Exodus 29:1-37

THE CONSECRATION OF THE PRIESTS. From the description of the priestly attire, the Divine Law-giver passed to the form of priestly consecration, whereof investiture in the "holy garments" was a part. The ceremony of consecration was to consist of four things:—

1. Ablution;

2. Investiture;

3. Chrism or Anointing with oil; and

4. Sacrifice.

In the directions given, we have, first, the preparation of the offerings (Exodus 29:1-3); secondly, directions for the ablutions (Exodus 29:4); thirdly, directions for the investiture of Aaron (Exodus 29:5, Exodus 29:6), of his sons (Exodus 29:8, Exodus 29:9); fourthly, directions for the anointing (Exodus 29:7); and fifthly, directions as to the mode in which the sacrifices should be offered and disposed of (Exodus 29:10-34). A command is then given that the ceremonies should be repeated every day for a week (Exodus 29:35); and another, that the altar should receive consecration at the same time as the priests (Exodus 29:36, Exodus 29:37). Additional light is thrown on most of these matters by the account contained in Leviticus (Leviticus 8:1-36.), of the manner in which Moses carried oat the directions here given to him.