In the biblical narrative, the establishment of the priesthood is a significant event, marking the formalization of religious leadership among the Israelites. The sons of Aaron, brother of Moses, were divinely appointed as priests, a role that was to be perpetuated throughout their generations. This appointment is rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing the importance of holiness, mediation, and service in the worship of Yahweh.

Divine Appointment and Anointing

The appointment of Aaron and his sons as priests is recorded in the Book of Exodus. God commands Moses to consecrate Aaron and his sons for the priesthood, setting them apart for sacred duties. Exodus 28:1 states, "Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, so that they may serve Me as priests." This divine selection underscores the hereditary nature of the priesthood, as it was to be passed down through Aaron's lineage.

The consecration process involved anointing, sacrifices, and the donning of holy garments, as detailed in Exodus 29. The anointing with oil symbolized the Holy Spirit's empowerment and the sanctification required for their service. Leviticus 8 provides a detailed account of the ordination ceremony, highlighting the solemnity and sacredness of their calling.

Perpetual Statute

The priesthood of Aaron and his descendants was established as a "perpetual statute." This term signifies an enduring ordinance, intended to last throughout the generations of Israel. Exodus 29:9 declares, "Fasten the sashes around Aaron and his sons and tie headbands on them. The priesthood is theirs by a permanent statute. In this way, you shall ordain Aaron and his sons."

This perpetual nature of the priesthood underscores the continuity of God's covenant with Israel. The priests served as mediators between God and the people, offering sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and teaching the Law. Their role was integral to the spiritual life of the nation, ensuring that the Israelites remained in right standing with God.

Holiness and Service

The priesthood required a high standard of holiness and dedication. Leviticus 21 outlines specific regulations for the conduct and purity of the priests, emphasizing their need to be set apart from the common people. They were to avoid defilement, maintain ritual purity, and exemplify the holiness of God in their lives and service.

The priests' duties included offering sacrifices, burning incense, and blessing the people. They were responsible for the maintenance of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) and the proper observance of religious festivals. As spiritual leaders, they also played a crucial role in teaching the Law and guiding the Israelites in their covenantal obligations.

Theological Significance

The appointment of Aaron's sons as priests by perpetual statute holds deep theological significance. It reflects God's desire for a holy people and the necessity of mediation in the relationship between the divine and humanity. The priesthood foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who, according to the New Testament, fulfills and transcends the Aaronic priesthood by offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin.

In summary, the sons of Aaron were appointed as priests by a divine and perpetual statute, serving as mediators and spiritual leaders for the nation of Israel. Their role was foundational to the religious life of the Israelites, embodying the principles of holiness, service, and covenantal faithfulness.Exodus 29:9
And you shall gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and you shall consecrate Aaron and his sons.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 40:15
And you shall anoint them, as you did anoint their father, that they may minister to me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Book ii.
... And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets, and it shall
be for you a statute for ever throughout your generations. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book ii.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... of God beginneth with the heart of the sons of men ... 13-18); till thou leftest thy
station, and place appointed of God ... but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... Peter also saith, We are priests 'to offer up spiritual ... he 'had made an end of
commanding his sons,' now his ... time and the work that God hath appointed them to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... Moses and Aaron upon a church wall, Holding up the ... The prayers appointed for these
set days of humiliation ... they were not removed from the statute-book till the ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... himself, That he "was faithful to him that appointed him," that ... attend him in his
bringing of his sons and daughters ... Did not Aaron fall; yea, and Moses himself ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

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