Definition: And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it [is] a burnt offering unto the LORD: it [is] a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 29:18. It’s a pretty significant passage about sacrifice in the Old Testament! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “You must burn the entire ram (a large animal sacrificed) on an altar and let it burn with fire.” Let’s unpack it further: “And thou shalt burn the whole ram…” : This is a very important point. It means you're not just burning a portion of the ram – you’re burning everything . It’s a complete offering. “…upon the altar…” : The altar was a special place for worship and sacrifice. “it [is] a burnt offering unto the LORD” : This is the key part. “unto the Lord” means it's being offered to God as a sign of devotion and reverence. "Burnt offering" means it’s being prepared to be burned – it’s not just sitting around; it's actively being transformed into something holy. “it [is] a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD” : This describes how the ram is burning. The fire makes it smell good (a “sweet savour”) and burns it brightly. It’s not just a regular burning; it's a deliberate act of worship and a gift to God – a truly special offering. What was happening? This verse describes the first Passover in Israel, where the Israelites were about to leave Egypt. They needed to show their commitment to God by sacrificing a lamb (a type of animal) on an altar. Burning the ram was a powerful and symbolic act – it demonstrated that they were willing to follow God’s laws and trust in Him. Why is this important? This story illustrates: Sacrifice as a way to connect with God: It shows how humans can offer something precious (a living animal) to show their devotion and relationship with the divine. Divine Recognition: The burning of the ram was seen as a sign that God recognized and valued the Israelites' faith. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail, perhaps relating it to a specific aspect of Old Testament worship? Or would you like me to give you some context about why this passage is significant in Jewish tradition?