Exodus 29:24–28 commands waving offerings before God; how realistic is it that an omnipotent deity would require such a tangible, physical sign of devotion?

Definition and Scriptural Context

Exodus 29:24–28 describes a specific aspect of Israel’s sacrificial system known as the wave offering: “Put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons and wave them before the LORD as a wave offering. Then take them from their hands and burn them on the altar along with the burnt offering for a pleasing aroma before the LORD; it is an offering made by fire to the LORD” (vv. 24–25). The passage continues by establishing that certain parts of the sacrifice belong to the priests as their portion. These commands come at a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, as Moses is preparing Aaron and his sons for priestly service.

The “waving” involved holding the sacrificial portions and moving them in a ceremonial manner before God. Through this ritual, priests and worshipers publicly dedicated their sacrifices to God, signifying that the offering truly belonged to Him.

Historical and Cultural Background

In the ancient Near East, tangible acts—such as sacrificing animals, using incense, and making grain offerings—were standard components of worship across many cultures. However, Israel’s offerings were not simply an attempt to appease unnamed forces; rather, they were covenant expressions directed to the one true God who established a unique relationship with Israel (see Exodus 19:5–6).

Archaeological findings, such as animal bones discovered near what are believed to be ancient Israelite worship sites, corroborate the biblical practice of offering sacrifices. Fragments of the book of Exodus in the Dead Sea Scrolls similarly confirm the long-standing transmission of priestly instructions, showing consistency of these rituals through centuries of textual preservation.

Purpose of Physical Symbols in Worship

A central question arises: why would an all-powerful, eternal God require a physical sign of devotion like a wave offering? One explanation appears when considering the holistic nature of biblical faith. Scripture frequently unites the inward heart attitude and outward expressions of worship (see Deuteronomy 6:5). Physical acts remind worshipers that their devotion is not abstract; it involves the entirety of their lives, including tangible demonstrations.

Furthermore, biblical worship underscores humanity’s embodied nature. From the earliest pages of Genesis, people are depicted as physical beings (Genesis 2:7), so it is natural that worship would engage both mind and body. These outward acts often serve as a visible means of conveying spiritual truths, ensuring that worship never remains purely theoretical.

Why God Institutes Physical Emblems

Physical ceremonies reinforce God’s relationship with His people. By waving the offering, the priests signified that these gifts were fully dedicated to God’s service. This visible demonstration can produce an internal response—humility, commitment, thanksgiving—within those offering it. The gesture shows that God, far from being removed or uninterested, actively engages with His creation.

Additionally, biblical patterns often teach through tangible memorials. The Passover lamb (Exodus 12), the bronze serpent (Numbers 21:8–9), and later baptisms and the Lord’s Supper in the New Testament (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26) each employ physical acts to transmit deep theological truths. These practices reinforce the unity of heart, mind, and body in the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Addressing the Question of Realism

From a purely human standpoint, it might seem unusual that an omnipotent deity desires a waved offering. However, Scripture portrays God as personal, communicating with humanity in meaningful, identifiable ways. Because He made a material world, He often uses physical, concrete forms of instruction to shape faith and obedience.

Philosophically and behaviorally, people respond more profoundly when abstract truth is anchored in something tangible. The wave offering acted as a dynamic teaching tool, instructing future priests and worshipers about God’s holiness, the seriousness of dedication, and the reality of sin and atonement. Even in modern religious practices, visible rituals continue to shape and solidify beliefs.

Practical and Ethical Implications

When God commands outward demonstrations, it is not because He has needs (Psalm 50:10–12). Rather, these commands serve the people who practice them. Through obedience, they acknowledge God’s rightful authority and embody their trust in Him. The wave offering also ensured that the priests, who ministered constantly on behalf of the people, participated tangibly in worship and received their due portion from the sacrifices (Exodus 29:26–28).

Moreover, such practices promoted a communal ethic. Everyone saw that the sacrifice was dedicated first to God, then partially returned to help sustain the priests who facilitated the worship of the entire community. There is a consistent biblical principle of God using tangible means to build a healthy, worshipful society (cf. Leviticus 7:28–36).

New Testament Correlations

Although wave offerings specifically belonged to the Mosaic covenant, the concept of connecting physical acts of worship with heartfelt devotion appears throughout the New Testament. Believers are instructed to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1), which illustrates that Christian worship, too, has tangible dimensions, even though it does not involve animal sacrifice. The physical act of giving, serving, or caring for others can be seen as a “fragrant offering” pleasing to God (Philippians 4:18).

The New Testament also clarifies that these physical practices do not earn salvation; rather, they reflect a heart already surrendered to God’s grace through the resurrected Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). Still, the practicality of embodied acts of worship remains a significant thread running from the Old Testament offerings through to Christian living.

Conclusion

Exodus 29:24–28 illustrates an ancient but enduring principle: physical expressions of worship help believers internalize and cherish spiritual truths. Far from undermining God’s omnipotence, the wave offering highlights His intimate involvement with humanity. This tangible ceremony served as a vivid reminder to Israel that every aspect of life—animal sacrifices, priestly service, communal resources—belongs entirely to God.

Throughout Scripture, God consistently employs visible, physical signs to engage the hearts of worshipers. Thus, it is entirely reasonable within the biblical framework to see the wave offering as one more concrete opportunity for God’s people to demonstrate their devotion and learn obedience. By these outward acts, the faithful acknowledge God’s sovereignty, commemorate His works, and foster communal welfare—ultimately pointing forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice found in Jesus Christ.