Exodus 29:12 - You shall take of the blood of the bull, and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; and you shall pour out all the blood at the base of the altar.
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What does "Exodus 29:12" mean?
Exodus 29:12 describes a specific ritual within the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. Let's break down the meaning:
"You shall take of the blood of the bull...": This refers to the blood from a bull sacrifice, a sin offering specifically for the priest's own sins and the sins of the community.
"...and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger...": The "horns of the altar" are protrusions on the four corners of the altar. Applying the blood to these horns was a symbolic act of atonement and purification. The finger, the instrument of application, emphasized personal involvement and intentionality.
"...and you shall pour out all the blood at the base of the altar.": The remaining blood was poured out at the base (foundation) of the altar. This was a common practice in sacrificial rituals. It symbolized a complete offering to God and a cleansing of the altar itself.
Symbolic Significance:
Atonement and Purification: Blood is used throughout the Old Testament as a symbol of life and, consequently, as an agent of atonement. The blood on the horns of the altar signified that the altar itself, the place of communion between God and man, was being purified and made ready for holy service.
Dedication: The act dedicated the altar and the priests to God's service. It was a ceremonial cleansing and setting apart for their specific roles.
Complete Offering: Pouring the remaining blood at the base of the altar underscored the entirety of the sacrifice. It was a complete offering, signifying full surrender and commitment.
Context within the Larger Ritual:
It's important to note that this verse is part of a larger ceremony described in Exodus 29, which details the steps for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. It was essential to dedicate the priests and the altar for them to properly mediate between God and the people. This was only one part of a longer, more elaborate series of cleansing, offerings, and installations.
Exodus 29:12 - You shall take of the blood of the bull, and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; and you shall pour out all the blood at the base of the altar.
What does "Exodus 29:12" mean?
Exodus 29:12 describes a specific ritual within the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. Let's break down the meaning:
"You shall take of the blood of the bull...": This refers to the blood from a bull sacrifice, a sin offering specifically for the priest's own sins and the sins of the community.
"...and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger...": The "horns of the altar" are protrusions on the four corners of the altar. Applying the blood to these horns was a symbolic act of atonement and purification. The finger, the instrument of application, emphasized personal involvement and intentionality.
"...and you shall pour out all the blood at the base of the altar.": The remaining blood was poured out at the base (foundation) of the altar. This was a common practice in sacrificial rituals. It symbolized a complete offering to God and a cleansing of the altar itself.
Symbolic Significance:
Atonement and Purification: Blood is used throughout the Old Testament as a symbol of life and, consequently, as an agent of atonement. The blood on the horns of the altar signified that the altar itself, the place of communion between God and man, was being purified and made ready for holy service.
Dedication: The act dedicated the altar and the priests to God's service. It was a ceremonial cleansing and setting apart for their specific roles.
Complete Offering: Pouring the remaining blood at the base of the altar underscored the entirety of the sacrifice. It was a complete offering, signifying full surrender and commitment.
Context within the Larger Ritual:
It's important to note that this verse is part of a larger ceremony described in Exodus 29, which details the steps for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. It was essential to dedicate the priests and the altar for them to properly mediate between God and the people. This was only one part of a longer, more elaborate series of cleansing, offerings, and installations.