Here we have the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. This happens through different offerings and anointing with oil.

The consecration begins with Aaron and his sons undergoing a ceremonial washing (v6). This reminds us that they had to be cleansed to perform their tasks as priests. In this they are different from Jesus the great high priest who didn’t need to be cleansed as He was sinless.

After being washed the priests put on the clothes of their office (v7-9) before being anointed with oil (v10-12) which speaks of the need to be anointed with the Holy Spirit. Although Jesus was sinless in His humanity He still needed this anointing also. Likewise today if we’re to serve in the priesthood of all believers, we need the anointing of the Spirit also.

A sin offering is used to bring cleansing to the priests and to the different things in the tabernacle (v14-17). Acceptable worship can only be offered to God through a sacrifice for sin and for us today this means our worship is only accepted when we offer it with faith in Jesus’ atoning work.

The ordination lasted for seven days (v33) and during this time the priests remained at the tabernacle which points to them being set apart for the Lord.