And it shall be Aaron's and his sons' by a statute for ever from the children of Israel: for it is an heave offering: and it shall be an heave offering from the children of Israel of the sacrifice of their peace offerings, even their heave offering unto the LORD.

EXODUS 29:28KJV
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Exodus 29:28 (KJV)

What does Exodus 29:28 mean?

Exodus 29:28 explains that a specific portion of the Israelites’ peace offerings is to be given to Aaron and his sons as a permanent rule. This portion, called a “heave offering,” is set aside for the priests from the sacrifices brought by the people, and this practice is to continue for all generations.

God is speaking to Moses, giving instructions about the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests. The verse establishes that the priests are to receive a share of certain sacrifices as their due, marking their special role among the Israelites. This rule is described as a lasting statute, showing the ongoing relationship between the priests, the people, and God through these offerings.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 29:28

  • “Statute” (חֹק, ḥoq): This word means a fixed rule or ordinance. Its use here emphasizes that this practice is not temporary but is meant to be a standing law for Israel.
  • “Heave offering” (תְּרוּמָה, tərumah): This term refers to something lifted up or set apart for God. In this context, it highlights that the priests’ portion is not just a payment but a sacred gift, separated from the rest of the sacrifice.
  • “Peace offerings” (שֶׁלֶם, shelem): These are sacrifices meant to express fellowship and thanksgiving to God. The fact that the priests’ share comes from these offerings underlines the communal and celebratory nature of the act.

Why Exodus 29:28 matters

  • Exodus 29:28 clarifies that the priests’ share of offerings is not a one-time event but a lasting arrangement, showing the ongoing support system for those serving in the sanctuary.
  • The verse highlights the idea that the priests’ role is supported by the community’s worship, reinforcing the connection between the people, their leaders, and God.
  • By specifying the “heave offering” from the “peace offerings,” the verse helps readers understand how different types of sacrifices were divided and what was considered sacred provision for the priests.

Where else these words appear

“offering” Hebrew H8641 · used in 63 verses

  • Exodus 25:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.
  • Numbers 15:20 Ye shall offer up a cake of the first of your dough for an heave offering: as ye do the heave offering of the threshingfloor, so shall ye heave it.
  • Nehemiah 10:37 And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

“offerings” Hebrew H8002 · used in 84 verses

  • Exodus 20:24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
  • Leviticus 10:14 And the wave breast and heave shoulder shall ye eat in a clean place; thou, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee: for they be thy due, and thy sons' due, which are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings of the children of Israel.
  • Judges 20:26 Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

“statute” Hebrew H2706 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 47:22 Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands.
  • Deuteronomy 26:17 Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice:
  • Psalms 119:12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.