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Daily Devotions

Exodus

Exodus 
Day 
Day 279

"Though the LORD is on high, yet He regards the lowly..." Psalm 138:6

Text: Exodus 29 : 31-34

THE FOURTH PART

There was actually a fourth part with reference to the ram of consecration. The blood of the ram was put on the high priest and his sons to anoint and consecrate them for ministry in the Tabernacle. The second part was to offer certain organs of the ram as a burnt offering. The third part was to offer a wave offering symbolizing joy and dedication on the part of the priests. The fourth part was essentially a holy fellowship meal.

“And you shall take the ram of the consecration and
boil its flesh in the holy place. Then Aaron and his sons
shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in
the basket, by the door of the tabernacle of meeting.
They shall eat those things with which the atonement was made
to consecrate and to sanctify them; but an outsider shall not
eat them, because they are holy. And if any of the flesh of the
consecration offerings, or of the bread, remains until the morning,
then you shall burn the remainder with fire. It shall not be eaten,
because it is holy.”
EXODUS 29:31-34

1. “Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread… in the basket”

The partaking of food was included as the conclusion of an act of worship. This would have been easily comprehended, because the children of Israel had already partaken of the Passover meal in Egypt (Cf. Exodus 12). The consumption of a meal together held symbolic significance. There was great fellowship with each other and with the Lord.

2. “They shall eat those things with which the atonement was made to consecrate and to sanctify them”

How would the priests have fellowship over their meal together? They could speak of their atonement, their consecration and their sanctification. What wonderful conversations the priests could have with each other, sharing their personal feelings and thoughts as they partook of the holy fellowship meal!

The priests would also be reminded of the Lord’s “lovingkindness” in making such provisions for them! They were privileged indeed, to partake of such a holy meal! There was no need to hurry over this meal at all. The partaking of the meal should include a great sense of consciousness that they were in the house of the Lord!

3. “But an outsider shall not eat them, because they are holy”

This was a strict order from the Lord! That which was especially consecrated could not be shared with “outsiders”. This phrase would not only include Gentiles, but would also include the children of Israel who were not of the priestly family!

4. “You shall burn the remainder with fire. It shall not be eaten because it is holy”

The issue of holiness must be carefully understood and practised. That which has been consecrated must not be profaned!