Bible Commentaries

The hallowing of the priests consisted in a threefold function: ablution, arrayal, and anointing. Approaching with sacrifices and offerings, there was first to be the washing in water and then the arrayal in the holy garments. The ceremony of consecration, with its sacrifices and anointing, emphasized the purity necessary on the part of those exercising the office of the priesthood.

Aaron, cleansed and anointed, proceeded to service, and the ceremonies emphasized that the consecration of the priest must be expressed in actual service. All these rites and ceremonies were to be observed, not by Aaron alone, but also by his sons.

After these instructions concerning the hallowing of the priests, we find instructions concerning the daily offerings. These are dealt with more in detail in the Book of Leviticus. In the provision made for the offering of a lamb morning and evening, together with a meal offering and a drink offering, Jehovah promised that by this means He would meet with them and dwell among them and make them know Him. Thus the truth, at once symbolic and glorious, was to be kept perpetually before the people, that God could meet with them only by way of sacrifice and on condition of their devotion to Himself.

Through all these detailed provisions for the organization of the people it is of the utmost importance that we keep in mind the fuller intention of God that other nations might come to know the blessedness of the people directly governed by Himself.