Exodus 29 describes the consecration process for Aaron and his sons, who were chosen as priests by God. The chapter begins with instructions on how to prepare a young bull, two rams, unleavened bread, and cakes made with oil and unleavened wafers. Aaron and his sons are to be brought to the entrance of the tabernacle, where they are to be washed with water and clothed in special garments. Then, Moses is commanded to anoint them with a mixture of oil and blood, symbolizing their consecration.
Next, Moses is instructed to take the bull and lay his hands upon its head, signifying the transfer of sins. The bull is to be slaughtered, and its blood is to be put on the horns of the altar. The fat of the bull, along with its kidneys and other organs, are to be burned as an offering.
The same process is repeated with one of the rams, but this time, its blood is sprinkled on Aaron and his sons to cleanse and consecrate them. The ram is then sacrificed, and its blood is poured on the altar. The other ram is used as a burnt offering, with its blood placed on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, thumb, and big toe, symbolizing his consecration to God.
The chapter concludes with Moses sprinkling oil and blood on Aaron and his sons, as well as the altar, to consecrate them as priests.
To uncover the depths of each verse in its context, click the links below: