Exodus 29:39

The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even:

The one {H259} lamb {H3532} thou shalt offer {H6213} in the morning {H1242}; and the other {H8145} lamb {H3532} thou shalt offer {H6213} at even {H6153}:

The one lamb you are to offer in the morning and the other lamb at dusk.

Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight.

The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even:

Commentary

Exodus 29:39 KJV is part of the detailed instructions given by God to Moses concerning the consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood, and the establishment of the perpetual daily sacrifices. This verse specifically outlines the schedule for the regular burnt offerings, which were central to Israel's worship and atonement.

Context

This verse falls within a crucial section of Exodus (chapters 25-31 and 35-40) that details the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, and the establishment of the Levitical priesthood. Exodus 29 focuses on the elaborate seven-day consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons, which included specific sacrifices. Following this initial consecration, God institutes the daily burnt offering (the "continual burnt offering," Hebrew: olat tamid) as a permanent fixture of Israelite worship. This continuous offering was a constant reminder of the people's need for atonement and God's provision for their access to Him.

Key Themes

  • Regularity and Continuity of Worship: The command to offer a lamb "in the morning" and "at even" emphasizes the importance of consistent, daily devotion and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. This rhythm of worship marked the daily life of the Israelite community, reinforcing their covenant relationship with Yahweh.
  • Atonement and Fellowship: These sacrifices served as a means of covering for sin and maintaining fellowship between God and His people. While not permanently removing sin, they ritually cleansed the community, allowing God's presence to remain among them in the Tabernacle.
  • God's Holiness and Provision: The precise instructions underscore God's absolute holiness and His demand for order in worship. Yet, they also highlight His gracious provision of a way for sinful humanity to approach Him.
  • Foreshadowing Christ: The continual burnt offering ultimately foreshadowed the singular, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate Lamb of God, permanently atoning for sins and making ongoing animal sacrifices obsolete.

Linguistic Insights

The terms "morning" (Hebrew: boker) and "even" (Hebrew: erev) specifically refer to the two key times of day for communal prayer and sacrifice in ancient Israel. This daily rhythm was deeply ingrained in Jewish life and continued into the New Testament era with the temple services. The phrase "continual burnt offering" (not explicitly in this verse but implied by the daily repetition) is significant, highlighting the unbroken nature of this ritual.

Practical Application

While the literal offering of lambs is no longer required due to Christ's finished work on the cross, the principles behind Exodus 29:39 remain profoundly relevant for believers today:

  • Daily Devotion: The command for morning and evening offerings encourages a consistent, daily commitment to God through prayer, Bible study, and worship. Just as Israel had a daily rhythm of approaching God, so should Christians cultivate a regular practice of spiritual discipline.
  • Reliance on Christ's Sacrifice: We are reminded that our access to God is not through our own works or repeated rituals, but solely through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We continually rely on His atonement for our forgiveness and standing before God.
  • Living Sacrifices: The New Testament teaches believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and to offer "spiritual sacrifices" of praise and good works (1 Peter 2:5). Our daily lives become an act of worship, reflecting our gratitude for God's provision.
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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 46:13 (6 votes)

    Thou shalt daily prepare a burnt offering unto the LORD [of] a lamb of the first year without blemish: thou shalt prepare it every morning.

  • Ezekiel 46:15 (6 votes)

    Thus shall they prepare the lamb, and the meat offering, and the oil, every morning [for] a continual burnt offering.

  • 2 Kings 16:15 (3 votes)

    And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the king's burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: and the brasen altar shall be for me to enquire [by].

  • Psalms 55:16 (2 votes)

    ¶ As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.

  • Psalms 55:17 (2 votes)

    Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

  • Psalms 5:3 (2 votes)

    My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up.

  • 2 Chronicles 13:11 (2 votes)

    And they burn unto the LORD every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense: the shewbread also [set they in order] upon the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of the LORD our God; but ye have forsaken him.