◄ Exodus 29:7 ►
Then take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head.
Study Bible
Then take
The phrase "Then take" indicates a direct command from God to Moses, emphasizing the importance of obedience in the consecration process. The Hebrew root for "take" is "laqach," which often implies receiving or accepting something with purpose. This action signifies the beginning of a sacred ritual, highlighting the necessity of following divine instructions precisely to maintain holiness and order in worship.

the anointing oil
The "anointing oil" is a specially prepared mixture, as detailed in Exodus 30:22-25, composed of myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil. The Hebrew word for oil, "shemen," is often associated with joy, healing, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. In the ancient Near Eastern context, anointing with oil was a common practice for setting apart individuals for a specific role or task, symbolizing empowerment and sanctification by God.

and anoint him
To "anoint him" refers to the act of consecrating Aaron and his sons for the priesthood. The Hebrew word "mashach" means to smear or rub with oil, signifying a divine appointment and the impartation of God's Spirit. Anointing in the biblical sense is a physical act with profound spiritual implications, marking the individual as chosen and equipped for service to God.

by pouring it on his head
The act of "pouring it on his head" is a vivid and symbolic gesture. In ancient Israel, the head represented the whole person, and pouring oil over the head signified the complete covering and blessing of God. This practice is rooted in the Hebrew tradition, where the head is seen as the seat of wisdom and authority. The imagery of oil flowing down the head and garments, as described in Psalm 133:2, underscores the unity and holiness bestowed upon the anointed one, setting them apart for divine service.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to establish the priesthood.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses, appointed as the first high priest of Israel.

3. Anointing Oil
A sacred mixture used for consecrating priests and sacred objects, symbolizing the Holy Spirit and God's blessing.

4. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the anointing took place.

5. Consecration Ceremony
A ritual to set apart Aaron and his sons for the priesthood, involving sacrifices and anointing.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Anointing
Anointing with oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment. In the New Testament, believers are anointed by the Holy Spirit, signifying their consecration to God.

Priestly Role and Responsibility
Aaron's anointing set him apart for a holy purpose. As believers, we are called to be a "royal priesthood," living lives that reflect our consecration to God.

God's Sovereign Choice
The anointing of Aaron was a divine appointment. Similarly, God chooses and equips us for specific roles in His kingdom, and we should seek to fulfill them faithfully.

Unity and Community
The anointing oil running down Aaron's head signifies unity among God's people. We are called to live in harmony, supporting one another in our spiritual journeys.

Holiness and Purity
The anointing oil was a symbol of purity and holiness. As Christians, we are to pursue holiness, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us into the image of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the anointing of Aaron in Exodus 29:7 relate to the concept of being set apart for God's service in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we, as believers, experience the anointing of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives?

3. How does the anointing of Aaron foreshadow the anointing of Jesus Christ as described in the New Testament?

4. What practical steps can we take to live as a "royal priesthood" in our communities today?

5. How can the symbolism of anointing oil as a sign of unity and purity influence our relationships within the church?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 8
Describes the fulfillment of the consecration ceremony, providing more details on the anointing process.

Psalm 133:2
Compares the unity of brethren to the anointing oil on Aaron's head, emphasizing the significance of anointing.

1 Samuel 16:13
Samuel anoints David, illustrating the continuation of anointing as a sign of God's chosen leadership.

Isaiah 61:1
The prophecy of the Messiah being anointed by the Spirit, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Acts 10:38
Describes Jesus as anointed by God with the Holy Spirit, connecting the Old Testament practice to the New Testament fulfillment.
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
Anoint, Anointed, Anointing, Hast, Oil, Pour, Poured, Pouring
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 29:7

     2206   Jesus, the Christ
     2230   Messiah, coming of
     4488   oil
     5157   head

Exodus 29:1-9

     1680   types
     7422   ritual

Exodus 29:1-34

     4681   ram

Exodus 29:7-9

     5073   Aaron, priest

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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