Exodus 29:10

Bullock. Literally, “the bull” (see v. 1). By placing their hands upon its head Aaron and his sons identified themselves with it and, in figure, transferred to it the guilt of their own sins and imperfections (Ex. 29:14; Lev. 4:1-4). The fact could not be overlooked that the law accepted as priests men with moral and spiritual infirmities (Heb. 7:28). Themselves sinful, Aaron and his sons were as yet unfit to stand before God in behalf of others. They needed to have sacrifices offered for themselves. There were three of these: a sin offering (see Ex. 29:10-15), a burnt offering (see vs. 15-19), and a peace offering (see vs. 19-22). These sacrifices, with the accompanying ceremonies, were to be repeated on seven successive days (vs. 35, 36). The altar, as defiled by the sin of those officiating at it, was likewise to be cleansed by the blood of the sin offering (vs. 36, 37).