Exodus 29:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 29:14
14 But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it is a sin offering.
Chapter Context
Exodus 29 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, discipleship, love. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-46: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 29:14
14 But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it is a sin offering.
Analysis
The burnt offering represents complete dedication to God—the entire animal consumed by fire, ascending as sweet savor to the LORD. This prefigures Christ's total self-offering, holding nothing back, His life completely devoted to God's glory. The fire consuming the offering pictures divine acceptance—God receives Christ's sacrifice with pleasure. Our worship, offered through Christ, also ascends as fragrant offering acceptable to God.
Historical Context
The burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah, 'that which ascends') was one of Israel's primary sacrifices, representing voluntary dedication to God. Unlike sin offerings (which addressed guilt), burnt offerings expressed worshipful consecration.
Reflection
- How did Christ give Himself 'completely' (burnt offering) rather than partially?
- What does it mean that your worship ascends to God 'through Christ'?
Word Studies
- Sin: חַטָּאת (Chatta'ah) H2403 - Sin, missing the mark