📅 February 18: Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests and Sacred Alter

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February 18: Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests and Sacred Alter

Introduction

Exodus 29 is a detailed account of God’s command to Moses about the consecration of the priests. Here, the rituals, offerings, and the process of consecration are illustrated, signifying the importance of a sanctified priesthood for a holy God.

Consecration of Aaron and His Sons: God commands Moses to consecrate Aaron and his sons for them to serve Him as priests. Various offerings, including a bull for a sin offering and two rams for peace and burnt offering, were part of this elaborate ceremony.

Key Verse: “Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God” (Exodus 29:45).

Key Themes and Reflections

The chapter illustrates the demand of God’s holiness. The attire, offerings, and consecration process serve as reminders of the essential separation between God, the Holy, and humans, the sinful.

Consecration is not only about atonement for personal sins but also about community and commitment. Aaron and his sons were consecrated not just for themselves, but to serve the entire nation of Israel.

Today’s Application

In the life of a Christian, the theme of consecration is still very relevant. Just like Aaron and his sons, we are set apart to serve God. Though we do not require elaborate rituals, our hearts and lives should be offerings pleasing to God.

Hidden Gem

This chapter also hints at the enduring presence of God among His people, symbolic of the Christian belief of God dwelling within us.

Reflective Q&A

Why were Aaron and his sons chosen for such significant roles?
A: Aaron and his sons were chosen as mediators and symbols of the people’s relationship with God. They were set apart to teach and lead the Israelites in their spiritual duties.

What relevance does the consecration of priests hold today?
A: While Christians don’t have a designated priesthood, as followers of Christ we are called to offer our lives to God. This involves a self-consecration - committing our thoughts, actions, and lives to His service.

Join the Discussion

What do you think about the concept of consecration in your life? How can you offer your life more effectively to God’s service? Share your thoughts.

See you tomorrow in Exodus 30 where we will delve deeper into the significance of the altar of incense.

[MAI]

Exodus 29
Aaron could not argue that it was inconvenient to have to wear clothing of “glory and beauty” in the hot climate of the Middle East. The procedure was established according to the holy principles of God manifestation. His body was covered with coat, ephod, breastplate and girdle, whilst the head held the mitre and holy crown. Thus, both nature (the body) and the mind (head) were to be covered by the divine clothing. Aaron was first covered (vv. 5-7), and then his sons were subsequently dressed in the priestly garments, as God determined (v. 8). The covering of the high priest was later fulfilled in the redemption and glorification of Christ, whilst those on his sons portray the holiness of the Lord’s children (Heb. 2:13). Paul urges us to “consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Yahshua” (Heb. 3:1). The process is outlined in Exo. 28:41, and shows that the high priest was called (ch. 28:1), cleansed (29:4), clothed (29:5-6), consecrated (29:9). He thus wonderfully represented Yahweh to the people, and the people to Yahweh – a wonderful and gracious provision which was completed in the mediatorial role of the Lord Yahshua Christ. The chapter sets out t process for the Consecration of the Priests: [1] The offering: vv. 1-3. [2] The ablution: v. 4. [3] The Clothing: vv. 5-9. [4] The Consecration Offerings: vv. 10-35. [5] The sanctification of the altar: vv. 36-37. [6] The continual burnt offering: vv. 38-44. [7] Yahweh to dwell with His people: vv. 45-46. — Logos.