What does Exodus 29:26 mean?
ESV: "You shall take the breast of the ram of Aaron 's ordination and wave it for a wave offering before the Lord, and it shall be your portion.
NIV: After you take the breast of the ram for Aaron’s ordination, wave it before the Lord as a wave offering, and it will be your share.
NASB: Then you shall take the breast of Aaron’s ram of ordination, and wave it as a wave offering before the Lord; and it shall be your portion.
CSB: "Take the breast from the ram of Aaron’s ordination and present it as a presentation offering before the Lord; it is to be your portion.
NLT: Then take the breast of Aaron’s ordination ram, and lift it up in the Lord’s presence as a special offering to him. Then keep it as your own portion.
KJV: And thou shalt take the breast of the ram of Aaron's consecration, and wave it for a wave offering before the Lord: and it shall be thy part.
NKJV: “Then you shall take the breast of the ram of Aaron’s consecration and wave it as a wave offering before the Lord; and it shall be your portion.
Verse Commentary:
Please see our chapter commentary on Exodus 29; verse-level content coming soon!
Verse Context:
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.
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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