“And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office.”
This verse is part of the detailed instructions given by God to Moses concerning the garments and consecration of Aaron and his sons who were to serve as priests in the tabernacle.
Context:The book of Exodus narrates the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt, led by Moses, under the guidance of God. In chapter 28, God instructs Moses about the holy garments that the priests, including Aaron (Moses’ brother), and his sons should wear for their priestly duties.
The significance of the garments:The priestly garments were essential because they represented the holiness and sacredness of the priestly office. The specific attire described in earlier verses (Exodus 28:2-40) included the ephod, breastplate, robe, tunic, turban, and other intricate pieces. These garments were not just for aesthetic purposes but served as symbols of the priests’ role as mediators between God and the people.
Anointing, Consecration, and Sanctification:Three distinct actions are mentioned in Exodus 28:41, each serving a specific purpose:
- Anointing: The act of anointing with oil was a ritual used to set apart individuals for sacred service. Anointing symbolised God’s choice and empowerment for a specific task. In this case, Aaron and his sons were anointed to fulfill their priestly responsibilities.
- Consecration: Consecration means to dedicate or set apart for God’s holy purposes. By consecrating Aaron and his sons, they were separated from common tasks and responsibilities to exclusively serve in the priestly office.
- Sanctification: Sanctification involves the process of being made holy and set apart from sin. It denotes a continuous growth in holiness and devotion to God. The priests were called to lead exemplary lives and maintain purity as they ministered in the tabernacle.
The Purpose of Their Consecration:The ultimate purpose of anointing, consecrating, and sanctifying Aaron and his sons was to enable them to minister unto God in the priest’s office. As priests, they would offer sacrifices on behalf of the people, perform religious ceremonies, and intercede for the nation before God.
Spiritual Application:While this passage addresses the specific consecration of the Aaronic priesthood, there are broader spiritual lessons that Christians can draw from it. In the New Testament, all believers are referred to as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), called to offer spiritual sacrifices and serve God faithfully. As Christians, we are anointed with the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:27) and sanctified through the work of Christ (Hebrews 10:10). Like the priests of old, we are set apart for God’s service and called to live holy lives, presenting ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
In conclusion, Exodus 28:41 provides valuable insights into the consecration of the priestly line of Aaron and emphasises the significance of being set apart for God’s service. It also offers spiritual parallels for Christians today, highlighting our call to live holy lives and serve God with dedication and commitment.
