The consecration of priests in the Old Testament is a significant event that underscores the sanctity and divine appointment of those who serve in the priestly office. The process of consecration, particularly concerning the holy garments, is detailed in the Book of Exodus and Leviticus, where God provides specific instructions to Moses for the ordination of Aaron and his sons.

Biblical Instructions for Consecration

The consecration ceremony is meticulously outlined in Exodus 28 and 29, as well as Leviticus 8. The garments worn by the priests are not merely ceremonial but are imbued with spiritual significance, symbolizing purity, holiness, and the glory of God. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear depiction of these instructions:

1. Holy Garments: The garments include the ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, and sash. Each piece is crafted with precision and purpose. Exodus 28:2 states, "Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor." These garments set the priests apart, signifying their role as mediators between God and the people.

2. Anointing and Washing: The consecration begins with the washing of Aaron and his sons with water at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting (Exodus 29:4). This act symbolizes purification and preparation for holy service. Following the washing, the priests are anointed with oil, a practice that signifies the Holy Spirit's empowerment and the setting apart for divine service (Exodus 29:7).

3. Sacrificial Offerings: Integral to the consecration are the sacrificial offerings, which include a bull for a sin offering and two rams, one for a burnt offering and the other for ordination (Exodus 29:10-22). The blood of these sacrifices is applied to the altar and the priests, symbolizing atonement and the sanctification of the priests for their sacred duties.

4. Wave Offering and Fellowship: The wave offering, which includes portions of the ram and unleavened bread, is presented before the Lord as a sign of dedication and thanksgiving (Exodus 29:23-24). This act represents the priests' commitment to serve God and the community.

5. Duration and Repetition: The consecration ceremony lasts seven days, during which the priests remain at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, signifying a complete and perfect dedication to God (Exodus 29:35-37). This period of consecration underscores the seriousness and solemnity of the priestly office.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The consecration of the priests and their garments is rich with symbolism. The garments themselves, adorned with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, reflect the majesty and holiness of God. The breastpiece, with its twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel, signifies the priest's role in bearing the people before God in intercession.

The anointing oil, a blend of fragrant spices, represents the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, essential for the priest's ministry. The sacrificial blood, applied to the priests, signifies purification and the necessity of atonement for sin, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest.

In summary, the consecration of priests and their holy garments is a profound ceremony that highlights the sanctity, responsibility, and divine calling of those who serve in the priestly office. Through these rituals, God establishes a pattern of holiness and dedication that is fulfilled in the New Testament through Christ, who consecrates believers as a royal priesthood.Exodus 29:8,9
And you shall bring his sons, and put coats on them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 40:14
And you shall bring his sons, and clothe them with coats:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 8:13
And Moses brought Aaron's sons, and put coats on them, and girded them with girdles, and put bonnets on them; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Ancient Form of Government Utterly Corrupted by the Tyranny of ...
... Merely chanting and pompous ceremonies. ... the pillars of the Church, the priests of
religion ... antiquity, for they receive the offerings previous to consecration. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the ancient form.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... prison chamber had received no prelatic consecration, but God ... handed down to us in
holy Writ, alike ... by the imposition of creeds, rites, and ceremonies, and not ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... was finished, and most deeply impressive were the ceremonies on the day of its
consecration. ... of Christ"without the intervention of priests or lordly ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... These were used for certain ceremonies of atonement ... 54 appoints the account of the
consecration of Solomon's ... The priests approached the altar where the scrolls ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... at least one chamber: this was the Holy of Holies ... The priests of subsequent times
claimed to define exactly ... imbued, by virtue of their consecration, with the ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... as interpreters of their wishes the priests and the ... despatch of current affairs,
the ceremonies which demanded ... attention of the celebrant from holy things: she ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the worship they rendered Him with ceremonies and ideas ... God except through the agency
of the priests. ... and had granted him that religious consecration which had ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

part ii
... of decent and sufficiently warm clothing, overcrowding, disgusting ... Mother of God,
of the holy angels, and ... Creator and Saviour pours upon you through priests? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... the Lord; and my prayer came in unto Thee, into Thine holy temple' (Jonah 2:7 ... that
waited upon these women, Go into the vestry and fetch out garments for these ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

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