Topical Bible: Anointing in Consecration of High Priests

Bible > Topical > Anointing in Consecration of High Priests

◄ Anointing in Consecration of High Priests ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The anointing of high priests in the Old Testament is a significant ritual that underscores the sanctity and divine appointment of the priestly office. This sacred act is rooted in the instructions given by God to Moses and is primarily detailed in the books of Exodus and Leviticus. The anointing symbolizes the setting apart of the high priest for holy service, marking him as chosen by God to mediate between the Israelites and the Divine.

Biblical Foundation

The practice of anointing high priests is first introduced in the book of Exodus. God commands Moses regarding the consecration of Aaron and his sons, establishing the priesthood for the Israelites. In Exodus 28:41 , God instructs, "After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them, so that they may serve Me as priests." This directive highlights the anointing as an essential component of the consecration process, signifying the priests' dedication to God's service.

The Anointing Oil

The anointing oil used in the consecration of high priests was a unique blend, specifically prescribed by God. Exodus 30:22-25 provides the recipe for this sacred oil: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Prepare from these a holy anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a sacred anointing oil.'" This oil was not only used for anointing the high priests but also for consecrating the tabernacle and its furnishings, emphasizing its holiness and the sanctification it imparted.

Ritual of Anointing

The anointing of the high priest was a ceremonial act performed by pouring the sacred oil upon his head. Leviticus 8:12 describes the anointing of Aaron: "He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him." This act of pouring oil symbolized the outpouring of God's Spirit and blessing upon the high priest, equipping him for his sacred duties.

Symbolism and Significance

The anointing of the high priest carried profound symbolic meaning. It represented the priest's purification, empowerment, and divine selection. The oil, often associated with the Holy Spirit, signified the presence and guidance of God in the priest's ministry. Psalm 133:2 poetically reflects on the anointing oil, "It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes." This imagery underscores the abundance of God's blessing and the unity it brings to His people.

Role of the High Priest

The high priest held a pivotal role in the spiritual life of Israel. As the chief mediator between God and the people, he was responsible for offering sacrifices, maintaining the sanctity of the tabernacle, and interceding on behalf of the nation. The anointing set him apart for these duties, ensuring that he operated under divine authority and guidance.

Continuity and Fulfillment

The anointing of high priests in the Old Testament finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament with Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest. Hebrews 4:14 declares, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess." Christ's anointing by the Holy Spirit at His baptism (Matthew 3:16) and His role as the eternal mediator between God and humanity reflect the continuity and culmination of the priestly anointing tradition.

In summary, the anointing in the consecration of high priests is a profound biblical practice that underscores the holiness, divine appointment, and spiritual authority of the priestly office, serving as a precursor to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 29:7,29
Then shall you take the anointing oil, and pour it on his head, and anoint him.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 40:13
And you shall put on Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister to me in the priest's office.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 6:20
This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer to the LORD in the day when he is anointed; the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meat offering perpetual, half of it in the morning, and half thereof at night.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 8:12
And he poured of the anointing oil on Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 16:32
And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments:
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 35:25
And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, where he was fled: and he shall abide in it to the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 133:2
It is like the precious ointment on the head, that ran down on the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Leviticus
... Laws regulating the consecration of the high priest and the other priests"washing,
investiture, anointing, sin offering, burnt offering, with accompanying ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/leviticus.htm

Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
... O Thou my blessed High Priest, accept the consecration in which my ... I believe in the
ANOINTING OF THE SPIRIT, coming down daily from Thee, my Great High ...
/.../with christ in the school of prayer/thirtieth lesson an holy priesthood.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... to Num.8, should be consecrated with any bodily anointing, bodily sacrifices ... With
regard to the high-priests and priests the consecration was performed ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

1 John ii. 20, 21
... This is the inward anointing, the inward consecration ... an equal part in that inward
consecration, in the ... priestly generation, whose nobility and high office is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john ii 20 21.htm

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
... into 'the secret place of the Most High.' The yearly ... It consists of two parts: the
consecration of the Tabernacle and its vessels by the anointing oil which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the copies of things in.htm

Inviolable Messiahs and Prophets
... meaning of the symbolic 'anointing' was simply consecration to office ... Spirit,' and
there does flow the anointing oil from the head of the High Priest to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/inviolable messiahs and prophets.htm

Entire Sanctification in Type.
... to be always upon the forehead of the High Priest, and ... The anointing oil was also
to be applied to the ear ... of Aaron and his sons in their consecration to the ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iv entire sanctification in.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... Joazar, high priest, quiets the people as to the census, i.237, 241; ... murmurs at Mary's
anointing of Christ, 359, 360; ... Christ's consecration to it, 300; ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

On his Birthday, iii: Delivered on the Anniversary of his ...
... of Melchizedeck, in whom was prefigured the eternal High Priest. ... in taking this
literally as alluding to the anointing of bishops at consecration: cf. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon iii on his birthday.htm

The Ministry of Intercession
... Yet there are some who see not Their calling high and grand, Who seldom pass the ...
The fulness of anointing On these is doubly shed, The consecration of their ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/the ministry of intercession.htm