Read Exodus 29 here or at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew paragraphs:
29:1-37 {s} Instructions for the service of consecration
29:38-46 {p} Continual burnt offerings for the altar
A Strong Theme concludes in today’s chapter:
28:6-12 {s} The pattern for the ephod
28:13-14 {s} The pattern for the chain and settings of gold
28:15-30 {s} The pattern for the breastplate
28:31-35 {s} The pattern for the robe of blue
28:36-43 {s} The pattern for the remaining garments
29:1-37 {s} Instructions for the service of consecration
29:38-46 {p} Continual burnt offerings for the altar
Exo 28:6-29:46 Strong Theme: The pattern for the priests’ to be clothed with glory and beauty, and their consecration for service in tending the continual things.
The puzzle of the A pair: clearly they are forced together by their surrounding elements. To understand why, we have to understand a Hebrew verb which occurs again and again in this section.
Shall bear (Exo 28:12, 29, 30, 38) is Strong’s H5375 to take up נשא nasa. As per the Ancient Hebrew Lexicon, the shin was transposed from an original sin.
nun נ ן = seed, thus continue, heir, son
sin ס = thorn, thus grab, hate, protect
aleph א = ox head, thus strength, power, leader
The story: Persistently (continually, nun) grabbing hold (sin) with strength (aleph), thus labor, to take up or lift up a burden. This word is often translated “to pardon” or “to forgive,” because when a sin is pardoned, it is taken up and carried away.
The form of the priesthood, that is, their garments that are their coverings and “furnishings,” is there to help fulfill the function of the priesthood, that is, that the High Priest shall lift up and bear away the iniquity of the children of Israel. That bearing up and taking away opens the door for the presence of YHVH to come and dwell among them. The High Priest of our confession is Emmanuel, God With Us.
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