“And if ought of the flesh of the consecrations, or of the bread, remain unto the morning, then thou shalt burn the remainder with fire: it shall not be eaten, because it is holy.”
Context:Exodus 29 contains detailed instructions from God to Moses regarding the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests for the tabernacle worship. The consecration process involved various offerings, anointing, and rituals to set the priests apart for their sacred duties.
Key Points:
- Consecration and Holiness:In the preceding verses, we see God instructing Moses on how to consecrate the priests and the items used in the tabernacle. The term “consecration” refers to the act of setting something apart for a holy purpose, making it sacred and dedicated to God. The items and the priests are considered holy after this process.
- The Prohibition:Exodus 29:34 deals with the prohibition of consuming any leftover flesh of the consecrated offerings or bread until the morning. God commands that any remainder must be burned with fire and not eaten. This prohibition emphasises the holiness of the offerings and the need for reverence in handling sacred things.
- Respect for Holy Offerings:The reason for burning any remaining flesh or bread is because they have been set apart as holy, meant for God’s service. Eating what is designated for God’s use would be inappropriate and disrespectful, signifying a lack of reverence towards God’s sacred things.
Spiritual Application:While the context of Exodus 29 primarily deals with the consecration of priests and offerings in the Old Testament tabernacle system, there are spiritual applications that Christians can draw from this passage. It highlights the importance of treating holy things with respect and recognising the sacredness of God’s work and worship. In a broader theological sense, we can apply the principle of reverence for God’s holiness to our lives as believers. It reminds us to approach God with awe, humility, and a sense of holiness, recognising His sacred nature and His call to live holy lives (1 Peter 1:16).
Conclusion:Exodus 29:34 instructs the priests not to eat any remaining consecrated flesh or bread and to burn it with fire instead. This act emphasises the sacredness of the offerings and the need for reverence in handling things dedicated to God. As Christians, we can learn from this passage the importance of treating holy things with respect and approaching God with a sense of reverence and awe in our daily lives.
