The anointing in the consecration of the Tabernacle is a significant event in the Old Testament, marking the dedication of the sacred space and its furnishings for the worship of Yahweh. This act of anointing is deeply rooted in the Hebrew tradition, symbolizing sanctification, divine approval, and the setting apart of objects and individuals for holy purposes.

Biblical Foundation

The primary account of the anointing in the consecration of the Tabernacle is found in the Book of Exodus. After the Israelites received the detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, God commanded Moses to anoint it and all its furnishings. Exodus 40:9-11 states: "Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy. Anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it will be most holy. Anoint the basin and its stand and consecrate them."

Symbolism and Purpose

The anointing oil used in the consecration was a special blend, as described in Exodus 30:22-25. This sacred oil was composed of fine spices and olive oil, crafted according to divine specifications. The anointing with this oil symbolized the presence and blessing of God, setting the Tabernacle apart as a holy place where God would dwell among His people.

The act of anointing served multiple purposes. It was a physical demonstration of God's sanctification of the Tabernacle, indicating that it was no longer common but dedicated to divine service. The anointing also signified the impartation of holiness, making the Tabernacle and its contents suitable for worship and sacrifice.

The Role of the Priests

In addition to the Tabernacle and its furnishings, the priests who served within it were also anointed. Exodus 40:13-15 records God's instructions to Moses: "And you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and wash them with water. Then you shall clothe Aaron with the holy garments, anoint him, and consecrate him, so that he may serve Me as a priest. Bring his sons forward and clothe them with tunics. Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so that they may also serve Me as priests. Their anointing will qualify them for a permanent priesthood throughout their generations."

The anointing of Aaron and his sons was essential for their role as mediators between God and the Israelites. It signified their divine appointment and empowerment to perform priestly duties, including offering sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle.

Theological Implications

The anointing in the consecration of the Tabernacle underscores the holiness required in approaching God. It reflects the biblical principle that God is holy and those who serve Him must be set apart and consecrated. This event foreshadows the anointing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest, who consecrates believers through the Holy Spirit, setting them apart for God's service.

The anointing of the Tabernacle and its priests is a profound reminder of the sacredness of worship and the necessity of divine sanctification in the life of God's people.Exodus 30:26
And you shall anoint the tabernacle of the congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony,
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 40:9
And you shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shall hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 8:10
And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein, and sanctified them.
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 7:1
And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;
Nave's Topical Index

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
... It consists of two parts: the consecration of the Tabernacle and its vessels by
the anointing oil which, when applied to inanimate objects, simply devoted them ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the copies of things in.htm

Consecration and Dedication
... In the tabernacle and temple service every vessel and ... on the part of Moses, in the
consecration of these ... the blood of animals and the holy anointing oil, which ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter iii consecration and dedication.htm

Some Helpful Thoughts on Consecration
... completed the work of building the tabernacle and had ... it was sprinkled with the
anointing oil upon ... The blood of this consecration offering corresponds with the ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter xi some helpful thoughts.htm

Whether the Ceremonies of the Old Law are Suitably Divided into ...
... written (Lev.7:35): "This is the anointing of Aaron ... to the "sacred things," such
as the tabernacle, the vessels ... is effected by a sort of consecration either of ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the ceremonies of the.htm

Entire Sanctification in Type.
... oil was to be sprinkled upon the tabernacle and all ... The anointing oil was also to
be applied to the ear ... toe of Aaron and his sons in their consecration to the ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iv entire sanctification in.htm

Strange Fire
... the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of ... with thee, when ye go into
the tabernacle of the ... But a week had passed since the consecration of their ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/strange fire.htm

Princely Service.
... was completed and fully set up, both the tabernacle and the ... right place, and let
there be the anointing of the ... received by faith, as well as consecration to Him ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part iii princely service.htm

The Pentateuch.
... Hence we have (1) the law for the various offerings, followed by an account of the
anointing of the tabernacle, and the consecration of Aaron and his sons to ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xix the pentateuch.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... should be consecrated with any bodily anointing, bodily sacrifices ... imitate; again,
a ram of consecration, which was ... by being brought into the tabernacle of the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

Scriptural Types.
... 12; 10:1, and the same symbol of anointing often elsewhere ... In the court before the
tabernacle stood the brazen ... it signified the entire self-consecration of the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

What is extreme unction / last rites? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of the olive tree in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Gideon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Anointing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus