Exodus 30:10 - Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once in the year; with the blood of the sin offering of atonement once in the year he shall make atonement for it throughout your generations. It is most holy to Yahweh.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 30:10" mean?
This verse from Exodus 30:10 describes a critical ritual in the Israelite sacrificial system, specifically related to the altar of incense. Let's break it down:
"Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once in the year...": This refers to Aaron, the high priest, performing a specific act of atonement on the "horns" of the altar of incense. These "horns" were protruding, horn-like projections on the four corners of the altar.
"...with the blood of the sin offering of atonement...": The atonement was to be done using the blood from a special sin offering, specifically designated for atonement. This wasn't just any sin offering; it was the sin offering specifically for this annual atonement.
"...once in the year he shall make atonement for it throughout your generations...": This emphasizes the annual nature of this ritual. It was to be performed every year and was intended to be a perpetual requirement for all future generations of Israelites.
"...It is most holy to Yahweh.": This highlights the sacredness and importance of this ritual. The altar of incense, and this act of atonement upon it, were deemed "most holy" to God.
Here's what it means in broader context:
Symbolic Cleansing: The altar of incense was a key part of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It was the place where incense was burned daily, representing the prayers of the people ascending to God. However, because of the sins of the people, even this sacred space needed periodic cleansing and atonement. The blood applied to the horns of the altar was a symbolic act of purification and reconciliation.
Atonement for Unintentional Sins: The annual Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was the most important day of the year for the Israelites. This verse is related to, but distinct from, the broader atonement made on the Day of Atonement, which covered a wider range of sins. The atonement of the altar of incense may have specifically addressed the unintended or unconscious defilement that might accrue to the altar through its daily use and proximity to human imperfection.
Maintaining Holiness: God's presence demanded holiness. The annual atonement on the altar of incense was a way to maintain the holiness of this sacred object, ensuring that it remained a fitting instrument for mediating between God and His people.
Looking Forward: In a Christian theological understanding, these Old Testament sacrifices, including this atonement ritual, foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood provides a complete and permanent atonement for sin.
In essence, Exodus 30:10 describes a crucial annual ritual designed to cleanse and consecrate the altar of incense, ensuring that it remained a holy instrument in the worship of God, and demonstrating the ongoing need for atonement due to human imperfection.
Exodus 30:10 - Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once in the year; with the blood of the sin offering of atonement once in the year he shall make atonement for it throughout your generations. It is most holy to Yahweh.”
What does "Exodus 30:10" mean?
This verse from Exodus 30:10 describes a critical ritual in the Israelite sacrificial system, specifically related to the altar of incense. Let's break it down:
"Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once in the year...": This refers to Aaron, the high priest, performing a specific act of atonement on the "horns" of the altar of incense. These "horns" were protruding, horn-like projections on the four corners of the altar.
"...with the blood of the sin offering of atonement...": The atonement was to be done using the blood from a special sin offering, specifically designated for atonement. This wasn't just any sin offering; it was the sin offering specifically for this annual atonement.
"...once in the year he shall make atonement for it throughout your generations...": This emphasizes the annual nature of this ritual. It was to be performed every year and was intended to be a perpetual requirement for all future generations of Israelites.
"...It is most holy to Yahweh.": This highlights the sacredness and importance of this ritual. The altar of incense, and this act of atonement upon it, were deemed "most holy" to God.
Here's what it means in broader context:
Symbolic Cleansing: The altar of incense was a key part of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It was the place where incense was burned daily, representing the prayers of the people ascending to God. However, because of the sins of the people, even this sacred space needed periodic cleansing and atonement. The blood applied to the horns of the altar was a symbolic act of purification and reconciliation.
Atonement for Unintentional Sins: The annual Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was the most important day of the year for the Israelites. This verse is related to, but distinct from, the broader atonement made on the Day of Atonement, which covered a wider range of sins. The atonement of the altar of incense may have specifically addressed the unintended or unconscious defilement that might accrue to the altar through its daily use and proximity to human imperfection.
Maintaining Holiness: God's presence demanded holiness. The annual atonement on the altar of incense was a way to maintain the holiness of this sacred object, ensuring that it remained a fitting instrument for mediating between God and His people.
Looking Forward: In a Christian theological understanding, these Old Testament sacrifices, including this atonement ritual, foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood provides a complete and permanent atonement for sin.
In essence, Exodus 30:10 describes a crucial annual ritual designed to cleanse and consecrate the altar of incense, ensuring that it remained a holy instrument in the worship of God, and demonstrating the ongoing need for atonement due to human imperfection.