Exodus 29:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The offering of the bull, the ram, and the lamb in Exodus 29:38 illustrates three levels in the spiritual maturation of the faithful and in the development of the conscience. The first level pertains to those who have reached the pinnacle of spiritual attainment; the second, which is intermediate, is for those positioned beneath the first; and the third, the most basic level, is designated for beginners in the faith. The size of the sacrificial animals signifies the varying degrees of spiritual vitality: the bull, being the largest, symbolizes the greatest power, while the lamb, the smallest, signifies the least power.

Subsequent to this, a description of the consecration process is provided, outlining how both the priests and the sanctuary along with all its vessels are to be dedicated. The offering of the bull and two rams to the Lord, as well as the presentation of the wheat loaves that are not only unleavened but also anointed with oil, signifies either the pledge of virtuous deeds and the purity of faith or the grace of the Divine presence, which alone can truly sanctify the priests. It is widely recognized that the sacrifice and shedding of blood from these animals symbolize the death and the blood of our Lord, through which we are redeemed from sin and empowered for righteous actions.

The regulations for the consecration are presented here, with their execution detailed in Leviticus, chapters 23 and 9. Among the grain offerings, there are three distinct types of bread, likely symbolizing the various forms of unleavened bread utilized by the household of Israel: unleavened bread, unleavened dough combined with olive oil, and finally, unleavened cakes drizzled with olive oil. In the Old Testament, leavened bread was never offered as a sacrifice to the Lord; it was only presented once a year during the celebration of the first fruits at Pentecost, and it was designated for the priests. Additionally, during the thanksgiving sacrifice, leavened bread was also included along with the sacrificial unleavened bread, but this too was allocated to the priests (Lev. 7:13-14).