Exodus 29:27 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And you shall consecrate the breast of the wave offering that is waved and the thigh of the priests ' portion that is contributed from the ram of ordination, from what was Aaron 's and his sons '.

NIV: "Consecrate those parts of the ordination ram that belong to Aaron and his sons: the breast that was waved and the thigh that was presented.

NASB: You shall consecrate the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution which was waved and which was offered from the ram of ordination, from the one which was for Aaron and from the one which was for his sons.

CSB: Consecrate for Aaron and his sons the breast of the presentation offering that is presented and the thigh of the contribution that is lifted up from the ram of ordination.

NLT: Set aside the portions of the ordination ram that belong to Aaron and his sons. This includes the breast and the thigh that were lifted up before the Lord as a special offering.

KJV: And thou shalt sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the shoulder of the heave offering, which is waved, and which is heaved up, of the ram of the consecration, even of that which is for Aaron, and of that which is for his sons:

NKJV: And from the ram of the consecration you shall consecrate the breast of the wave offering which is waved, and the thigh of the heave offering which is raised, of that which is for Aaron and of that which is for his sons.

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.