Exodus 29:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. Take one bull of the herd and two rams without blemish,

NIV: "This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so they may serve me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams without defect.

NASB: Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them to serve as priests to Me: take one bull and two rams without blemish,

CSB: "This is what you are to do for them to consecrate them to serve me as priests. Take a young bull and two unblemished rams,

NLT: This is the ceremony you must follow when you consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams with no defects.

KJV: And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,

NKJV: “And this is what you shall do to them to hallow them for ministering to Me as priests: Take one young bull and two rams without blemish,

Exodus 29:1–9 introduces the process to consecrate Israel's first priests under this covenant (Exodus 19:5–6). The early stages of consecration require a bull and two rams for sacrifice, various unleavened foods, and the priestly garments (Exodus 28). After washing, the priests put on these sacred clothes and begin the main part of the ordination ceremony. This will inaugurate a permanent line of priests through Aaron's descendants.

God will establish Aaron as the first high priest. Aaron's sons will begin serving in a hereditary priesthood (Exodus 40:13–15; Numbers 3:10). In this passage, the Lord gives Moses detailed instructions about how to consecrate this new priesthood. The ritual involves several sacrificial animals and the application of blood. These physical rituals and objects remind Israel of God's loving works on their behalf.

The last several chapters gave detailed instructions for various components of the tabernacle (Exodus 25—27). Chapter 28 explained the intricate uniform of Israel's high priest. It also sets requirements for garments worn by the rest of the priesthood. In this chapter, God explains how Moses is to consecrate Aaron as the first high priest, and Aaron's sons as the first generation of the general priesthood. Final details about the construction of the holy items will follow (Exodus 30—31).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 7/30/2025 10:17:23 AM