Topical Bible: Seven: Days: The Consecration of Priests and Altars Lasted For

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In the biblical tradition, the number seven often signifies completeness or perfection, a theme that is evident in the consecration of priests and altars. The consecration process, as described in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Exodus and Leviticus, underscores the importance of holiness and dedication in the service of God.

Consecration of Priests

The consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests is a significant event in the history of Israel's worship practices. According to Exodus 29 and Leviticus 8, the consecration ceremony lasted for seven days. This period was essential for setting apart the priests for their sacred duties. The process involved a series of rituals, including sacrifices, anointing, and the wearing of holy garments.

Exodus 29:35-37 states: "This is what you are to do for Aaron and his sons, according to all that I have commanded you. You are to ordain them for seven days. Sacrifice a bull each day as a sin offering to make atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it. For seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will be most holy; whatever touches it will be holy."

The seven-day period of consecration was not merely a ritualistic formality but a profound spiritual preparation. It symbolized the complete dedication of the priests to their divine service, ensuring that they were ceremonially clean and spiritually prepared to mediate between God and the people of Israel.

Consecration of Altars

Similarly, the consecration of altars also involved a seven-day process. The altar, as the focal point of sacrificial offerings, required purification and dedication to ensure its sanctity. The seven-day consecration underscored the altar's role as a holy place where God would meet with His people.

In Leviticus 8:33-35 , the instructions for the consecration of the altar are detailed: "You are not to go outside the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for seven days, until the days of your ordination are complete, for it will take seven days to ordain you. What has been done today has been commanded by the LORD to make atonement for you. You must remain at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting day and night for seven days and keep the LORD’s charge so that you will not die, for this is what I have been commanded."

The seven-day consecration period for both priests and altars highlights the thoroughness required in preparing for the sacred duties and the seriousness with which God views the holiness of His worship. This period of consecration ensured that both the priests and the altars were fully dedicated to the service of the Lord, reflecting the divine order and sanctity that God desired for His people.

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Exodus 29:30,35
And that son that is priest in his stead shall put them on seven days, when he comes into the tabernacle of the congregation to minister in the holy place.
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Ezekiel 43:25,26
Seven days shall you prepare every day a goat for a sin offering: they shall also prepare a young bullock, and a ram out of the flock, without blemish.
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Library

Otho, Bishop of Bamberg.
... that, according to thy words, this consecration may be ... Thus he endured seven days
the conflict with winds and ... They told the priests that they should defend ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/otho bishop of bamberg.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... preserved for us the formula of consecration which was ... but were matters of course
to the ancient priests. ... For seven days,"Shutu breathed no longer upon the ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... th: With the Sabbath the Feast of the Consecration of the ... I had seen Anna on her
journey several days before ... Early in the morning, at seven o'clock, I saw them ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... XXIst Egyptian dynasty: the Theban high priests and the ... rings alone amounted to one
thousand seven hundred shekels ... leave their usual haunts, a few days or often ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... passages; and that of Phtahhotpu, with seven chambers, besides ... On festivals and days
of offering, when the priest and ... attached to it a staff of priests of the ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... their God except through the agency of the priests. ... Lord and to His goodness in the
latter days."**. ... and had granted him that religious consecration which had ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... They comprise, in fact, six or seven parallel ranges ... In the early days of Assyriology
it was supposed that this ... of a solemn festival, or the consecration of a ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... Haruspices and priests and those accustomed to serve ... After a few days, however, there
arose some ... The Genuine Remains; HR Percival, The Seven Ecumenical Councils ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... righteousness of Jesus Christ, which in the days of his ... blood of his sacrifice, and
sprinkle it seven times before ... us unto our God, kings and priests, and we ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm