What does the sprinkling of blood and oil symbolize in Exodus 29:21? Verse at a Glance “Take some of the blood that is on the altar and some of the anointing oil, and sprinkle them on Aaron and his garments and on his sons and their garments. So he and his garments shall be holy, as well as his sons and their garments.” (Exodus 29:21) Setting the Scene • The animal sacrifices have been offered; blood is already on the altar. • The special anointing oil (see Exodus 30:22-33) has been prepared. • Moses now brings these two holy substances together and sprinkles both the priests and their garments, completing their consecration to God. What the Blood Communicates • Atonement for sin – life exchanged for life (Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22). • Cleansing from guilt – the priests cannot approach God in their own merit (Hebrews 9:13-14). • Covenant sealing – the same act Moses performed with Israel earlier (Exodus 24:8). What the Oil Communicates • Setting apart for holy service – oil marks persons and objects as belonging exclusively to God (Exodus 30:29). • Empowerment by the Spirit – oil consistently pictures the Spirit’s presence (1 Samuel 16:13; Isaiah 61:1; Acts 10:38). • Joyful blessing – “It is like precious oil on the head” (Psalm 133:2). Why Combine Blood and Oil? • Cleansed, then empowered – forgiveness must precede Spirit-filled service (John 14:17 with 1 John 1:7). • Justification and sanctification in one act – the priests are declared clean and made capable to minister. • A complete picture of salvation – “chosen… for obedience… and sprinkling by His blood” (1 Peter 1:2) together with “anointed… and sealed with the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). Foreshadowing Christ • His blood cleanses once for all (Hebrews 10:14). • The Spirit poured out after the sacrifice was finished (Acts 2:32-33). • Together they fulfill the pattern: Calvary’s blood and Pentecost’s Spirit establish a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Implications for Us Today • We stand forgiven because of the sprinkled blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:22). • We serve in His power because we are anointed by the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20,27). • Our “garments” – every aspect of life and service – are set apart for God’s glory, just as Aaron’s were. |
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