This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.

EXODUS 29:42KJV
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Exodus 29:42 (KJV)

What does Exodus 29:42 mean?

Exodus 29:42 describes a continual burnt offering that the Israelites are to present at the entrance of the tabernacle for all their generations, as a place where God promises to meet and speak with them. This verse establishes the regular offering as a lasting practice and highlights the tabernacle as the meeting point between God and His people.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses, giving instructions for the daily burnt offering as part of the tabernacle worship system. The verse emphasizes both the ongoing nature of the sacrifice and the special role of the tabernacle ("tent of meeting") as the place where God communicates with Israel. This command is part of a larger section detailing how Israel is to approach God in worship and maintain a relationship with Him.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 29:42

  • The word "continual" (תָּמִיד, tamid) means ongoing or regular, stressing that this offering is not a one-time event but a never-ending practice for future generations.
  • The word "offering" (עֹלָה, olah) refers specifically to a burnt offering, which is completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God.
  • The word "meet" (יָעַד, ya'ad) carries the sense of an appointed meeting or encounter, highlighting that the tabernacle is not just a ritual site but a place for a real interaction between God and His people.
  • The word "congregation" (מוֹעֵד, mo'ed) is often translated as "appointed meeting" or "assembly," reinforcing the idea that this is a set time and place for the community to gather before God.

Why Exodus 29:42 matters

  • Exodus 29:42 clarifies that the offerings are not just religious duties but are tied to God's promise to meet and speak with His people, making worship a two-way relationship.
  • The verse connects the daily sacrifices to the larger story of God's presence with Israel, showing that worship practices are about maintaining an ongoing relationship, not just following rules.
  • By emphasizing "throughout your generations," the verse shows that this command is meant to shape Israel's identity and worship for all time, not just for the people in Moses' day.

Where else these words appear

“meet” Hebrew H3259 · used in 29 verses

  • Exodus 21:8 If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.
  • Numbers 16:11 For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?
  • Job 2:11 Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.

“continual” Hebrew H8548 · used in 103 verses

  • Exodus 25:30 And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.
  • 2 Samuel 9:7 And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.
  • Psalms 105:4 Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

“generations” Hebrew H1755 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
  • Numbers 15:23 Even all that the LORD hath commanded you by the hand of Moses, from the day that the LORD commanded Moses, and henceforward among your generations;
  • Psalms 85:5 Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?