The Spiritual Signification of Aaron's Anointing
Leviticus 8:2-30
Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams…


1. Some will have it to signify the power of consecration, which from the high priest was diffused upon others — as the oil ran down from the head to the inferior parts.

2. Some refer it to the graces of God's Spirit upon ministers, whereby their ministration is made acceptable unto God.

3. Some that this abundance of oil poured upon the high priest's head would have thereby expressed that he should excel others in the fragrant smell of good works.

4. But it is better referred to Christ, in whom there was a perfection of gifts, who is said to be anointed with the oil of gladness above His fellows; and the Evangelist saith, " God giveth Him not the Spirit by measure." So also Rupertus understandeth it for the fulness of grace in Christ, whereof all have received, as again the Evangelist saith, "Of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."

5. Hesychius taketh this unction also for the incarnation of Christ, who was anointed in His blessed flesh with the Spirit of grace. He anointeth, as He is God, in respect of His Divine nature, and is anointed in His humanity. God the Father anointed Him, as it is said in the Psalms, "God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee"; and the Holy Spirit anointed Him, as the Prophet saith, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; therefore He hath anointed Me."

(A. Willet, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread;

WEB: "Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and the bull of the sin offering, and the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread;




The Separation of Aaron and His Sons
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