Leviticus 8:29, commentary and pictures

Moses lifted the breast of the ram for consecration and presented it as a wave offering before the Lord, and that breast became Moses's own portion in keeping with the Lord's command. This action belonged to the special offerings made during the seven-day rite that consecrated Aaron and his sons and prepared them to act as priests before they began ministering on behalf of others. The account forms part of the laws governing sacrifices, offerings, and priestly duties.

The rite shows the service of the earthly sanctuary entrusted to the Levitical order of priesthood, set apart by Moses to minister before the ark holding the tables of the law in the Most Holy Place of the typical sanctuary for as long as that sanctuary should stand, continuing the ministration begun when Moses brought the law down to the people. In that solemn setting apart for God's service in the earthly sanctuary, both Aaron himself and his garments were made holy by anointing and sprinkling with blood.

The Levitical sanctuary service with its yearly round of offerings and priestly work was a type and pattern of Christ and His priesthood and ministry in the heavenly sanctuary, a work accomplished once for all, and the details of these sacrificial laws carry meaning that finds fuller meaning in Christ's sacrifice, life, and work, although the bearing of this particular offering is left without further explanation in one place where the yearly type is set forth. As sacrificial object lessons teaching the exceeding sinfulness of sin, these Levitical offerings provided no sacrifice able to remove sin but directed penitent sinners forward to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God and great Sacrifice who takes away the sin of the world.