Exodus 29:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "Then you shall bring the bull before the tent of meeting. Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the bull.

NIV: "Bring the bull to the front of the tent of meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head.

NASB: Then you shall bring the bull in front of the tent of meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the bull.

CSB: "You are to bring the bull to the front of the tent of meeting, and Aaron and his sons must lay their hands on the bull’s head.

NLT: Bring the young bull to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where Aaron and his sons will lay their hands on its head.

KJV: And thou shalt cause a bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the bullock.

NKJV: “You shall also have the bull brought before the tabernacle of meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on the head of the bull.

Exodus 29:10–14 describes the sacrifice of a bull during the consecration of Israel's first priests. Blood, fat, and certain entrails are burned on the bronze altar (Exodus 27:1). The animal's skin and the contents of its bowels are to be burned away from the tabernacle's court.

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 7/11/2025 9:14:08 PM