Exodus 29: Consecration of the Priests

Key Verse: Exodus 29:44"I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar. Aaron also and his sons I will consecrate to serve me as priests."

This is a moment of transformation.

Aaron and his sons are about to step into their calling as priests. But before they can serve, they must be set apart. They cannot enter God’s presence on their own terms—they must be consecrated.

God gives Moses specific instructions for their ordination, a process that would take seven days. Every detail matters because serving a holy God requires holiness.

Set Apart for God

The process begins with cleansing.

Aaron and his sons are washed with water. This is more than just an outward cleaning—it symbolizes purification before God.

Then, they are clothed in priestly garments. The ephod, the breastpiece, the turban—each piece a reminder that they have been chosen.

Next, they are anointed with oil. The oil represents God’s Spirit, His power, His presence. They are not serving in their own strength—they are empowered by God.

Then comes the sacrifice.

A bull is offered as a sin offering. Two rams are sacrificed—one as a burnt offering, the other as a consecration offering. Blood is placed on their right ear, right thumb, and right big toe—a sign that their ears will listen to God, their hands will serve Him, and their feet will walk in His ways.

Finally, they share a sacred meal. They eat the offering in the presence of God, a sign of fellowship and communion.

Now, they are ready.

A Continual Offering

But this isn’t just about one moment.

God commands that a daily sacrifice be made—one lamb in the morning, one in the evening.

"It shall be a regular burnt offering throughout your generations." (Exodus 29:42)

Why? Because God’s presence is continual, and so is the need for atonement.

Jesus: The True High Priest

This entire process points to Jesus.

• He was washed—not for His sins, but to identify with us in baptism.

• He was anointed—filled with the Spirit at His baptism.

• He was sacrificed—but instead of offering a lamb, He became the Lamb.

Through Him, we are now set apart.

A Lesson for Us

God calls us to be His priests today.

• Have we been washed? Jesus has cleansed us.

• Are we walking in His calling? We are set apart for Him.

• Are we offering ourselves daily? Our lives are meant to be a living sacrifice.

God’s presence is not just for the priests of old—it is for us.

The question is, are we living as people set apart?