The book of Leviticus, the third book of the Pentateuch, provides detailed instructions on the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. This process is outlined primarily in Leviticus chapter 8, which describes a series of rituals and ceremonies designed to sanctify Aaron and his descendants for their unique role in serving God and the Israelite community. The consecration of Aaron as a priest is a significant event, reflecting God's desire for a holy and dedicated priesthood to mediate between Him and His people.
The consecration ceremony begins with Moses, who acts under God's command to perform the rites necessary for Aaron's induction into the priesthood. The first step in this process involves gathering the entire congregation at the entrance of the Tabernacle, where the rituals are to be performed. This public aspect of the ceremony underscores the communal nature of the priesthood and the importance of transparency and accountability in religious leadership.
Moses then proceeds with the washing of Aaron and his sons with water. This act of washing symbolizes purification and the removal of any impurities that might hinder their ability to serve in a holy capacity. The washing is not merely a physical cleansing but also a spiritual preparation, emphasizing the need for purity in those who approach God on behalf of the people.
Following the washing, Moses dresses Aaron in the sacred garments prescribed for the high priest. These garments are described in detail in Exodus 28 and include the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself, the breastplate, and the turban. Each piece of clothing has symbolic significance, representing various aspects of the high priest's role and the holiness required of him. For instance, the breastplate, which contains twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel, signifies the high priest's duty to bear the people before God continually.
Once Aaron is dressed in the sacred garments, Moses anoints him with the holy anointing oil. This anointing is a critical part of the consecration process, as it signifies the Holy Spirit's empowerment and the setting apart of Aaron for divine service. The anointing oil, made according to a specific recipe given by God (Exodus 30:22-33), is poured on Aaron's head, symbolizing the outpouring of God's Spirit and blessing upon him.
After the anointing, Moses then consecrates the Tabernacle and all its furnishings by sprinkling them with some of the anointing oil and blood from the sacrificial offerings. This act of consecration extends the holiness of the priest to the place where he will serve, ensuring that the entire environment is sanctified for God's presence.
The next step involves the offering of sacrifices, which are essential to the consecration ceremony. Moses presents a bull for a sin offering, two rams for burnt offerings, and a basket of unleavened bread. The sin offering, which involves the laying of hands on the bull's head and its subsequent slaughter, symbolizes the transfer of sin from Aaron and his sons to the animal, thereby making atonement for them. The burnt offerings, which are wholly consumed by fire, represent the complete dedication and surrender of the priests to God's service.
One of the rams is used for the ordination offering, a unique sacrifice that involves placing some of its blood on Aaron's right ear, thumb, and big toe. This ritual signifies the consecration of Aaron's hearing, actions, and walk to God's service. The remaining blood is sprinkled on the altar and mixed with the anointing oil to be sprinkled on Aaron and his sons, further sanctifying them.
Finally, Moses instructs Aaron and his sons to partake in a meal of the sacrificial meat and bread, eaten at the entrance of the Tabernacle. This meal symbolizes fellowship with God and the acceptance of their new role as priests. They are commanded to remain at the Tabernacle for seven days, during which they must not leave, to complete their consecration.
The consecration of Aaron as described in Leviticus 8 is a profound and multifaceted ceremony. It involves purification, anointing, the donning of sacred garments, the offering of sacrifices, and the partaking of a holy meal. Each element of the ceremony serves to underscore the holiness required of the priesthood and the seriousness of their role as mediators between God and His people.
The significance of Aaron's consecration extends beyond the immediate context of Leviticus. It prefigures the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who fulfills and transcends the Old Testament priesthood. As the author of Hebrews explains, Jesus is the perfect High Priest who offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, rendering the old sacrificial system obsolete (Hebrews 7:27-28). In this way, the consecration of Aaron points forward to the greater reality of Christ's priesthood and the new covenant established through His death and resurrection.
In summary, the consecration of Aaron as a priest according to Leviticus is a detailed and symbolic process that underscores the holiness required of those who serve in God's presence. Through washing, anointing, dressing in sacred garments, offering sacrifices, and partaking in a holy meal, Aaron and his sons are set apart for their unique role in the Israelite community. This ceremony not only establishes the priesthood but also foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who fulfills and perfects the priestly role in the new covenant.
