Exodus 29 describes how Aaron and his sons were set apart to serve as priests before the LORD. The chapter gives the ordination ritual, including washing, clothing, anointing and a series of sacrifices, and ends with God’s promise to dwell among his people. These questions suit a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study, and each set moves from what the text says to what it means and how to live it.
Exodus 29 at a Glance
The chapter opens with instructions for consecrating Aaron and his sons: a bull and two rams, unleavened bread, and a washing with water. Moses then dresses Aaron in his priestly garments and anoints him, followed by the sin offering, the burnt offerings, and the blood applied to the priests’ ears, thumbs and toes. The ram of ordination is offered and its portions are waved and eaten by the priests at the tent entrance.
The final section sets out the daily burnt offering of two lambs, morning and evening, and closes with God’s declaration that he will meet with Israel, dwell among them, and be known as the LORD who brought them out of Egypt.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first, before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask the group to point to the words in the text, and let several people answer before you move on. Keep the focus on what the chapter literally records.
Exodus 29:9
You shall clothe them with belts, Aaron and his sons, and bind headbands on them: and they shall have the priesthood by a perpetual statute: and you shall consecrate Aaron and his sons.
(WEB)
This verse states the priesthood as a perpetual statute and the consecration of Aaron and his sons. Reading it aloud helps the group see the lasting nature of the calling and the purpose of the whole ordination.
Exodus 29:20-21
20 Then you shall kill the ram, and take some of its blood, and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and on the tip of the right ear of his sons, and on the thumb of their right hand, and on the big toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood around on the altar. 21 You shall take of the blood that is on the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron, and on his garments, and on his sons, and on the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be made holy, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons’ garments with him.
(WEB)
These verses describe the marking with blood and oil and the declaration that the priests are made holy. Read them slowly so the group can picture the physical actions and reflect on their meaning.
Exodus 29:38-39
38 “Now this is that which you shall offer on the altar: two lambs a year old day by day continually. 39 The one lamb you shall offer in the morning; and the other lamb you shall offer at evening…
(WEB)
The daily offering of two lambs is named here. Reading it aloud reminds the group that worship in this chapter is regular, morning and evening, and ongoing across the days of the year.
Exodus 29:43
There I will meet with the children of Israel; and the place shall be sanctified by my glory.
(WEB)
This verse records God’s promise to meet with the people and to sanctify the place by his glory. It is the chapter’s clearest statement of divine presence and is worth lingering on in the session.
Exodus 29:45-46
45 I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God. 46 They shall know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, that I might dwell among them: I am the LORD their God.
(WEB)
These verses close the chapter with God’s declaration that he will dwell among his people and be their God. Ending the reading here helps the group hear the chapter’s central promise.
Memory Verse for Exodus 29
Exodus 29:45
I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.
(WEB)
This verse holds the heart of the chapter in one sentence. Memorizing it gives the group a short reminder that God chooses to dwell with his people, which can anchor their prayers and their days.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that you call ordinary people to serve you and that you make them holy for your purposes. Wash us from what keeps us from you, and clothe us with the grace we need for daily faithfulness. Help us return to you each morning and evening, trusting that you meet with us where we gather. Let us know that you are the LORD who brought us out of bondage, and that you choose to dwell among your people. Teach us to listen, to work and to walk in holiness this week. Amen.
