“And thus shalt thou do unto Aaron, and to his sons, according to all things which I have commanded thee: seven days shalt thou consecrate them.”
Context:Exodus 29 is a chapter that details the consecration and ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests before the Lord. God gave specific instructions to Moses on how to perform this sacred ceremony and the rituals involved in setting apart Aaron and his descendants for the priestly office.
Aaron and His Sons:The verse begins with God instructing Moses that these rituals are to be performed specifically for Aaron and his sons. Aaron was the older brother of Moses and was chosen by God to be the high priest, while his sons were designated to be priests as well. This consecration was a critical step in establishing the priesthood within the nation of Israel.
Consecration Process:The term “consecrate” means to set apart or dedicate something or someone as holy and sacred. In this verse, the duration of the consecration process is mentioned as “seven days.” During these seven days, Aaron and his sons were to undergo specific ceremonies, sacrifices, and rituals to sanctify them for their priestly duties.
God’s Commands:Moses was instructed to follow all the commands given by God precisely in the consecration process. This emphasized the importance of obedience to God’s Word and the significance of adhering to divine instructions in performing sacred duties.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Holiness and Sanctification: The consecration of Aaron and his sons underscores the concept of holiness and sanctification in the service of God. The priesthood represented a special and unique relationship with the Almighty, requiring a higher level of dedication, purity, and devotion. As believers today, we are also called to be a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9) and live holy lives, set apart for God’s purposes.
- Obedience to God’s Word:Moses was to follow God’s commands exactly as they were given. This highlights the importance of obedience in our relationship with God. Obedience to His Word demonstrates our love for Him and our willingness to submit to His will. As Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
- Preparation and Waiting on God:The seven days of consecration symbolize a period of preparation and waiting on God’s timing. Similarly, in our lives, there might be seasons of preparation before stepping into God’s call or purpose for us. It’s essential to trust God’s timing and undergo the process of sanctification before entering into significant responsibilities or ministries.
- Special Calling and Service:Aaron and his sons were chosen for a unique calling, to represent the people before God and minister in the tabernacle. Likewise, God has called each believer to serve Him in specific ways according to their spiritual gifts and talents. We must recognize and embrace the unique roles and ministries God has assigned to us, honoring them as sacred opportunities to serve Him.
In conclusion, Exodus 29:35 in the KJV highlights the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests and emphasizes the significance of holiness, obedience to God’s Word, preparation, and embracing our special calling in God’s service. These principles continue to hold relevance and application for believers today, inspiring us to seek deeper dedication to God and His purposes in our lives.
