Exodus 29:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and you shall kill the ram and shall take its blood and throw it against the sides of the altar.

NIV: Slaughter it and take the blood and splash it against the sides of the altar.

NASB: and you shall slaughter the ram and take its blood and sprinkle it around on the altar.

CSB: You are to slaughter the ram, take its blood, and splatter it on all sides of the altar.

NLT: Then slaughter the ram, and splatter its blood against all sides of the altar.

KJV: And thou shalt slay the ram, and thou shalt take his blood, and sprinkle it round about upon the altar.

NKJV: and you shall kill the ram, and you shall take its blood and sprinkle it all around on the altar.

Exodus 29:15–28 explains the sacrifice of two rams. This is part of the Lord's commands for Moses to consecrate Israel's first priests under the Mosaic covenant. The first ram is cut into pieces and burnt entirely on the altar (Exodus 27:1). Blood from the second ram is applied to Aaron and his sons (Exodus 40:13–15). The second ram's organs are handled in various ways.

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 6/30/2025 11:19:55 PM