“And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons’ garments with him.”
Context:Exodus 29 contains instructions for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests before the Lord. God commands Moses to carry out a specific ritual of consecration that includes sacrifices, washing, anointing with oil, and clothing the priests with special garments.
Blood and Anointing Oil:The process of consecration involved the use of blood from the sacrificial animals and anointing oil. Blood symbolises life and purification, while the anointing oil represents the presence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This combination is significant in setting apart the priests for holy service.
Sprinkling:The act of sprinkling the blood and anointing oil signified purification and dedication to the Lord. It was not only applied to Aaron, the high priest, but also to his sons and their garments. This emphasised that the entire priestly lineage was consecrated to serve in the Tabernacle.
Holiness:The word “hallowed” means to be made holy or set apart for a sacred purpose. Through this consecration process, Aaron and his sons were sanctified and separated from the common people for their specific role in representing the people before God.
Imagery of Christ:In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is often seen as the ultimate High Priest who fulfils the role that Aaron and his descendants foreshadowed. As the perfect sacrifice, Jesus shed His blood for the remission of sins, and through the Holy Spirit, He empowers and sanctifies believers for service to God.
Application:
- Set Apart for God’s Service:As Christians, we are called to be a holy and consecrated people unto God. The process of sanctification involves cleansing through the blood of Christ and the empowering of the Holy Spirit. We are set apart to serve God and bring glory to His name.
- Responsibility of Representing God:Just as Aaron and his sons had the responsibility of representing the people before God, we, as followers of Christ, are called to be His ambassadors in the world. Our lives should reflect the character of Christ, and we should stand as intermediaries, bringing people closer to God through our actions, words, and prayers.
- Appreciating Christ’s Sacrifice:Reflect on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice, His shed blood, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is through Him that we find forgiveness, redemption, and empowerment to live a life pleasing to God.
- Walk in Holiness:Being consecrated involves living a life of holiness, purity, and dedication to God. We should be intentional in avoiding sin and pursuing righteousness, knowing that we are set apart for His divine purposes.
Remember that Exodus 29:21 is just one small part of the broader context of God’s plan for His people and their relationship with Him. Studying the Bible comprehensively and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit will further enrich your understanding of God’s Word and how it applies to your life.
