How Were Priests Consecrated?
In ancient Israel, the consecration of priests was a sacred and highly detailed process, designed to prepare them for their unique role as mediators between God and the people. The priesthood, particularly the sons of Aaron, was set apart to perform sacred duties in the tabernacle and later in the Temple of Jerusalem. Consecration emphasized holiness, purity, and divine appointment, ensuring that those serving God were ritually and spiritually prepared for their responsibilities.
1. Purpose of Consecration
Consecration of priests had several essential purposes:
-
Holiness and Separation: Priests were set apart from ordinary people to serve God exclusively (Exodus 28:41; Leviticus 8:6).
-
Spiritual Preparedness: The process sanctified them for the sacred duties of sacrifice, teaching, and intercession.
-
Divine Approval: Consecration was not merely ceremonial; it symbolized God’s appointment and acceptance of the priest for His service.
-
Ritual Purification: Priests underwent purification to ensure they were ritually clean before approaching God.
2. Biblical Description of Consecration
The primary biblical account of priestly consecration is found in Exodus 28–29 and Leviticus 8. Moses, following God’s command, performed the ritual for Aaron and his sons.
Step-by-Step Process
a. Ritual Washing
-
Aaron and his sons were washed with water, symbolizing purification and cleansing from ordinary life (Exodus 29:4).
-
This act represented both physical and spiritual purification necessary for approaching God.
b. Dressing in Priestly Garments
-
The priests were clothed in holy garments, including the tunic (ketonet), sash (avnet), turban (mitznefet), linen breeches (michnasayim), ephod, breastpiece, and robe of the ephod for the High Priest.
-
These garments symbolized holiness, authority, and consecration (Exodus 28:2–43).
c. Anointing with Holy Oil
-
Aaron and his sons were anointed with consecrated oil poured on their heads (Exodus 29:7; Leviticus 8:12).
-
The anointing oil, made of olive oil mixed with specific spices, symbolized God’s Spirit, empowerment, and divine approval.
-
Anointing distinguished them as set apart for God’s service.
d. Offering Sacrifices
-
Several sacrifices were offered during consecration:
-
Bull as a sin offering (atonement for purification)
-
Rams as burnt and peace offerings (dedication of service)
-
-
Blood from these sacrifices was applied to the altar and garments, symbolizing atonement, sanctification, and covenant relationship with God (Leviticus 8:14–30).
e. Ordaining Rituals
-
Moses performed laying on of hands, slaughtering animals, and sprinkling blood as a ritual of consecration.
-
The priest was set apart by divine command to ensure spiritual authority and sanctity in performing sacrifices.
3. Symbolic Meaning of Consecration
The consecration process communicated several deep spiritual truths:
| Ritual Act | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Washing with water | Purity, cleansing from sin, readiness for divine service |
| Priestly garments | Holiness, separation, authority, and identification with God’s covenant |
| Anointing with oil | Empowerment by the Holy Spirit, divine approval, and sanctification |
| Sacrifices and blood | Atonement, dedication, and covenant relationship with God |
| Laying on of hands | Appointment, spiritual authority, and mediation |
4. Duration of Consecration
-
The consecration process lasted seven days for Aaron and his sons (Leviticus 8:33–36).
-
During this period, they remained in the tabernacle area, completing rituals under Moses’ guidance.
-
This period emphasized preparation, separation, and spiritual readiness for permanent service.
5. Consecration of Ordinary Priests
-
The sons of Aaron were all consecrated through the same rituals, though only the High Priest received the full set of garments (including the ephod, breastpiece, and turban plate).
-
Ordinary priests were also washed, anointed, and offered sacrifices, symbolizing their holiness and readiness for temple duties.
6. Spiritual Lessons from Consecration
-
Holiness Requires Preparation: Serving God demands ritual, spiritual, and moral preparation.
-
Mediation Requires Purity: Priests, as mediators, were set apart to represent God to people and people to God.
-
Divine Appointment: Human authority is insufficient; only God’s sanction makes service holy and effective.
-
Symbolism Matters: Every act, from washing to garments to sacrifice, communicated spiritual truths to both the priest and the community.
7. Conclusion
Priestly consecration in ancient Israel was a complex, multi-step ritual involving purification, holy garments, anointing, and sacrifices. This process was designed to prepare priests spiritually, morally, and ritually to serve God and represent His people. Through consecration, the priests were set apart as holy, empowered for sacred service, and symbolically connected to God’s covenant with Israel.
The consecration of priests teaches enduring lessons about preparation, holiness, and divine guidance—principles that remain relevant in religious and spiritual contexts today.