Exodus 29:44

So I will consecrate the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and I will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests.

Study Bible

So I will consecrate
The Hebrew root for "consecrate" is "קדש" (qadash), which means to set apart as holy or to sanctify. In the context of Exodus, this act of consecration is a divine initiative, emphasizing God's role in sanctifying the priests and the tabernacle. Historically, consecration involved rituals that symbolized purification and dedication to God's service. This reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness, where God calls His people to be set apart for His purposes.

the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting," or "Ohel Moed" in Hebrew, was the sacred space where God met with Moses and the Israelites. It served as a precursor to the Temple in Jerusalem and was central to Israelite worship and community life. Archaeologically, while no direct evidence of the Tent has been found, its detailed descriptions in the Bible provide insights into its significance as a mobile sanctuary during the Israelites' wilderness journey.

and the altar
The altar, or "mizbeach" in Hebrew, was a place of sacrifice and worship. It symbolized the means by which the Israelites could approach God, offering sacrifices for atonement and thanksgiving. The altar's consecration underscores its role as a holy instrument through which the covenant relationship between God and His people was maintained.

and will consecrate Aaron and his sons
Aaron and his sons were set apart as priests, a role of immense responsibility and honor. The consecration of the priesthood was a divine appointment, signifying that their service was not merely a human institution but a sacred duty ordained by God. This highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for those who serve God to be holy and dedicated.

to serve Me as priests
The phrase "to serve Me as priests" indicates the primary function of the priesthood: to minister before God on behalf of the people. The Hebrew word for "serve," "שׁרת" (sharat), implies both worship and work, reflecting the dual nature of priestly duties. This service was not only a privilege but also a profound responsibility, as priests acted as mediators between God and Israel, pointing forward to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, in the New Testament.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Tent of Meeting
This was a sacred space where God met with Moses and the Israelites. It served as a precursor to the Temple and was central to Israelite worship.

2. The Altar
A place of sacrifice and offering, the altar was essential for the atonement of sins and worship in the Israelite community.

3. Aaron
The brother of Moses, Aaron was appointed as the first high priest of Israel, serving as a mediator between God and the people.

4. Aaron's Sons
They were consecrated to serve as priests, continuing the priestly lineage and duties established by God.

5. Consecration
This event involved setting apart the Tent of Meeting, the altar, and the priests for holy service to God, signifying purity and dedication.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Holiness
God’s consecration of the Tent, altar, and priests underscores the necessity of holiness in worship and service. Believers today are called to live holy lives, set apart for God’s purposes.

God’s Provision for Mediation
Just as Aaron and his sons were set apart to mediate between God and Israel, Jesus is our ultimate mediator. We can approach God with confidence through Christ.

The Role of Sacrifice
The altar symbolizes the need for sacrifice in atonement. In the New Covenant, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross fulfills this requirement, offering us forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

Continuity of God’s Plan
The consecration of the priests and the Tent of Meeting reflects God’s ongoing plan to dwell among His people, a plan fulfilled in Jesus and continued through the Holy Spirit’s presence in believers.

Our Priestly Calling
As believers, we are called to be a royal priesthood, serving God and others. This involves living lives of worship, intercession, and service, reflecting God’s holiness to the world.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the consecration of the Tent of Meeting and the altar in Exodus 29:44 relate to the concept of holiness in your own life?

2. In what ways does the priesthood of Aaron and his sons foreshadow the priesthood of Jesus Christ?

3. How can understanding the role of sacrifice in the Old Testament deepen your appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross?

4. What does it mean for you personally to be part of a "royal priesthood" as described in 1 Peter 2:9?

5. How can you apply the principles of consecration and holiness in your daily walk with God, and what practical steps can you take to live a life set apart for Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 8
This chapter details the consecration ceremony of Aaron and his sons, providing a fuller picture of the rituals and significance of their ordination.

Hebrews 7
This New Testament passage discusses Jesus as our high priest, drawing parallels between the priesthood of Aaron and the eternal priesthood of Christ.

1 Peter 2:9
This verse speaks to the priesthood of all believers, connecting the Old Testament priesthood to the New Testament concept of believers being a royal priesthood.