and consecrate them
Consecration involves making something or someone holy, dedicating them to God's service. This process included rituals such as washing, clothing in sacred garments, and sacrifices, as detailed in Exodus 29. The consecration of Aaron and his sons underscores the holiness required of those who serve in God's presence. It reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness, where God calls His people to be set apart from the world (Leviticus 11:44-45). This consecration is a type of the sanctification believers undergo through Christ, who makes them a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9).

to serve Me as priests
The role of the priest was to mediate between God and the people, offering sacrifices and prayers on their behalf. This priestly service was central to Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God. The priests were responsible for maintaining the tabernacle and later the temple, ensuring that the sacrificial system was carried out according to God's commands. This service points forward to Jesus Christ, who serves as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). The priesthood of Aaron and his sons is a shadow of the perfect priesthood of Christ, who offers Himself as the final sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 7:27).

- “Anoint” opens the command with an unmistakable action. In Exodus 29:7 Moses pours the specially blended oil on Aaron’s head, showing that God Himself designates the priest.

- Throughout Scripture anointing signals divine choice and empowerment (1 Samuel 16:13; Acts 10:38).

- The oil described in Exodus 30:22-25 is literal, fragrant, and unique; nothing else may imitate it (Exodus 30:32-33). God visibly marks what He sets apart.

- Aaron, already Moses’ spokesman (Exodus 4:14-16), becomes Israel’s first high priest by God’s explicit call (Exodus 28:1).

- His selection highlights grace: the same man who shaped the golden calf (Exodus 32:1-6) is now restored and entrusted with mediation (Hebrews 5:4).

- Priesthood is never self-made; it rests on God’s sovereign appointment.

- Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar join their father (Exodus 28:1), showing the priesthood will be hereditary (Numbers 25:13).

- Family inclusion safeguards continuity, yet individual obedience still matters—as Nadab and Abihu’s fate proves (Leviticus 10:1-2).

- By naming the sons, God establishes both unity and accountability in ministry.

- To “consecrate” is to make holy by separating from the ordinary (Leviticus 8:12, 30).

- The process in Exodus 29 involves washing, robing, anointing, and blood sacrifices—each step declaring that sin must be cleansed before service (Hebrews 9:22).

- Holiness is conferred instantly yet nurtured continually (Leviticus 20:7-8).

- Service, not status, is the objective (Deuteronomy 10:8). Priests handle sacred objects, teach God’s word, intercede, and present offerings (Numbers 6:22-27; Hebrews 9:6).

- “Me” places God at the center; ministry is first directed heavenward (Colossians 3:23-24).

- Believers today share this God-focused calling (Romans 12:1; Ephesians 2:10).

- A priest bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful people (Hebrews 5:1). Aaron’s line foreshadows the flawless High Priest, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:11-12).

- The office also points toward a kingdom of priests composed of all the redeemed (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:6).

- Thus Exodus 30:30 is both historical fact and prophetic picture—anchoring Israel’s worship while anticipating the church’s spiritual priesthood.

Exodus 30:30 records God’s literal directive to pour holy oil on Aaron and his sons, thereby setting them apart for lifelong priestly service. The verse teaches that priesthood is divinely initiated, grounded in holiness, and oriented toward serving God. It foreshadows Jesus Christ’s perfect mediation and invites every Spirit-anointed believer to a consecrated life of worship and service.

And his sons.--See Exodus 29:21.

That they may minister unto me.--As Aaron and his sons were unfit to minister until the holy oil had been poured on them, so Christian priests can be no otherwise fitted to discharge their office than by their receiving that effluence of the Holy Spirit which the holy oil typified.