Exodus 29:15
ESV
"Then you shall take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram,
NIV
"Take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head.
NASB
You shall also take the one ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram;
CSB
"Take one ram, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on the ram’s head.
NLT
Next Aaron and his sons must lay their hands on the head of one of the rams.
KJV
Thou shalt also take one ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram.
NKJV
“You shall also take one ram, and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on the head of the ram;
What does Exodus 29:15 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Exodus 29; verse-level content coming soon!Exodus 29:15–28 explains the sacrifice of two rams. This is part of the Lord's commands for Moses to consecrate Israel's first priests under the Mosaic covenant. The first ram is cut into pieces and burnt entirely on the altar (Exodus 27:1). Blood from the second ram is applied to Aaron and his sons (Exodus 40:13–15). The second ram's organs are handled in various ways.
God will establish Aaron as the first high priest. Aaron's sons will begin serving in a hereditary priesthood (Exodus 40:13–15; Numbers 3:10). In this passage, the Lord gives Moses detailed instructions about how to consecrate this new priesthood. The ritual involves several sacrificial animals and the application of blood. These physical rituals and objects remind Israel of God's loving works on their behalf.