Exodus 29:1 - “This is the thing that you shall do to them to make them holy, to minister to me in the priest’s office: take one young bull and two rams without defect,

Generated Verse: Exodus 29:1

What does "Exodus 29:1" mean?


Exodus 29:1 is the opening instruction in a detailed ritual outlined for the consecration (making holy) of Aaron and his sons as priests. Let's break it down:

"This is the thing that you shall do to them...": This sets the stage for a specific set of actions. These actions are crucial for achieving a specific purpose.

"...to make them holy...": The primary goal of the actions that follow is to set Aaron and his sons apart as sacred and dedicated to God's service. "Holy" implies being separated from the common or profane and dedicated to the divine.

"...to minister to me in the priest’s office...": This explains why they are being made holy. Their holiness qualifies them to serve God in the role of priests, carrying out sacred duties.

"...take one young bull and two rams without defect...": This is the first specific instruction. It commands the selection of three animals: a young bull and two rams. Crucially, these animals must be "without defect," meaning they must be physically perfect and unblemished. This emphasizes the idea of offering God the best and most pure sacrifice. These animals were to be used in the sacrifices detailed later in the chapter.

In summary, the verse outlines the beginning of a consecration ritual. The purpose is to sanctify Aaron and his sons, enabling them to perform their priestly duties before God. The initial step involves selecting and preparing three perfect animals for sacrifice.

This verse is significant because it highlights the importance of ritual and sacrifice in the Old Testament context. It shows how God established a specific order and process for designating individuals to serve in a priestly role. The requirement for unblemished animals emphasizes the holiness and purity expected in the service of God.