recurring motif in the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "put their hands upon" is samak (בָמַךְ), which means "to lean upon," "to lay on," or "to support." This emphasizes the weighty nature of the act, signifying a deep connection and transfer of responsibility or identity from the individual to the sacrificial animal. The "ram of consecration" itself is often referred to as the "ram of filling the hand" (from the Hebrew milu'im), referring to the portions of the ram that would be placed in the priests' hands, symbolizing their receiving of authority and readiness to perform their priestly functions.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles of consecration and identification remain relevant. Believers today are called to be a "holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), set apart for God's service. The act of identification with the sacrifice points forward to our identification with Jesus Christ, who became our ultimate sacrifice (Hebrews 9:14). Just as Aaron and his sons were prepared for their specific calling, so too are believers called to dedicate themselves fully to God, allowing Him to equip them for service in His kingdom. This verse reminds us of the seriousness of spiritual service and the necessity of divine appointment and purification.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 29:3 (3 votes)

    And thou shalt put them into one basket, and bring them in the basket, with the bullock and the two rams.

  • Leviticus 8:22 (2 votes)

    And he brought the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.

  • Leviticus 8:29 (2 votes)

    And Moses took the breast, and waved it [for] a wave offering before the LORD: [for] of the ram of consecration it was Moses' part; as the LORD commanded Moses.