Exodus 29:3

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

And thou shalt put {H5414} them into one {H259} basket {H5536}, and bring {H7126} them in the basket {H5536}, with the bullock {H6499} and the two {H8147} rams {H352}.

put them together in a basket, and present them in the basket, along with the bull and the two rams.

put them in a basket, and present them in the basket, along with the bull and the two rams.

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

Commentary

Exodus 29:3 is a specific instruction given by God to Moses regarding the elements required for the elaborate consecration ceremony of Aaron and his sons as priests. This verse details the bringing together of various offerings in preparation for their sacred service.

Context

This verse is part of a lengthy passage in Exodus chapter 29, which outlines the detailed procedures for setting apart Aaron and his descendants for the priesthood. This involved specific washings, anointings, vestments, and a series of animal and grain sacrifices. The items mentioned in verse 3—the contents of the basket (referring to the unleavened bread, cakes, and wafers mentioned in Exodus 29:2), the bullock, and the two rams—are all integral components of these consecration offerings, ensuring their purity and readiness for service in the Tabernacle.

Key Themes

  • Consecration and Sanctification: The primary theme of Exodus 29 is the setting apart of individuals for holy service. The meticulous instructions for bringing specific offerings underscore the seriousness and sacredness of being consecrated to God.
  • Divine Order and Precision: God’s commands are exact, specifying not only the types of offerings but also how they are to be presented ("in one basket"). This emphasizes God's desire for order and obedience in worship and service within the Tabernacle.
  • Sacrifice and Atonement: The various offerings—including the grain offerings, the bullock (for a sin offering), and the rams (for burnt and consecration offerings)—were foundational to the Old Covenant system for atonement and establishing a right relationship with God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "basket" here is sal (סַל), a common term for a wicker basket. Its significance lies not in a deep linguistic nuance, but in its specific use as a container for the unleavened bread, cakes, and wafers mentioned in Exodus 29:2. The instruction to put "them into one basket" highlights the unity and completeness of this particular grain offering, which was presented alongside the animal sacrifices.

Related Scriptures

  • For the specific contents of the basket, refer to Exodus 29:2.
  • The actual execution of these instructions is vividly described in Leviticus 8:2, showing Moses following God's commands precisely.
  • These Old Testament sacrifices foreshadow the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as discussed in Hebrews 9:12 and throughout the book of Hebrews, highlighting the temporary nature of the Mosaic sacrificial system.

Practical Application

While we no longer perform these Old Covenant rituals, Exodus 29:3 still offers valuable lessons for believers today. It reminds us of the importance of approaching God with reverence, order, and a spirit of consecration. Our modern "offerings" of worship, service, and our very lives should be presented to God with intentionality and obedience, recognizing His holiness and our calling to be set apart for His purposes. Just as the priests were meticulously prepared, so too are believers called to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 8:26 (2 votes)

    And out of the basket of unleavened bread, that [was] before the LORD, he took one unleavened cake, and a cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, and put [them] on the fat, and upon the right shoulder:

  • Leviticus 8:2 (2 votes)

    Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread;

  • Leviticus 8:31 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Numbers 6:17 (2 votes)

    And he shall offer the ram [for] a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD, with the basket of unleavened bread: the priest shall offer also his meat offering, and his drink offering.