In the biblical tradition, the role of the priest is one of significant spiritual and communal importance, serving as a mediator between God and the people. The consecration of priests is a public and sacred ceremony, marking their dedication to the service of God and the community. This entry explores the biblical basis and significance of the public consecration of priests, primarily focusing on the Old Testament practices and their theological implications.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of priesthood is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, with the tribe of Levi being set apart for priestly duties. The consecration of priests is detailed in the Book of Exodus, where God commands Moses to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests. This consecration is a public event, emphasizing the communal recognition of their divine appointment.

In Exodus 29:1-9 , God provides specific instructions for the consecration ceremony: "This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so that they may serve Me as priests: Take a young bull and two unblemished rams, along with unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers coated with oil." The ceremony involves sacrifices, anointing with oil, and the wearing of sacred garments, symbolizing purification, dedication, and the bestowal of divine authority.

Leviticus 8 further elaborates on the consecration process, describing how Moses gathered the entire assembly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, underscoring the public nature of the event. Leviticus 8:6-12 states, "Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He fastened the ephod with its woven waistband, tying it around him. Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. He also put the turban on Aaron’s head and set the gold plate, the holy diadem, on the front of the turban, as the LORD had commanded him."

Symbolism and Significance

The public consecration of priests is rich in symbolism. The washing with water signifies purification from sin, while the anointing with oil represents the Holy Spirit's empowerment and the setting apart for holy service. The sacred garments, including the ephod and breastpiece, symbolize the priest's role in bearing the people's names before the Lord and seeking divine guidance.

The sacrifices offered during the consecration ceremony highlight the priest's role in atonement and intercession. The blood of the sacrifices is applied to the altar and the priests, signifying the necessity of blood for the forgiveness of sins and the priest's role in mediating this forgiveness.

Theological Implications

The public consecration of priests underscores the communal aspect of the priesthood. It is not a private calling but a public office, recognized and affirmed by the community. This public aspect ensures accountability and transparency in the priest's role as a spiritual leader.

Moreover, the consecration ceremony reflects the holiness required of those who serve in God's presence. The detailed instructions and rituals emphasize that approaching God is a serious and sacred responsibility, requiring purity and dedication.

New Testament Continuity

While the New Testament does not prescribe a specific consecration ceremony for Christian leaders, the principles of public recognition and dedication continue. In the early church, leaders were appointed through prayer and the laying on of hands, as seen in Acts 13:2-3 : "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off."

The New Testament priesthood is understood in the context of the priesthood of all believers, as stated in 1 Peter 2:9 : "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This reflects a continuity of the priestly role in a broader, spiritual sense, emphasizing the call to holiness and service for all believers.Exodus 28:3
And you shall speak to all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister to me in the priest's office.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 3:3
These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

On the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Commandments of the Church
... should marry without the blessing of God's priests or without ... Mass or funeral prayers
can be publicly offered for ... nor can they be buried in consecrated ground. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 36 on the third.htm

In his Temple
... He had not yet publicly announced His mission, and He ... they shared their profits with
the priests and rulers ... upon Mount Sinai, the place was consecrated by His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 16 in his temple.htm

Doctrine and Discipline of the Church
... held the position that the consecrated elements are ... the celebration of them, and
priests were appointed ... who submitted to penance were publicly readmitted to ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xi doctrine and discipline.htm

The Gospel in Samaria
... But while Nicodemus had not publicly acknowledged Christ, he ... from the malice of the
priests and rulers ... The humble, consecrated believer upon whom the Master of ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 11 the gospel in.htm

That the Worshippers of the Gods Never Received from them any ...
... convict such as broke these laws, and publicly to proclaim ... entertainments and spectacles;
I saw the priests raving in ... And on the holy day consecrated to her ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 4 that the worshippers of.htm

That the Chrism Should not be Made by Presbyters. ...
... chrism, nor prepare the unction, nor consecrate virgins, nor publicly reconcile
anyone ... neither was the chrism used at baptism to be consecrated by Priests. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon vi that the chrism.htm

The Bishop of Hippo
... consecrate a new bishop, Valerius announced publicly in the ... of Numidia, that Augustin
was consecrated Bishop of ... Paul's advice, the priests did their utmost to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the bishop of hippo.htm

The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn ...
... shall no stranger eat of things consecrated.' This, of ... The priests worked on the
Sabbath, because this service ... It seems that Christ publicly appealed to them ...
/.../chapter xxxv the two sabbath-controversies.htm

"What Doest Thou Here?"
... and to stand before the idolatrous priests on Carmel ... It is publicly taught that we
have reached a ... a result of the faithful efforts of consecrated workers, many ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 13 what doest thou.htm

Paul and Barnabas in Lystra.
... man; and for this reason it was publicly announced ... credit to the tales of their priests
and poets ... whom the gratitude and admiration of posterity had consecrated. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xv paul and barnabas.htm

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