Exodus 29:21
And take some of the blood on the altar and some of the anointing oil and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments, as well as on his sons and their garments. Then he and his garments will be consecrated, as well as his sons and their garments.
And take some of the blood on the altar

Blood from the altar bore witness to the sacrificial atonement already made in the ordination ceremony. Since life is in the blood, its use marked Aaron and his sons as men whose ministry rested on God’s provision for sin.

Lev 8:15 Moses slaughtered the bull, took some of the blood,…
Exo 24:6-8 Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls,…

and some of the anointing oil

The holy anointing oil had set apart the tabernacle, its furnishings, and Aaron for God’s service. Mixed with the altar blood, it joined cleansing and consecration in the installation of the priesthood.

Lev 8:10-12 Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle…
Exo 40:9-11 Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle…

and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments,

Aaron and the high-priestly garments were both included because his person and office belonged wholly to the Lord. The garments identified him publicly as Israel’s high priest, appointed to minister before God on behalf of the people.

Lev 8:30 Next, Moses took some of the anointing oil…
Psa 133:2 It is like fine oil on the head, running down…

as well as on his sons and their garments.

Aaron’s sons received the same sprinkling because they were ordained to serve as priests under their father. Their consecration established the priestly line through which Israel’s regular sacrifices and tabernacle service would be maintained.

Lev 8:13 Then Moses presented Aaron’s sons, put tunics on them…
Exo 28:41 After you put these garments on your brother Aaron…

Then he and his garments will be consecrated,

The blood and oil set Aaron apart from ordinary use for the holy duties of the sanctuary. His consecration pointed beyond the Aaronic priesthood to Christ, the final and perfect High Priest.

Lev 8:12 He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head…
Exo 40:13 And you are to clothe Aaron with the holy garments,…

as well as his sons and their garments.

The sons and their priestly clothing were likewise devoted to God’s service. Their shared consecration showed that the priesthood was not a private honor but a sacred office requiring holiness in every generation.

Exo 39:27-29 For Aaron and his sons they made tunics of fine linen…
Exo 28:42-43 Make linen undergarments to cover their bare flesh,…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The brother of Moses, appointed as the first high priest of Israel. His consecration is central to this passage.

2. Aaron's Sons
They are also consecrated as priests, signifying the establishment of the priestly lineage.

3. The Altar
Represents the place of sacrifice and atonement, central to the worship practices of Israel.

4. Anointing Oil
A sacred mixture used to consecrate priests and objects for holy purposes.

5. Consecration Ceremony
A ritual act of setting apart Aaron and his sons for the service of God, involving blood and oil.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Consecration
Consecration is a vital process of setting apart for God's service. It involves both a divine calling and a human response.

Symbolism of Blood and Oil
Blood signifies atonement and purification, while oil represents the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment.

Priestly Identity in Christ
As believers, we are called to live as a royal priesthood, consecrated for God's purposes in the world.

Holiness in Daily Life
Just as Aaron and his sons were set apart, Christians are called to live holy lives, reflecting God's character in all they do.

Unity and Blessing
The anointing of Aaron symbolizes unity and blessing among God's people, encouraging believers to seek harmony and peace.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the consecration of Aaron and his sons in Exodus 29:21 relate to the concept of being set apart for God's service in the New Testament?

2. What is the significance of using both blood and oil in the consecration process, and how can this symbolism be applied to our spiritual lives today?

3. In what ways does the priestly role of Aaron and his sons foreshadow the priesthood of all believers as described in 1 Peter 2:9?

4. How can understanding the consecration ceremony in Exodus 29:21 enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice and our identity in Him?

5. Reflect on the unity and blessing symbolized by the anointing oil. How can we foster unity within our church communities and families?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 8
Describes the fulfillment of the consecration ceremony, providing more details on the process and significance.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the role of blood in purification and consecration, drawing parallels between the Old Covenant practices and the New Covenant in Christ.

1 Peter 2:9
Refers to believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the priestly consecration to the identity of Christians today.

Psalm 133:2
Compares the anointing oil on Aaron's head to the unity and blessing among God's people.

Revelation 1:5-6
Speaks of Jesus making believers a kingdom and priests, echoing the consecration theme.
The Rites of Consecration for the PriesthoodJ. Orr Exodus 29:1-33
The Consecration of PriestsSpurgeon, Charles HaddonExodus 29:1-37
People
Aaron, Ephah, Israelites, Moses
Places
Egypt, Mount Sinai
Topics
Aaron, Altar, Anointing, Blood, Consecrated, Garments, Hallowed, Hast, Holy, Oil, Robes, Sons, Sprinkle, Sprinkled
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 29:21

     4488   oil
     8218   consecration
     8272   holiness, growth in

Exodus 29:1-34

     4681   ram

Exodus 29:10-21

     7316   blood, OT sacrifices

Exodus 29:20-21

     7454   sprinkling

Library
The Copies of Things in the Heavens
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 3. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. 4. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 5. And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Eighth Day. Holiness and Indwelling.
And let them make me a holy place, that I may dwell among them.'--Ex. xxv. 8. 'And the tent shall be sanctified by my glory, and I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.'--Ex. xxix. 43, 45. The Presence of God makes holy, even when it descends but for a little while, as at Horeb, in the burning bush. How much more must that Presence make holy the place where it dwells, where it fixes its permanent abode! So much is this the case, that the place where God dwells
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as His anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in Him.'--1 John ii. 20, 27. In the revelation by Moses of God's Holiness and His way of making holy, the priests, and specially the high priests, were the chief expression of God's Holiness in man.
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action.
The ruler should always be chief in action, that by his living he may point out the way of life to those that are put under him, and that the flock, which follows the voice and manners of the shepherd, may learn how to walk better through example than through words. For he who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exhibit the highest things. For that voice more readily penetrates the hearer's heart, which the speaker's life
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing.
Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.'--2 Cor. vii. 1. That holiness is more than cleansing, and must be preceded by it, is taught us in more than one passage of the New Testament. 'Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself up for it, that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word.' 'If a man cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Man's Inability to Keep the Moral Law
Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God? No mere man, since the fall, is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but does daily break them, in thought, word, and deed. In many things we offend all.' James 3: 2. Man in his primitive state of innocence, was endowed with ability to keep the whole moral law. He had rectitude of mind, sanctity of will, and perfection of power. He had the copy of God's law written on his heart; no sooner did God command but he obeyed.
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

John's First Testimony to Jesus.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, February, a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 19-34. ^d 19 And this is the witness of John [John had been sent to testify, "and" this is the matter of his testimony], when the Jews [The term "Jews" is used seventy times by John to describe the ruling classes of Judæa] sent unto him [In thus sending an embassy they honored John more than they ever honored Christ. They looked upon John as a priest and Judæan, but upon Jesus as a carpenter and Galilæan. It is probable that
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Covenant of Works
Q-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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