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.

Exodus 29:19 (KJV)

Context

In Exodus 29, God gives Moses detailed instructions for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests who will serve in the tabernacle. This verse describes the second of two rams used in the ceremony. The first ram was for a burnt offering; this one is the ram of consecration, also called the ram of ordination. This ceremony was a one-time event to set apart the priests for their holy service.

Meaning

The verse speaks of “the other ram” that is to be taken for the ordination. Sacrifices were central to Old Testament worship, and this ram plays a key role in setting apart Aaron and his sons for holy service. When Aaron and his sons put their hands upon the ram’s head, they perform a symbolic act of identification. By laying their hands on the animal, they transfer their sins and impurities to it. The ram then bears the weight of their guilt, becoming their substitute. This act of identification precedes the sacrifice, making the animal’s death the means of atonement for those who laid hands on it. The laying on of hands signifies a complete identification with the offering, and the animal’s death becomes the substitute for the person.

Biblical connections

Aaron, brother of Moses, was the first high priest; his sons were appointed as priests under the Levitical priesthood. Their ordination established the priestly system that would mediate between God and the people. The laying on of hands and the sacrificial system foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Through His death and resurrection, He became the ultimate High Priest, interceding for us before God. The New Testament also describes believers as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), giving us direct access to God through Christ. This act of substitution finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who took our place and bore our sins.

Application

• Christ’s Sacrifice – Just as the priests identified with the ram, believers are called to identify with Christ, acknowledging their need for a Savior and placing their faith in Him, thereby receiving forgiveness and reconciliation.

• Priestly Role of Believers – As priests, we have direct access to God through Christ and are called to intercede for others, sharing the message of reconciliation.

• Holiness and Consecration – The Old Testament consecration emphasizes holiness and being set apart. Likewise, Christians are called to live holy lives, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, for God’s purposes.

Reflection

This verse highlights the seriousness of sin and the cost of atonement, as well as the grace of God in providing a way for His people to be made holy. The act of laying hands on the ram symbolizes dedication, identification, substitution, and atonement, all fulfilled in Christ’s redemptive work on the cross. Through His sacrifice, we are consecrated and set apart for God’s service. As believers, we are invited to identify with Him, embrace His sacrifice, and live as a royal priesthood set apart for God’s glory.