Meaning of Exodus 29:40

This verse, Exodus 29:40, details a specific offering to be made alongside the daily lamb sacrifice in the Tabernacle, outlining the precise quantities of flour, oil, and wine. It is part of the extensive instructions given by God to Moses for the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, and for the ongoing worship within the sanctuary. This offering, known as the "continual burnt offering" (or olah tamid in Hebrew), was to be presented twice daily, morning and evening, signifying the perpetual presence and acceptance of God's people. The components themselves—fine flour representing purity and the best of the harvest, olive oil symbolizing the anointing of the Spirit and God's blessing, and wine as a drink offering signifying rejoicing and the shedding of blood—all contribute to a rich tapestry of meaning. This daily ritual was not merely a mechanical act but a profound expression of covenant relationship, atonement, and sustained devotion to the Lord.

Context and Background

Exodus 29 marks a pivotal moment in the establishment of Israel's religious system. Following the giving of the Law and the construction of the Tabernacle, God provides detailed instructions for the ordination of the priesthood and the commencement of worship. The daily sacrifices, including the lamb, flour, oil, and wine described in verse 40, were foundational to this new covenant relationship. These offerings were to be made consistently, ensuring that the people's connection with God remained active and unbroken. The specific measurements—a tenth of an ephah of flour, a quarter of a hin of oil, and a quarter of a hin of wine—underscore the meticulous nature of God's commands and the importance of obedience in approaching Him.

Key Themes and Messages

Several key themes are evident in this verse:

• Perpetual Presence: The olah tamid symbolized God's constant presence with His people and their ongoing need for His atonement and fellowship.
• Purity and Perfection: The use of fine flour points to the need for unblemished offerings, foreshadowing Christ's perfect sacrifice.
• Divine Provision and Blessing: The olive oil represents the anointing of the Holy Spirit and God's abundant provision.
• Joyful Devotion: The wine as a drink offering signifies the joy and gratitude that should accompany worship.
• Covenant Faithfulness: The consistent nature of the offering demonstrates the faithfulness required in maintaining a relationship with God.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this daily offering serves as a powerful type and shadow of Christ's atoning work. The lamb points directly to Jesus, the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The fine flour, oil, and wine further enrich this symbolism. The fine flour represents Christ's sinless humanity and perfect righteousness. The oil, often associated with the Holy Spirit, signifies Christ's anointing and empowerment. The wine, a drink offering, can be seen as a prefigurement of Christ's shed blood and the joy of salvation. For believers today, this verse calls for a continuous, devoted relationship with God, characterized by acknowledging our need for Christ's sacrifice, embracing the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and offering our lives in joyful service and worship. It underscores that our relationship with God is not a one-time event but a daily commitment.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Exodus 29:40 is a crucial piece in understanding the sacrificial system that underpins the Old Testament covenant. This system, meticulously detailed in Leviticus and Numbers, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The New Testament authors, particularly the author of Hebrews, consistently draw parallels between the Old Testament sacrifices and Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice. The "continual" aspect of this offering highlights the inadequacy of the Old Covenant sacrifices to provide complete and final atonement, thus pointing to the need for a superior sacrifice. It sets the stage for the New Covenant, where Christ's sacrifice is sufficient for all time, and believers are called to offer "spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5).

Analogies

One analogy for the continual burnt offering is the daily maintenance of a precious heirloom. Just as one would regularly polish and care for a valuable artifact to preserve its beauty and integrity, so too the daily sacrifice ensured the ongoing spiritual well-being and relationship of Israel with God. Another analogy might be the regular fueling of an engine; the daily offerings were the spiritual fuel that kept the covenant relationship running smoothly, maintaining God's presence and favor.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 1:29: Jesus is identified as the Lamb of God, directly linking the daily lamb offering to Christ's atoning sacrifice.
• Hebrews 9:11-14: This passage elaborates on the inadequacy of Old Testament sacrifices and the superior efficacy of Christ's blood.
• Hebrews 10:10-14: The author emphasizes that Christ's sacrifice was a "once for all" offering, fulfilling the purpose of the repeated Old Testament sacrifices.
• 1 Peter 2:5: Believers are called to offer "spiritual sacrifices," reflecting the application of the sacrificial principle to the New Covenant life.
• Numbers 28:3-8: This passage reiterates the command for the daily burnt offering, underscoring its consistent importance.