“And unleavened bread, and cakes unleavened tempered with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil: of wheaten flour shalt thou make them.”
This verse is part of the instructions given by God to Moses regarding the consecration and ordination of the priests in the Tabernacle.
Context:The book of Exodus records the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. In chapter 29, God is instructing Moses on how to consecrate the priests, Aaron and his sons, for their sacred duties in the Tabernacle.
Unleavened Bread:The use of unleavened bread holds significant symbolism throughout the Bible. Leaven, or yeast, is often associated with sin and corruption, and hence, unleavened bread is a symbol of purity and holiness. During the Passover, the Israelites were commanded to eat unleavened bread to remember their hasty departure from Egypt and the removal of sin from their lives.
Cakes Unleavened Tempered with Oil:These cakes were also to be made without yeast, symbolising the priests’ dedication to a holy and sinless life. The use of oil here might represent the anointing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, setting the priests apart for their sacred duties.
Wafers Unleavened Anointed with Oil:Similar to the cakes, these wafers were to be unleavened and anointed with oil, representing the priest’s anointing by God for service in His presence.
Of Wheaten Flour:The choice of wheaten flour emphasises the quality of the offerings. Wheaten flour was considered superior, signifying that the best and finest ingredients were to be used in service to God.
Overall, this verse demonstrates the meticulous and specific instructions God provided to ensure that the consecration of the priests was carried out with utmost holiness and reverence. The use of unleavened bread and the anointing with oil point to the importance of purity, dedication, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in the priest’s life.
