Definition: And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 29:12. It’s a really important instruction for how to prepare food in the Old Testament, particularly when sacrificing animals. Here's what it means, explained simply: What it says: “And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.” Let’s unpack it: “And thou shalt take of the blood…” – This means you need to sacrifice an animal. It's a special ritual that demonstrates reverence and commitment to God. “…of the blood of the bullock…” – "Bullock" refers to a young cow, specifically used for sacrifice. The “blood” part is crucial - it’s the actual offering of this animal. “and put [it] upon the horns of the altar…” – This tells us you need to place the blood on top of the horns (the bony protrusions on the cow's head). It’s a visual marker of the offering. “…with thy finger…” - This is a very important detail. You must use your finger to apply the blood, signifying that it’s a personal and sincere offering. “and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.” – This means you need to spread the blood out across the entire surface of the altar. It's like pouring a thick, soaking-wet layer. What’s the point? This is a symbolic act. The blood represents: Offering: A sincere and heartfelt giving of yourself to God. Sacrifice: Giving up something precious – in this case, the animal itself – to show devotion. Repentance/Remission: It was believed that the blood represented a cleansing and forgiveness offered to God for sins. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a very strict rule about how to prepare sacrifices. It's not meant to be taken literally in modern times; it’s a symbolic reminder of the importance of worship and offering back to God. Do you want me to explain any part of this further? For example, I could: Discuss its significance within the Old Testament context. Explain how this verse relates to other religious traditions.