Exodus 29:36

And thou shalt offer every day a bullock [for] a sin offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.

And thou shalt offer {H6213} every day {H3117} a bullock {H6499} for a sin offering {H2403} for atonement {H3725}: and thou shalt cleanse {H2398} the altar {H4196}, when thou hast made an atonement {H3722} for it, and thou shalt anoint {H4886} it, to sanctify {H6942} it.

"Each day, offer a young bull as a sin offering, besides the other offerings of atonement; offer the sin offering on the altar as your atonement for it; then anoint it to consecrate it.

Sacrifice a bull as a sin offering each day for atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it.

And every day shalt thou offer the bullock of sin-offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou makest atonement for it; and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.

Commentary

Exodus 29:36 is a pivotal verse in the detailed instructions for the consecration of the tabernacle and the priesthood, specifically detailing the daily ritual for making the altar holy. It underscores the absolute necessity of purity and atonement in approaching a holy God.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (Exodus 29) that meticulously outlines the seven-day consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests, and the dedication of the Tabernacle itself. The actions described here, particularly the daily sin offering, establish the holiness required for divine worship and the proper functioning of the sacrificial system. The altar was the central place of sacrifice, where offerings were made to God, and therefore needed to be profoundly clean and sacred before it could be used for the daily burnt offerings and other sacrifices. The purification described in this verse is specifically for the altar's own sanctification, ensuring its fitness for service.

Key Themes

  • Atonement: The primary purpose of the daily bullock offering was 'for atonement.' This act was crucial to reconcile any defilement or impurity that might have accrued, ensuring the altar remained acceptable for divine service. The concept of atonement (Hebrew: kaphar, meaning 'to cover' or 'to purge') was central to Old Testament worship, addressing the sinfulness of the people and the priests.
  • Sanctification and Cleansing: The verse explicitly states, 'thou shalt cleanse the altar... and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.' This highlights the dual process of removing impurity and dedicating it for sacred use. The anointing oil symbolized the presence and power of God, setting the altar apart as holy ground, fit for communion with a holy God. This mirrors the broader theme of God's call for holiness among His people.
  • Daily Necessity: The phrase 'every day' emphasizes the ongoing need for purification and dedication. It wasn't a one-time event, but a continuous ritual, underscoring the constant presence of sin and the need for continuous divine grace and cleansing, even for the instruments of worship.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for 'atonement' is kaphar, which carries the idea of 'to cover,' 'to purge,' or 'to make reconciliation.' It signifies the removal of sin and defilement, allowing for a renewed relationship with God. The word for 'sanctify' is qadash, meaning 'to set apart,' 'to make holy,' or 'to consecrate.' It denotes a state of being dedicated exclusively to God's purposes, emphasizing the absolute purity required for divine service.

Reflection and Application

Exodus 29:36, with its emphasis on daily atonement and sanctification, powerfully foreshadows the perfect and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices, which had to be repeated daily because they could only cover sin, Christ's death on the cross was a once-for-all atonement that truly takes away sin. The meticulous cleansing and anointing of the altar point to the perfect work of Christ, who, by His own blood, cleansed us and consecrated us to God (Hebrews 9:14).

For believers today, this verse reminds us of the profound holiness of God and the continuous need for spiritual cleansing. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, we are called to live lives of daily dedication and sanctification (Romans 12:1). Our 'altar' is now our hearts and lives, which should be continually cleansed by confession and repentance, and devoted to God's service, made holy by the indwelling Holy Spirit. It highlights that true worship requires purity and separation unto God.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 10:11 (5 votes)

    And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

  • Hebrews 9:22 (4 votes)

    And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

  • Hebrews 9:23 (4 votes)

    ¶ [It was] therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

  • Exodus 30:28 (4 votes)

    And the altar of burnt offering with all his vessels, and the laver and his foot.

  • Exodus 30:29 (4 votes)

    And thou shalt sanctify them, that they may be most holy: whatsoever toucheth them shall be holy.

  • Ezekiel 48:18 (3 votes)

    And the residue in length over against the oblation of the holy [portion shall be] ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward: and it shall be over against the oblation of the holy [portion]; and the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that serve the city.

  • Ezekiel 48:20 (3 votes)

    All the oblation [shall be] five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand: ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare, with the possession of the city.