Exodus 29:36
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 29:36
36 And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.
Chapter Context
Exodus 29 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, prayer, discipleship. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 29:36
36 And thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.
Analysis
God promises to dwell among Israel, meeting them at the tabernacle, His glory sanctifying the place and people. The daily offerings maintain covenant relationship—morning and evening, continually before the LORD. This perpetual worship prefigures Christ's eternal intercession and the New Covenant promise: 'I will be their God, and they shall be my people.' The tabernacle becomes the meeting place where God and man commune through prescribed atonement.
Historical Context
The daily burnt offerings (morning and evening) continued throughout Israel's history, maintaining the covenant relationship established at Sinai. This perpetual worship demonstrated that relationship with God requires ongoing devotion, not one-time commitment.
Reflection
- How does Christ's eternal intercession fulfill the 'daily offerings' pattern?
- What does God's promise to 'dwell among you' mean for your daily life?
Word Studies
- Sin: חַטָּאת (Chatta'ah) H2403 - Sin, missing the mark
Cross-References
- Sin: Hebrews 10:11
- Parallel theme: Exodus 30:26