◄ Exodus 29:29 ►
The holy garments that belong to Aaron will belong to his sons after him, so they can be anointed and ordained in them.
Study Bible
The sacred garments
The Hebrew term for "sacred garments" is "בִּגְדֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ" (bigdei ha-kodesh), which signifies clothing set apart for holy purposes. These garments were not merely functional but symbolized the sanctity and the divine calling of the priesthood. In the ancient Near Eastern context, clothing often represented one's status and role. For the priests, these garments were a constant reminder of their consecration to God and their duty to serve Him and the people of Israel. The sacredness of these garments underscores the holiness required in approaching God, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible.

of Aaron
Aaron, the brother of Moses, was chosen by God to be the first high priest of Israel. His selection was not based on personal merit but on divine appointment, illustrating the principle that God chooses whom He wills for His purposes. Aaron's role as high priest was foundational for the Levitical priesthood, and his life serves as a testament to God's grace and the importance of obedience and intercession.

shall belong to his descendants
The Hebrew word for "descendants" is "בָּנָיו" (banav), meaning "his sons" or "his children." This phrase indicates the hereditary nature of the priesthood, which was to be passed down through Aaron's lineage. This hereditary system ensured continuity and stability in the religious leadership of Israel. It also prefigures the eternal priesthood of Christ, who, according to the book of Hebrews, is a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, offering a new covenant that surpasses the old.

so that they may be anointed
The act of anointing, from the Hebrew "מָשַׁח" (mashach), involved pouring oil over the head, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's empowerment and setting apart for divine service. Anointing was a critical part of the ordination process, signifying God's blessing and the consecration of the priests to their sacred duties. This practice foreshadows the anointing of Jesus as the Messiah (the Anointed One) and the anointing of believers with the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.

and ordained in them
The Hebrew word for "ordained" is "מִלֵּא" (mille'), which means "to fill" or "to consecrate." This term conveys the idea of being fully equipped and authorized to perform the duties of the priesthood. The ordination process was a public affirmation of the priest's role and responsibilities, emphasizing the seriousness and sanctity of their service. In a broader sense, it reflects the calling of all believers to be a "royal priesthood," as described in 1 Peter 2:9, dedicated to serving God and proclaiming His excellencies.

in them
The phrase "in them" refers to the sacred garments, highlighting their integral role in the ordination process. The garments were not just symbolic but were considered essential for the priests to perform their duties. They served as a visual representation of the priest's consecration and the divine authority bestowed upon them. This concept of being "clothed" in righteousness and holiness is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to "put on the new self" (Ephesians 4:24) and to be clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27), signifying a life transformed by faith and dedicated to God's service.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The first high priest of Israel, brother of Moses, and a key figure in the establishment of the priesthood.

2. Aaron's Descendants
The line of priests who would follow Aaron, serving in the tabernacle and later in the temple.

3. Sacred Garments
Special clothing designated for the high priest, symbolizing holiness and the unique role of the priesthood.

4. Anointing and Ordination
The process by which priests were consecrated for service, involving rituals that set them apart for their sacred duties.

5. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshiped God during their journey through the wilderness.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Holiness
The sacred garments symbolize the holiness required of those who serve God. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes.

Continuity of God's Plan
The passing of the garments to Aaron's descendants illustrates the continuity of God's covenant and His faithfulness to His promises. We can trust in God's unchanging nature and His plans for our lives.

Priestly Role of Believers
Just as Aaron's descendants were set apart for service, all believers are called to be a "royal priesthood," serving God and others with dedication and love.

Symbolism of Anointing
Anointing with oil in the Old Testament signifies being chosen and empowered by God. Today, the Holy Spirit anoints believers, equipping us for service and ministry.
Bible Study Questions
1. How do the sacred garments of Aaron reflect the holiness required of those who serve God, and how can we apply this principle in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the continuity of the priesthood from Aaron to his descendants demonstrate God's faithfulness, and how can this encourage us in our faith journey?

3. How does the concept of believers as a "royal priesthood" in 1 Peter 2:9 relate to the priesthood established in Exodus 29:29?

4. What is the significance of anointing in the Old Testament, and how does this relate to the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer today?

5. How can understanding the role and responsibilities of the Old Testament priesthood help us better fulfill our calling as servants of God in the New Testament context?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 8
Describes the ordination of Aaron and his sons, providing a detailed account of the anointing and consecration process.

Hebrews 7
Discusses the priesthood of Jesus Christ, drawing parallels between the Levitical priesthood and the eternal priesthood of Christ.

1 Peter 2:9
Refers to believers as a "royal priesthood," connecting the Old Testament priesthood to the New Testament concept of all believers being priests.

Exodus 28
Details the design and purpose of the priestly garments, emphasizing their significance in the worship and service of God.
Sermons
The Rites of Consecration for the PriesthoodJ. Orr Exodus 29:1-33
The Consecration of PriestsSpurgeon, Charles HaddonExodus 29:1-37
People
Aaron, Ephah, Israelites, Moses
Places
Egypt, Mount Sinai
Topics
Aaron, Aaron's, Anointed, Belong, Consecrate, Consecrated, Descendants, Garments, Holy, Ordained, Priests, Robes, Sacred, Sons, Therein
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 29:29

     7767   priests, OT institution

Exodus 29:1-34

     4681   ram

Exodus 29:29-30

     6606   access to God

Exodus 29:29-46

     7745   ordination

Library
The Copies of Things in the Heavens
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 3. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. 4. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 5. And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Eighth Day. Holiness and Indwelling.
And let them make me a holy place, that I may dwell among them.'--Ex. xxv. 8. 'And the tent shall be sanctified by my glory, and I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.'--Ex. xxix. 43, 45. The Presence of God makes holy, even when it descends but for a little while, as at Horeb, in the burning bush. How much more must that Presence make holy the place where it dwells, where it fixes its permanent abode! So much is this the case, that the place where God dwells …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as His anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in Him.'--1 John ii. 20, 27. In the revelation by Moses of God's Holiness and His way of making holy, the priests, and specially the high priests, were the chief expression of God's Holiness in man. …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action.
The ruler should always be chief in action, that by his living he may point out the way of life to those that are put under him, and that the flock, which follows the voice and manners of the shepherd, may learn how to walk better through example than through words. For he who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exhibit the highest things. For that voice more readily penetrates the hearer's heart, which the speaker's life …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing.
Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.'--2 Cor. vii. 1. That holiness is more than cleansing, and must be preceded by it, is taught us in more than one passage of the New Testament. 'Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself up for it, that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word.' 'If a man cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Man's Inability to Keep the Moral Law
Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God? No mere man, since the fall, is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but does daily break them, in thought, word, and deed. In many things we offend all.' James 3: 2. Man in his primitive state of innocence, was endowed with ability to keep the whole moral law. He had rectitude of mind, sanctity of will, and perfection of power. He had the copy of God's law written on his heart; no sooner did God command but he obeyed. …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

John's First Testimony to Jesus.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, February, a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 19-34. ^d 19 And this is the witness of John [John had been sent to testify, "and" this is the matter of his testimony], when the Jews [The term "Jews" is used seventy times by John to describe the ruling classes of Judæa] sent unto him [In thus sending an embassy they honored John more than they ever honored Christ. They looked upon John as a priest and Judæan, but upon Jesus as a carpenter and Galilæan. It is probable that …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Covenant of Works
Q-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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