What does "anoint and consecrate" teach about holiness in Exodus 40:10? Key Verse “Anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar so that it will be most holy, and anoint the basin with its stand and consecrate them.” — Exodus 40:10 Defining the Two Actions • Anoint (Hebrew: māšaḥ) – To smear or pour oil on an object or person. – Oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 61:1; Acts 10:38). – Marks divine choice and empowerment. • Consecrate (Hebrew: qāḏaš) – To set apart as sacred. – Declares God’s ownership and exclusive use (Leviticus 20:26). – Moves something from common to “most holy.” What Holiness Looks Like Through Anointing and Consecration • Holiness originates with God, not the object. The altar is only “most holy” after He commands and empowers the act (Exodus 29:36–37). • Separation is essential. Holy things are distinct from the ordinary (Leviticus 10:10). • Purpose follows purity. Once consecrated, the altar serves a single, God-ordained function—sacrificial worship (Hebrews 10:10). • Permanence is implied. The altar remains holy as long as it is used according to divine instruction (2 Chronicles 7:7). • Holiness invites God’s presence. Anointed objects become meeting points between heaven and earth (Exodus 29:43). Transferring the Lesson to People • Believers are anointed by God (2 Corinthians 1:21–22; 1 John 2:20). • We are consecrated as “a holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). • Life set apart means practical separation from sin and devotion to God’s purposes (Romans 12:1–2). Takeaway Truths • God Himself defines holiness. • Anointing signals the empowerment to live it. • Consecration signals the commitment to guard it. |
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