What does Exodus 29:11 mean?
ESV: Then you shall kill the bull before the Lord at the entrance of the tent of meeting,
NIV: Slaughter it in the Lord’s presence at the entrance to the tent of meeting.
NASB: And you shall slaughter the bull before the Lord at the doorway of the tent of meeting.
CSB: Slaughter the bull before the Lord at the entrance to the tent of meeting.
NLT: Then slaughter the bull in the Lord’s presence at the entrance of the Tabernacle.
KJV: And thou shalt kill the bullock before the Lord, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
NKJV: Then you shall kill the bull before the Lord, by the door of the tabernacle of meeting.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
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.
Chapter Summary:
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.
Chapter Context:
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).
Book Summary:
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.
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