This passage highlights that the "fat" and "rump" of the ram were designated portions for the altar, emphasizing that even the richest parts of the sacrifice were set apart for God. Notably, the right shoulder, normally the priest's portion in peace offerings, was also burned here, signifying a complete dedication of the entire sacrifice in this specific "ram of consecration."
“You shall also take the fat from the ram and the fat tail and the fat that covers the entrails, and the long lobe of the liver and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, and the right thigh (for it is a ram of ordination),
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage details the specific parts of a ram that are to be offered to God as part of the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons. These selected portions – the fat, tail, internal fats, liver, kidneys, and right thigh – were to be burned on the altar, symbolizing their complete dedication and consecration to the priestly service. This ritual follows the initial steps of preparing the priests and the altar, setting the stage for their appointed roles in ministering before God.
Why would God's instructions for the priests' consecration include burning the fattest, richest parts of the animal? It wasn't just for flavor!
In the ancient Near East, fat was often seen as the most desirable part of an animal, representing its richness and vitality. When the Bible talks about offering the 'fat' to God, especially during the consecration of priests, it signifies giving Him the very best.
This wasn't just any ram; it was a 'ram of consecration.' What did that mean for the priests who were about to serve God?
The ram in Exodus 29 is specifically called a 'ram of consecration' (or 'filling,' referring to the filling of their hands with sacrificial elements). This signifies a complete dedication and a new beginning for the priests.
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Understand the original words
cheleb · Hebrew Noun
In sacrificial ritual, the choicest part of an animal, symbolizing the best of one's resources or devotion offered to the Lord. It signifies richness, abundance, and the vitality of the life being offered.
millu'im · Hebrew Noun
The state or act of being officially set apart, authorized, and empowered for a sacred office or ministry, specifically in the Levitical priesthood.
This passage describes the fat tail being offered to the Lord as part of the peace offering, highlighting its significance and value as a choice portion of the sacrifice.
Leviticus 7:3This verse further clarifies that the fat of the burnt offering, including the fat tail, was to be offered by fire to the Lord, emphasizing the specific parts reserved for God.
Leviticus 8:25This passage directly parallels Exodus 29:22 by describing Moses placing the fat, fat tail, and other selected parts of the ram into Aaron's hands to be waved as a wave offering for his consecration.
Hebrews 9:22This New Testament passage states that almost everything under the law was cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness, underscoring the sacrificial and cleansing significance of these Old Testament rituals.
1 Corinthians 10:18This verse connects the practice of Israel eating sacrifices with sharing in the altar, showing a continuity of fellowship and participation in what is offered to God.
clarkeExodus 29:22: "Also thou shalt take of the ram the fat and the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and the right shoulder; for it is a ram of consecration:"
The fat and the rump - The rump or tail of some of the eastern sheep is the best part of the animal, and is counted a great delicacy. They are also very large, some of them weighing from twelve to forty pounds' weight; "so that the owners," says Mr. L…
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…
This passage highlights that the "fat" and "rump" of the ram were designated portions for the altar, emphasizing that even the richest parts of the sacrifice were set apart for God. Notably, the right shoulder, normally the priest's portion in peace offerings, was also burned here, signifying a complete dedication of the entire sacrifice in this specific "ram of consecration."
This passage details the specific parts of a ram that are to be offered to God as part of the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons. These selected portions – the fat, tail, internal fats, liver, kidneys, and right thigh – were to be burned on the altar, symbolizing their complete dedication and consecration to the priestly service. This ritual follows the initial steps of preparing the priests and the altar, setting the stage for their appointed roles in ministering before God.
This passage details the specific parts of a ram that are to be offered to God as part of the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons. These selected portions – the fat, tail, internal fats, liver, kidneys, and right thigh – were to be burned on the altar, symbolizing their complete dedication and consecration to the priestly service. This ritual follows the initial steps of preparing the priests and the altar, setting the stage for their appointed roles in ministering before God.
"“You shall also take the fat from the ram and the fat tail and the fat that covers the entrails, and the long lobe of the liver and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, and the right thigh (for it is a ram of ordination)," — This passage highlights that the "fat" and "rump" of the ram were designated portions for the altar, emphasizing that even the richest parts of the sacrifice were set apart for God. Notably, the righ…
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Last reviewed October 2026
