“And thou shalt take the breast of the ram of Aaron’s consecration, and wave it for a wave offering before the Lord: and it shall be thy part.”
Context:Exodus 29 details the consecration and ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests for the service of the Lord. In this chapter, God gives specific instructions to Moses on how to consecrate them and the various offerings required during the process. Verse 26 specifically addresses the breast of the ram that was sacrificed as part of Aaron’s consecration and its significance as a wave offering before the Lord.
The Wave Offering:In the context of the Old Testament rituals, a “wave offering” was a specific type of offering where a portion of the sacrifice was waved back and forth before the Lord. It was a symbol of presenting the offering to God and dedicating it entirely to Him. The act of waving the offering signified the offering’s acceptance by God and the transfer of its value and holiness to Him.
The Ram of Aaron’s Consecration:The ram mentioned in Exodus 29:26 was a part of the sacrifices offered during the consecration and ordination of Aaron and his sons. The ram was a symbol of consecration and dedication to God’s service. By offering this ram, Aaron and his sons were setting themselves apart for the holy work of serving as priests before God and the people of Israel.
The Breast of the Ram:The breast of the ram was a significant part of the sacrifice. It represented the choicest and best portion of the ram. The act of waving the breast before the Lord was a symbolic gesture of presenting the most valuable part of the sacrifice to God. It acknowledged God’s sovereignty and ownership over all things, including the most precious aspects of life.
While the rituals described in Exodus 29 are specific to the Old Testament priesthood and the consecration of Aaron and his sons, there are some principles that we can draw and apply to our lives today:
- Consecration and Dedication:Just as Aaron and his sons were consecrated for a specific role in the service of God, we, as believers, are called to consecrate ourselves to God’s service. Romans 12:1 (KJV) exhorts us, “I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” We should dedicate our lives to God and live in a manner that pleases Him.
- Offering our Best to God:The breast of the ram was the best part of the sacrifice. In our lives, we are called to offer our best to God as well. This includes our time, talents, resources, and relationships. Giving our best to God demonstrates our love, devotion, and gratitude for all that He has done for us.
- Acknowledging God’s Ownership:Waving the breast of the ram before the Lord acknowledged His ownership and sovereignty. As Christians, we recognize that everything we have ultimately belongs to God. Therefore, we should manage our lives and possessions with a sense of stewardship, knowing that we are accountable to God for how we use them.
In conclusion, Exodus 29:26 provides us with a glimpse of the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests and the symbolic act of waving the breast of the ram as a wave offering before the Lord. As we reflect on this passage, let us consider how we can apply the principles of consecration, offering our best to God, and acknowledging His ownership in our daily lives.
