Exodus 29:17 - You shall cut the ram into its pieces, and wash its innards, and its legs, and put them with its pieces, and with its head.

Generated Verse: Exodus 29:17

What does "Exodus 29:17" mean?


Exodus 29:17 is part of the instructions for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. The verse outlines a specific step in preparing the ram of the burnt offering. Let's break down the meaning:

"You shall cut the ram into its pieces": This means the ram is to be butchered and divided into smaller, manageable parts. This was a common practice in sacrifices, likely to ensure thorough cooking and burning.

"and wash its innards, and its legs": Cleanliness was vital in sacrificial offerings. The inner organs (innards) and legs would have been thoroughly washed to remove any impurities like blood, dirt, or excrement. This washing signified purification and dedication to God.

"and put them with its pieces, and with its head": After washing, the innards and legs were to be placed with the other pieces of the butchered ram, including the head. This indicated that all parts of the ram were included in the offering and represented a complete dedication to God.

In summary, the verse describes the careful preparation of the ram for a burnt offering, emphasizing:

Thoroughness: The ram was cut into pieces to ensure complete burning.
Purity: The innards and legs were washed, symbolizing cleansing and dedication.
Completeness: All parts of the ram were included, representing a full and comprehensive offering to God.

Symbolic Significance:
Beyond the literal act, the sacrifice had symbolic meaning:

Dedication: The offering represented the dedication of Aaron and his sons to God's service as priests.
Atonement: Burnt offerings were often used as a means of atonement for sins, representing a sacrifice to appease God's wrath.
Consecration: The ritual served to set apart Aaron and his sons for their holy roles, separating them from ordinary life for sacred duties.

The meticulous instructions underscore the importance of obedience and reverence in approaching God.

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