The consecration of the priests is a significant event in the Old Testament, primarily detailed in the book of Exodus and Leviticus. This sacred ceremony was instituted by God to set apart Aaron and his sons for the priestly service in the Tabernacle, establishing a perpetual priesthood for the Israelites.

Biblical Foundation

The instructions for the consecration of the priests are found in Exodus 28-29 and Leviticus 8-9. God commanded Moses to consecrate Aaron and his sons, marking the beginning of the Levitical priesthood. The process was intricate, involving specific garments, sacrifices, and rituals, all of which symbolized purification and dedication to God's service.

Priestly Garments

The consecration began with the preparation of holy garments, as described in Exodus 28. These garments included the ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, and sash, each crafted with fine materials and detailed embroidery. The garments were not merely ceremonial; they signified the holiness and authority bestowed upon the priests. Exodus 28:2 states, "Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor."

Rituals and Sacrifices

The consecration ceremony involved several key rituals and sacrifices. In Exodus 29 and Leviticus 8, God instructed Moses to bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, where they were washed with water, symbolizing purification. Moses then clothed them in the priestly garments.

The ceremony included the anointing with oil, a significant act that represented the Holy Spirit's empowerment and sanctification. Leviticus 8:12 records, "He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him."

Sacrifices played a central role in the consecration. A bull was offered as a sin offering, symbolizing atonement for the priests' sins. Two rams were also sacrificed: one as a burnt offering, representing complete dedication to God, and the other as a ram of ordination. The blood of the ordination ram was applied to Aaron and his sons' right ears, thumbs, and big toes, signifying their total consecration to hearing, serving, and walking in God's ways (Leviticus 8:23-24).

Seven-Day Consecration

The consecration process lasted seven days, during which Aaron and his sons remained at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. This period underscored the completeness and perfection of their dedication to God. Leviticus 8:33 instructs, "You must not leave the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for seven days, until the days of your ordination are completed, for your ordination will last seven days."

Significance and Typology

The consecration of the priests was not only a historical event but also held deep theological significance. It established the priesthood as mediators between God and the people, foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who would mediate a new covenant. Hebrews 7:26-27 highlights this typology: "Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself."

The consecration of the priests underscores the holiness required of those who serve God and the necessity of divine appointment and empowerment for spiritual leadership.