Exodus 29:39
One lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This isn't just about two sacrifices; it’s about God’s desire for constant fellowship. By appointing sacrifices at the very beginning and end of each day, God signals that He wants to be integrated into every moment of our lives, not just set aside for special occasions.
This verse is part of the detailed instructions for consecrating the priests and establishing the daily worship at the Tabernacle. Following the instructions for the burnt offerings and anointings, God now specifies the perpetual, daily sacrifice of two lambs – one in the morning and one in the evening. This continuous offering was to be a constant reminder and atonement, establishing a perpetual covenant where God promised to meet His people and dwell among them.
Imagine starting and ending your day with a sacred act, a tangible reminder of God's promises. This wasn't just a ritual; it was the bedrock of Israelite worship.
The command to offer two lambs daily, one in the morning and one in the evening, established a rhythm of constant devotion.
A Perpetual Offering
This wasn't a one-time event but a 'continual burnt offering' (Exodus 29:42). It was meant to be a daily practice from their settlement in the land until the destruction of Jerusalem. This sustained offering was central to their relationship with God, underscoring that worship wasn't confined to special occasions but was meant to permeate their entire lives.
Purpose of the Daily Lambs
This daily atonement kept their awareness of sin and their need for God's mercy alive, preparing them to approach Him.
What does it mean for a sacrifice to be a 'sweet savour' to God? It's more than just a pleasant aroma; it points to divine satisfaction and acceptance.
The text mentions that the offering was made "for a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD" (Exodus 29:41, often associated with the meat and drink offerings accompanying the lambs).
Divine Satisfaction
This phrase, "sweet savour" or "savour of rest," signifies God's acceptance and pleasure in the sacrifice. It wasn't that God literally needed the smell, but that the offering, when made according to His command, was pleasing to Him.
A Glimpse of Christ
This passage directly references the cessation of the 'continual sacrifice' (which included the morning and evening lambs) with the coming of the Messiah, highlighting its prophetic significance.
Psalm 141:2This Psalm speaks of prayers ascending like an evening incense offering, echoing the concept of the evening sacrifice as a time for prayer and communion with God.
Luke 1:10This verse describes Zechariah praying alone in the temple at the time of the incense offering, which would have been the evening sacrifice, linking the daily ritual to consistent prayer.
John 1:29Jesus is called the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, directly fulfilling the atoning purpose of the daily lamb sacrifices offered morning and evening.
clarkeExodus 29:39: "The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even:"
One lamb thou shalt offer in the morning - These two lambs, one in the morning, and the other in the evening, were generally termed the morning and evening daily sacrifices, and were offered from the time of their settlement in the promised land to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. The use of these sacrifices according to the Jews was this: "The morning sacrifice made atonement f…
calvinExodus 29:38-46: "Now this is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually."
And the other lamb thou shalt offer at even, and shalt do thereto according to the meat offering of the morning, and according to the drink offering thereof, for a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
Agnum alterum facies inter duas vesperas sicut minha matutino, et sicut libamini ejus facies ei in odorem quietis, oblationem ignitam Jehovae.
4…
This isn't just about two sacrifices; it’s about God’s desire for constant fellowship. By appointing sacrifices at the very beginning and end of each day, God signals that He wants to be integrated into every moment of our lives, not just set aside for special occasions.
This verse is part of the detailed instructions for consecrating the priests and establishing the daily worship at the Tabernacle. Following the instructions for the burnt offerings and anointings, God now specifies the perpetual, daily sacrifice of two lambs – one in the morning and one in the evening. This continuous offering was to be a constant reminder and atonement, establishing a perpetual covenant where God promised to meet His people and dwell among them.
This verse is part of the detailed instructions for consecrating the priests and establishing the daily worship at the Tabernacle. Following the instructions for the burnt offerings and anointings, God now specifies the perpetual, daily sacrifice of two lambs – one in the morning and one in the evening. This continuous offering was to be a constant reminder and atonement, establishing a perpetual covenant where God promised to meet His people and dwell among them.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Exodus 29:39 is available in the Sola app.
Commentators suggest this "sweet savour" was a prophetic symbol pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Christ's offering on the cross is the perfect sacrifice that truly satisfies God's justice and brings Him supreme delight, providing atonement for all humanity.
Beyond the Ritual
The accompanying offerings of flour, oil, and wine were not mere additions but symbolized the believer's response to God's grace—faith, repentance, and gratitude. The entire act, including the lambs and accompanying offerings, was intended to direct hearts towards the promised Redeemer.
Where would God meet His people? The tabernacle, sanctified by His glory and marked by daily sacrifice, became the place of divine encounter.
The daily sacrifices weren't just about atonement; they were integral to God's plan to dwell among His people.
The Tabernacle: A Sacred Space
God declared, "where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee" (Exodus 29:42). The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, was designated as the place where God's presence would uniquely reside and where He would communicate with Israel. The consistent offering of the lambs served to consecrate this space and maintain the covenant connection.
Sanctified by Glory
This divine meeting place would be "sanctified by my glory" (Exodus 29:43). The sacrifices were a visible sign of God's holy presence that would fill the Tabernacle, setting it apart. This glory represented God's majestic power and His commitment to His people.
God's Dwelling and Identity
Ultimately, this was all part of God's promise: "And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the LORD their God" (Exodus 29:45-46). The daily sacrifices were a constant reminder of the God who chose to be with them, a God who delivered them and desired an ongoing relationship.
"One lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight." — This isn't just about two sacrifices; it’s about God’s desire for constant fellowship. By appointing sacrifices at the very beginning and end of each day, God signals that He wants to be integrated i…
