Meaning of Exodus 28:41

This verse, Exodus 28:41, marks the culmination of the elaborate instructions for the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests for the Tabernacle. It signifies the official inauguration of the Levitical priesthood, a pivotal moment in Israel's covenant relationship with God. The act of "putting these clothes on," anointing, ordaining, and consecrating them, was not merely a ceremonial act but a divine mandate to set them apart exclusively for God's service, establishing a sacred office that would mediate between God and His people. This established order was essential for maintaining holiness in God's presence and for facilitating the sacrificial system that atoned for sin.

Context and Background

Exodus 28 details the priestly garments and the specific rituals required for the ordination of the High Priest and his sons. The preceding verses describe the garments themselves – the ephod, breastpiece, robe, turban, tunic, sash, and mitre – all imbued with symbolic meaning and crafted with meticulous detail. The anointing oil, poured on Aaron's head (Leviticus 8:12), was a tangible sign of God's selection and empowerment. Ordination (Hebrew: milu'im, "filling of the hands") involved presenting offerings and placing them in the priests' hands, symbolizing the transfer of their duties and authority. This entire process was designed to ensure that the priests were not self-appointed but divinely commissioned and ritually purified.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Commissioning: The verse underscores that the priesthood is not a human endeavor but a calling from God. They are "put on," "anointed," and "consecrated" by divine authority.
• Separation and Holiness: The term "consecrate" (Hebrew: qadash) highlights the concept of being set apart for God's exclusive use, demanding a life of holiness and purity.
• Service and Mediation: The ultimate purpose of their consecration is "to serve me as priests." This service involved performing rituals, offering sacrifices, and acting as intermediaries for the people before God.
• Order and Structure: The establishment of this priesthood provided a necessary structure for worship and maintained order within the Israelite community, ensuring proper access to God.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This passage speaks to the principle of divine calling and the necessity of being set apart for God's purposes. For believers today, it prefigures the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who was Himself consecrated by God to serve humanity. Just as the Old Testament priests were set apart, believers are called to be holy and to dedicate their lives to serving God in their respective callings. The concept of consecration implies a willing surrender of self to God's will, allowing Him to purify and empower us for His service.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Exodus 28:41 is foundational to the Old Testament's understanding of priesthood and worship. It establishes the lineage and function of the Levitical priesthood, which would continue for centuries until its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The New Testament, particularly the book of Hebrews, extensively discusses the inadequacy of the Old Covenant priesthood and the perfection of Christ's priesthood. Christ's sacrifice and ascension render the Old Testament sacrificial system obsolete, establishing a new covenant where believers have direct access to God through Him.

Analogies

The consecration of the Old Testament priests can be likened to:

• A key being forged and then handed to a locksmith: The forging represents the preparation and purification, while the handing over signifies the authorization to perform a specific, vital function.
• A commissioned soldier receiving their uniform and orders: The uniform signifies their identity and separation, while the orders detail their mission and purpose.
• A specialized tool being crafted and then placed in a craftsman's hand: The crafting ensures its suitability, and its placement in the hand signifies its intended use for a particular task.

Relation to Other Verses

• Leviticus 8: This chapter provides a detailed account of the actual ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons, enacting the commands given in Exodus 28.
• Hebrews 4:14-16: This New Testament passage contrasts the Old Testament priesthood with Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest, who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses and offers us direct access to God's throne of grace.
• 1 Peter 2:9: This verse speaks of believers as a "royal priesthood," a concept that echoes the Old Testament priesthood but applies it to all who are in Christ, emphasizing our calling to proclaim God's excellencies.
• Romans 12:1: This verse calls believers to offer their bodies as "living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God," a spiritual consecration that mirrors the ritualistic consecration of the Old Testament priests.