Exodus 29:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And you shall take all the fat that covers the entrails, and the long lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, and burn them on the altar.

NIV: Then take all the fat on the internal organs, the long lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar.

NASB: And you shall take all the fat that covers the entrails, and the lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys and the fat that is on them, and offer them up in smoke on the altar.

CSB: Take all the fat that covers the entrails, the fatty lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar.

NLT: Take all the fat around the internal organs, the long lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys and the fat around them, and burn it all on the altar.

KJV: And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.

NKJV: And you shall take all the fat that covers the entrails, the fatty lobe attached to the liver, and the two kidneys and the fat that is on them, and burn them on the altar.

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.