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Book of Exodus - Chapter 29 - Verse 15

29:15
Thou shalt also take one ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram.

Meaning

In this verse, the act of putting one's hands on the head of the ram symbolizes the transfer of sin or guilt from the individual performing the act to the sacrificial animal. This ritual is known as the "laying on of hands," a common practice in ancient Israelite culture. By placing their hands on the ram, Aaron and his sons are essentially transferring their sins and impurities onto the animal, which will then be sacrificed as an offering to atone for their wrongdoings. This act represents a form of purification, as the sins of the people are symbolically removed and transferred to the innocent animal, which is then sacrificed to God. It is also a demonstration of taking responsibility for one's actions and seeking forgiveness through a sacrificial offering. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of acknowledging one's sins and seeking spiritual cleansing through rituals prescribed in the Bible.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Exodus, the act of laying hands on the head of a ram holds deep theological significance in the context of ancient Jewish sacrificial rituals. The laying on of hands symbolizes the transfer of sin and guilt from the individual offering the sacrifice to the animal being sacrificed. This act signifies the idea of substitution, where the innocent animal bears the consequences of the sin committed by the person making the offering. The ram, in this case, acts as a sin offering, taking on the sins of Aaron and his sons through the symbolic act of laying on of hands. This ritual served as a powerful visual reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement in the eyes of God. Furthermore, the use of a ram in this context was significant as rams were often seen as sacrificial animals in ancient Jewish culture, often symbolizing strength and power. The theological implications of this verse point towards the importance of acknowledging one's sins and seeking forgiveness through sacrificial acts.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt also take the one ram; and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands upon the head of the ram.
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