Meaning of Exodus 29:18

This verse describes a specific ritual within the consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests. The burning of the entire ram on the altar signifies a complete and unreserved offering to the Lord. It is designated as a ‘olah (burnt offering), which means the whole animal, except for the hide, was consumed by fire. This act was not merely a symbolic gesture but a tangible demonstration of total devotion and atonement, intended to be a "pleasing aroma" to God, signifying acceptance and favor, and a "food offering," representing sustenance and communion with the divine.

Context and Background

Exodus 29 details the elaborate instructions given by God to Moses for the ordination of the Levitical priesthood. This ceremony was crucial for establishing a means of mediation between a holy God and an unholy people. The specific ram mentioned in verse 18 is the second of two rams prescribed for the ordination. The first ram was used for atonement, with its blood applied to the priests and sprinkled on the altar. This second ram, the burnt offering, represents a different aspect of the priestly function. The entire process, including this burnt offering, was designed to set apart Aaron and his sons for their sacred duties, ensuring that their service would be acceptable to God.

Key Themes and Messages

• Complete Devotion: The burning of the entire ram underscores the principle of offering one's whole self to God. There is no reservation or partiality in this sacrifice; it is a complete surrender.
• Atonement and Acceptance: As a burnt offering, it served to appease God and secure His favor. The "pleasing aroma" signifies that the offering was accepted by God, a critical aspect for the ongoing relationship between Israel and their God.
• Sacred Service: This ritual was integral to the establishment of a functioning priesthood, which would then mediate God's presence and blessings to the people. The offering is directly linked to the consecration of those who would serve God.
• Divine Provision: The ram being a "food offering" to the Lord implies that God Himself partakes in or is sustained by the worship and devotion rendered to Him. This speaks to God's sovereignty and His intimate involvement in the covenant relationship.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, this verse points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the ram was a complete offering, Jesus offered Himself entirely on the cross for the sins of humanity. His sacrifice is the perfect burnt offering, a "pleasing aroma" to God the Father, securing eternal atonement and acceptance for those who believe. The concept of complete devotion also applies to the Christian life, where believers are called to offer their lives as a "living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God" (Romans 12:1). This involves surrendering all aspects of one's being – thoughts, actions, desires, and will – to God's service.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This ritual in Exodus is a foundational element in understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system, which foreshadowed the redemptive work of Christ. The emphasis on the ‘olah as a complete offering highlights the inadequacy of human effort to achieve perfect righteousness and the absolute necessity of God's provision. It sets the stage for the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, fulfilling the purpose of all these animal sacrifices. The establishment of the priesthood through this ceremony also anticipates the unique priesthood of Jesus Christ, who is our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-15).

Analogies

One analogy for the complete burnt offering is a soldier who dedicates their entire life and service to their country, willing to give everything, even their life, for its cause. Another is a craftsman who pours all their skill, time, and resources into creating a masterpiece, offering it entirely to its intended recipient. The ram being burned entirely signifies that nothing of the offering is retained for the offerer; it is all for God.

Relation to Other Verses

• Leviticus 1:3: This verse introduces the burnt offering in general, stating, "If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without blemish. He shall bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord." This emphasizes the need for perfection in the offering, a characteristic fulfilled in Christ.
• Romans 12:1: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." This New Testament passage directly connects the Old Testament concept of sacrifice to the believer's daily life.
• Hebrews 9:14: "how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" This verse highlights the ultimate and superior efficacy of Christ's sacrifice compared to the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant.
• Ephesians 5:2: "And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." This echoes the "pleasing aroma" of Exodus 29:18, applying it to Christ's self-giving love.