Exodus 29:16
and you shall kill the ram and shall take its blood and throw it against the sides of the altar.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that the blood wasn't gently sprinkled, but rather "thrown" or "cast" against the altar. This signifies a more forceful application, emphasizing the vital and decisive nature of the blood in the consecration and purification of the priesthood. It points to the immediate and profound impact of the sacrifice on those set apart for God's service.
This passage is part of a lengthy, detailed instruction from God to Moses on how to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests. It follows the initial setup of the tabernacle and the selection of Aaron and his family, setting the stage for the elaborate sacrificial rituals that will sanctify them for service. The verses immediately before describe the preparation and offering of a bullock and the first ram, involving the application of blood to the altar and the burning of certain parts as a sin offering and burnt offering.
The instruction to 'throw' the ram's blood against the altar might sound harsh, but it reveals a crucial aspect of atonement.
The Hebrew word used here for 'sprinkle' (though translated differently in some English versions) actually describes a forceful action, more like 'tossing' or 'throwing' from a vessel. This wasn't a gentle misting. The blood was cast against the sides of the altar, reaching all four points. This dramatic act wasn't just for show; it powerfully symbolized that the sacrifice was being applied to the very foundation of worship, making it holy and acceptable to God. It shows that atonement is a decisive, forceful act, not a passive one.
The blood thrown on the altar wasn't just for the altar itself; it was integral to setting apart the priests for their sacred role.
This ram was not just any animal; it was the 'ram of consecration.' Its blood, applied to the altar, was part of a larger ritual to set apart Aaron and his sons for the priesthood. Later in the chapter (Exodus 29:20), blood from this same ram is applied to their ears, thumbs, and toes. This signifies that their hearing, their actions, and their entire walk needed to be consecrated by the sacrifice. The altar, where sacrifices were offered, becomes the central point for this consecration, linking the atoning work of the sacrifice directly to the individuals serving God.
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Understand the original words
dam · Hebrew Noun
The life principle of a creature, which in the sacrificial system represents the substitute offered to God to make atonement for sin. Blood signifies that a life has been given up to satisfy the requirements of divine justice.
mizbeah · Hebrew Noun
A structure, usually of earth or stone, where sacrifices were presented to God. It represents the place of meeting between a holy God and sinful humanity, mediated through the blood of a sacrifice.
This passage describes the same action of 'tossing' or 'casting' blood against the altar, emphasizing the completeness of the act by mentioning it's done 'round about'.
Leviticus 8:24This verse shows the application of the ram's blood to Aaron and his sons (specifically their ear, thumb, and toe), which is a related aspect of the consecration ritual involving the ram's blood.
Hebrews 9:22This New Testament passage draws a direct parallel, stating that 'almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness,' highlighting the essential role of blood in atonement, as seen in Exodus 29.
Ezekiel 43:18Centuries later, Ezekiel describes a similar ritual for the altar in the new temple, where blood is applied to its horns and sides, showing the enduring significance of this practice.
calvinExodus 29:1-35: "And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,"
And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.
Cingesque illos baltheo: Aharon et flios ejus, et aptabis eis pileos, et erit eis sacerdotium in statutum perp…
ellicottExodus 29:16: "And thou shalt slay the ram, and thou shalt take his blood, and sprinkle it round about upon the altar."
(16) Thou shalt take his blood, and sprinkle it. —Rather, scatter it. The act of throwing the blood from a basin against the lower part of the altar is intended. The verb is a different one from that rightly translated “sprinkle” in Exodus 29:21 . The LXX. render it by προσχεῖν , and the Vulg. by fundere . Round about upon the altar.—Practically, this was done by casting it on…
This verse highlights that the blood wasn't gently sprinkled, but rather "thrown" or "cast" against the altar. This signifies a more forceful application, emphasizing the vital and decisive nature of the blood in the consecration and purification of the priesthood. It points to the immediate and profound impact of the sacrifice on those set apart for God's service.
This passage is part of a lengthy, detailed instruction from God to Moses on how to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests. It follows the initial setup of the tabernacle and the selection of Aaron and his family, setting the stage for the elaborate sacrificial rituals that will sanctify them for service. The verses immediately before describe the preparation and offering of a bullock and the first ram, involving the application of blood to the altar and the burning of certain parts as a sin offering and burnt offering.
This passage is part of a lengthy, detailed instruction from God to Moses on how to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests. It follows the initial setup of the tabernacle and the selection of Aaron and his family, setting the stage for the elaborate sacrificial rituals that will sanctify them for service. The verses immediately before describe the preparation and offering of a bullock and the first ram, involving the application of blood to the altar and the burning of certain parts as a sin offering and burnt offering.
"and you shall kill the ram and shall take its blood and throw it against the sides of the altar." — This verse highlights that the blood wasn't gently sprinkled, but rather "thrown" or "cast" against the altar. This signifies a more forceful application, emphasizing the vital and decisive nature of…
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