“And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the Lord: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the Lord.”
This verse is part of the instructions given by God to Moses regarding the consecration of the priests and the offerings to be presented during the ordination ceremony. In this specific verse, God instructs Moses on how to offer the second ram as a burnt offering.
The Act of Burning:The entire ram is to be burned upon the altar. This emphasizes the complete dedication and consecration of the offering to the Lord. The burning symbolizes the transformation of the offering, ascending as smoke to God, signifying the priest’s commitment to God and a desire for a close relationship with Him.
The Burnt Offering:The ram being offered is a “burnt offering” (also known as an “olah” in Hebrew). The burnt offering was one of the essential sacrifices in the Old Testament, and it was completely consumed by fire, unlike other offerings where only certain portions were burnt, and the rest was eaten by the priests. The burnt offering was a symbol of complete surrender and atonement for sin, representing the worshipper’s desire to draw near to God and seek His forgiveness.
A Sweet Savour:The phrase “a sweet savour” indicates that the burnt offering was pleasing and acceptable to God. While God does not physically require the aroma of the offering, the act of obedience and the sincere heart behind the offering make it pleasing to Him. It symbolizes the delight God takes in the obedience and worship of His people.
Offering Made by Fire:The phrase “offering made by fire” highlights the significance of fire in the act of offering. Fire often symbolizes God’s presence, purification, and refining. It reminds the priests and all believers that their offerings and worship should be done with reverence and a sincere heart, seeking God’s purifying work in their lives.
As we reflect on Exodus 29:18, we can draw parallels to our lives as Christians today. Though we are no longer required to make animal sacrifices as atonement for sins due to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the principles behind the burnt offering still hold relevance:
- We are called to offer ourselves fully to God. Just as the ram was wholly burned on the altar, God desires our complete surrender, dedication, and commitment in all areas of our lives.
- Our worship and obedience are pleasing to God. The “sweet savour” reminds us that our heartfelt worship, obedience, and righteous living bring joy to our heavenly Father.
- We should approach God with reverence and humility. The fire in the offering signifies God’s presence, and in our worship and service, we must remember that we stand before a holy God.
- As we offer ourselves to God, we are transformed. The burning process in the offering is a reminder of God’s purifying and refining work in our lives as we yield to Him and seek to become more like Christ.
In conclusion, Exodus 29:18 provides us with valuable insights into the act of offering and worship, pointing us to the importance of wholehearted dedication, obedience, and surrender to God in our Christian walk.
