Exodus 29:15-18 Burnt offering ram

"Take one of the rams,

and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head.

Slaughter it and take the blood and sprinkle it against the altar on all sides.

Cut the ram into pieces and wash the inner parts and the legs,

putting them with the head and the other pieces.

Then burn the entire ram on the altar.

It is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma,

an offering made to the LORD by fire."

Exodus 29:15-18 (NIV)

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These verses describe part of the process of consecrating the priests of the LORD (which is described in Exodus chapter 29).  Already in this process, Aaron and his sons have been washed and dressed in their priestly garments, and a bull has been offered as a sin offering.

Now one of the two prescribed rams has been selected as a burnt offering to the LORD.  This offering, according to the ESV Study Bible, is later described in Leviticus as one which is offered as atonement for the sins of the one offering it. (Leviticus 1:3-4)

The entire ram is burned on the altar, after all the pieces have been washed and arranged.  This seems to symbolize total dedication to the LORD.

The other ram's purpose, which involves consecration for ordination, will be discussed in the next post.