(19) The other ram.--Comp. Exodus 29:1; Exodus 29:15. This ram is called in Leviticus (Exodus 8:22) "the ram of consecration." It formed, as has been observed (Speaker's Commentary, vol. i. pt. 2, p. 535), "by far the most peculiar part of the whole ceremony" Consecrated to God by the act of sacrifice, its blood was used, together with the holy oil, for the consecration of Aaron and his sons (Exodus 29:20-21); while at the same time its most sacred parts were placed on their hands by Moses, that with them they might perform their first sacerdotal act, and so be inaugurated into their office (Exodus 29:22-24). This last was not only the crowning act of the ceremony, but also its most essential feature--the act which imparted to Aaron and his sons the priestly character.Verse 19. - The other ram. Compare ver. 15; and see also vers. I and 3, where two rams had been mentioned. This second ram is called, "the ram of consecration" in ver. 22, and again in Leviticus 8:22. It was "by far the most peculiar part of the whole ceremony" (S. Clark). It must be viewed as a "peace-offering" (Leviticus 3:1-17), but one of a peculiar character. The application of the blood to the persons of the priests was altogether unique, and most significant. It was the crowning act of consecration, and implied the complete dedication of their life and of all their powers to the service of the Almighty. 29:1-37 Aaron and his sons were to be set apart for the priest's office, with ceremony and solemnity. Our Lord Jesus is the great High Priest of our profession, called of God to be so; anointed with the Spirit, whence he is called Messiah, the Christ; clothed with glory and beauty; sanctified by his own blood; made perfect, or consecrated through sufferings, Heb 2:10. All believers are spiritual priests, to offer spiritual sacrifices,And thou shall take the other ram,.... The other of the two that was left, Exodus 29:1, and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on the head of the ram, as they were to do, and did, upon the head of the other; See Gill on Exodus 29:15. |