◄ Exodus 29:35 ►
This is what you are to do for Aaron and his sons based on all that I have commanded you, taking seven days to ordain them.
Study Bible
This is what you are to do
This phrase sets a directive tone, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's instructions. The Hebrew root for "do" is עָשָׂה (asah), which means to accomplish or to make. This implies not just a passive following of orders but an active engagement in fulfilling God's will. Historically, this reflects the meticulous nature of the priestly duties and the seriousness with which they were to be undertaken.

for Aaron and his sons
Aaron and his sons were chosen by God to serve as priests, a role of immense responsibility and honor. The Hebrew name "Aaron" (אַהֲרֹן) signifies a "mountain of strength" or "enlightened," indicating his leadership and spiritual role. His sons, representing the priestly lineage, were to carry on this sacred duty. This highlights the importance of family and generational faithfulness in God's plan.

according to all I have commanded you
This phrase underscores the necessity of adhering strictly to God's commands. The Hebrew word for "commanded" is צָוָה (tsavah), which conveys a sense of authoritative instruction. It reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where obedience is a form of worship and acknowledgment of His sovereignty.

You are to ordain them
The ordination of Aaron and his sons was a consecration, setting them apart for holy service. The Hebrew root for "ordain" is מִלֵּא (mille), meaning to fill or to consecrate. This process involved rituals that symbolized purification and dedication to God. It signifies the transformation from the ordinary to the sacred, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible.

for seven days
The number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness or perfection, derived from the Hebrew word שֶׁבַע (sheva). The seven-day ordination period reflects a complete cycle of preparation and sanctification. This mirrors the creation week, suggesting that the priesthood is a new creation, a divine institution established for God's glory and the service of His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The brother of Moses, chosen by God to be the first high priest of Israel. His ordination signifies the beginning of the Levitical priesthood.

2. Aaron's Sons
They are to be ordained alongside Aaron, establishing a hereditary priesthood that will serve in the tabernacle and later the temple.

3. Ordination Ceremony
A seven-day process commanded by God, involving sacrifices and rituals to consecrate Aaron and his sons for their priestly duties.

4. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the priests will serve.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, acting as God's representative to carry out the ordination of Aaron and his sons.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
The ordination of Aaron and his sons underscores the importance of following God's instructions precisely. This obedience is a model for our own lives, emphasizing the need to adhere to God's Word.

The Role of Priests
The priesthood was established to mediate between God and the people. In the New Testament, Jesus fulfills this role perfectly, and believers are called to be a "royal priesthood," serving God and others.

The Significance of Consecration
The seven-day ordination process highlights the importance of being set apart for God's service. As Christians, we are called to live consecrated lives, dedicated to God's purposes.

The Continuity of God's Plan
The ordination of Aaron and his sons is part of God's unfolding plan of redemption, which culminates in Jesus Christ. Understanding this continuity helps us appreciate the depth and coherence of God's salvation history.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the ordination of Aaron and his sons teach us about the importance of obedience to God's commands in our own lives?

2. How does the role of the Old Testament priesthood help us understand the priesthood of Jesus as described in the book of Hebrews?

3. In what ways can we, as believers, live out our calling as a "royal priesthood" in our daily lives?

4. What does the seven-day ordination process signify about the nature of being set apart for God's service, and how can we apply this to our spiritual walk?

5. How does the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament priesthood to the New Testament church encourage us in our faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 8
Provides a detailed account of the ordination ceremony, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands precisely.

Hebrews 7
Discusses the priesthood of Jesus Christ, contrasting it with the Levitical priesthood, highlighting the eternal and perfect nature of Christ's priesthood.

1 Peter 2:9
Refers to believers as a "royal priesthood," connecting the Old Testament priesthood to the New Testament concept of all believers having direct access to God.
Sermons
The Consecration of PriestsSpurgeon, Charles HaddonExodus 29:1-37
People
Aaron, Ephah, Israelites, Moses
Places
Egypt, Mount Sinai
Topics
Aaron, Commanded, Consecrate, Hast, Making, Ordain, Orders, Priests, Seven, Sons, Taking, Thus
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 29:35

     1653   numbers, 6-10
     7767   priests, OT institution

Exodus 29:29-46

     7745   ordination

Exodus 29:35-37

     8272   holiness, growth in

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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