Meaning of Exodus 29:35

This verse from Exodus 29:35 is a crucial directive from God to Moses concerning the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. It marks the culmination of a detailed, seven-day ordination process that establishes the Aaronic priesthood as the divinely appointed mediators between God and Israel. The emphasis on "seven days" is significant, as the number seven in biblical numerology often represents completeness, perfection, or a sacred period of time. This extended period underscores the solemnity and thoroughness required for setting apart individuals for such a sacred and weighty role, ensuring they were fully prepared and ritually cleansed before ministering in God's presence.

Context and Background

The preceding chapters of Exodus meticulously detail the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, the Ark of the Covenant, and the elaborate instructions for the priestly garments. Following these preparations, God provides the specific rituals for the ordination of Aaron and his sons. This verse serves as the concluding command for this multi-day ceremony, reiterating the necessity of following God's exact instructions for the installation of the priesthood. The priests were to be chosen and consecrated by God, not by popular acclaim or human selection, highlighting divine authority in establishing religious leadership.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Command and Obedience: The verse emphasizes God's direct command and the absolute necessity of Moses' obedience. The priestly role was not a suggestion but a divine mandate, and its establishment was to be executed precisely as instructed.
• Consecration and Setting Apart: The seven-day ordination process was designed to "consecrate" or "fill the hands" of the priests, meaning to equip them and dedicate them for their service. This involved specific sacrifices, washings, and anointing, all signifying their separation from the common and their dedication to the holy.
• Completeness and Sacred Time: The duration of seven days signifies the completeness of the ordination. It was not a rushed affair but a thorough, divinely appointed period for spiritual and ritual preparation.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The ordination of Aaron and his sons establishes a pattern for sacred service. It teaches that those who minister before God must be divinely called, thoroughly prepared, and fully dedicated to Him. The process highlights the holiness of God and the immense responsibility of acting as His representative. For believers today, this underscores the importance of spiritual preparation and dedication in all aspects of Christian service, whether in formal ministry or in everyday life, as all believers are called to be a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9).

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This event is foundational to the Old Testament religious system. The Aaronic priesthood served as the earthly intermediary for the people of Israel, offering sacrifices for sin and interceding on their behalf. This system, established in Exodus, points forward to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice is perfect and eternal, fulfilling and superseding the Levitical system. The concept of a divinely appointed mediator is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, culminating in Christ.

Analogies

The ordination of Aaron and his sons can be analogized to:

• A rigorous training program for an elite profession: Just as a surgeon or pilot undergoes extensive, specialized training to ensure competence and safety, the priests underwent a thorough, divinely prescribed ordination to handle the sacred duties of mediating between God and man.
• The dedication of a sacred space: The seven-day period can be compared to the consecration of a temple or altar, setting it apart for God's exclusive use and ensuring it is fit for His presence.

Relation to Other Verses

• Leviticus 8: This chapter in Leviticus provides a detailed, narrative account of the ordination ceremony described in Exodus 29, expanding on the sacrifices and rituals involved.
• Hebrews 7: The New Testament book of Hebrews explains how Jesus Christ, as the High Priest of the new covenant, is superior to the Levitical priesthood established in Exodus. It highlights that Christ's priesthood is after the order of Melchizedek, not Aaron, and His sacrifice is once for all.
• 1 Peter 2:5, 9: This passage speaks of believers as "living stones" being built into a "spiritual house" and a "royal priesthood," echoing the concept of a consecrated people set apart for God's service, albeit in a New Covenant context.