Exodus 40:15

Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so that they may also serve Me as priests. Their anointing will qualify them for a permanent priesthood throughout their generations."

Study Bible

Anoint them just as you anointed their father
The act of anointing in the Old Testament signifies consecration and setting apart for a holy purpose. Aaron, the father of the priests, was anointed as the first high priest of Israel (Exodus 29:7). This anointing symbolizes the Holy Spirit's empowerment and presence, marking the priests as chosen by God. The oil used in anointing was a special blend, as described in Exodus 30:22-25, signifying the sacredness of the act. This continuity in anointing underscores the importance of maintaining the sanctity and divine appointment of the priesthood.

so that they may also serve Me as priests
The role of the priest was to mediate between God and the people, offering sacrifices and prayers on behalf of the Israelites. This service was not just a duty but a divine calling, requiring purity and dedication. The priesthood is a type of Christ, who is our ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), mediating a new covenant between God and humanity. The phrase emphasizes the purpose of the anointing: to enable the priests to fulfill their sacred duties.

Their anointing will qualify them for a permanent priesthood
The anointing confers legitimacy and authority upon the priests, establishing their role as perpetual. This permanence is a covenantal promise, reflecting God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people. The priesthood's continuity is crucial for maintaining the spiritual health of the nation. In the New Testament, believers are described as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), indicating that through Christ, all believers are anointed to serve God.

throughout their generations.
This phrase highlights the hereditary nature of the Aaronic priesthood, passed down through the lineage of Aaron. It underscores the importance of family and generational faithfulness in God's plan. The continuity of the priesthood serves as a reminder of God's enduring promises and the importance of legacy in faith. This generational aspect is fulfilled in Christ, whose priesthood is eternal (Hebrews 7:24-25), and through whom believers are grafted into a spiritual lineage that transcends time.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to lead them through the wilderness. He is the one instructed to anoint Aaron and his sons.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses, appointed as the first high priest of Israel. His anointing signifies his consecration to serve God in the tabernacle.

3. Aaron's Sons
They are to be anointed alongside Aaron, signifying the establishment of a hereditary priesthood.

4. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the priests would perform their duties.

5. Anointing
A ceremonial act involving the application of oil, symbolizing consecration and the Holy Spirit's empowerment for service.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Anointing
Anointing signifies being set apart for God's service. In the Old Testament, it was a physical act, but in the New Testament, it represents the Holy Spirit's work in believers' lives.

Generational Faithfulness
The anointing of Aaron's sons highlights the importance of passing down faith and responsibilities to future generations. Parents and leaders should be intentional in teaching and preparing the next generation for service to God.

Priesthood of Believers
While the Levitical priesthood was specific to Aaron's lineage, all believers are now called to be priests, serving God and others. This calls for a life of holiness and dedication.

Symbolism of Oil
Oil in the Bible often symbolizes the Holy Spirit. Just as the priests were anointed with oil, believers are anointed with the Holy Spirit, empowering them for ministry and service.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the anointing of Aaron and his sons in Exodus 40:15 relate to the concept of being set apart for God's service today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our faith and responsibilities are passed down to future generations, as seen in the establishment of a hereditary priesthood?

3. How does the New Testament concept of the "priesthood of all believers" change our understanding of service and ministry in the church?

4. What are some practical ways we can live out our anointing by the Holy Spirit in our daily lives?

5. How does the symbolism of oil as the Holy Spirit in the Bible encourage us in our spiritual walk and service to God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 8
Describes the detailed process of the consecration of Aaron and his sons, providing a fuller picture of the anointing ceremony.

Hebrews 7
Discusses the priesthood of Jesus Christ, contrasting the temporary Levitical priesthood with the eternal priesthood of Christ.

1 Peter 2:9
Refers to believers as a "royal priesthood," connecting the Old Testament priesthood to the New Testament concept of all believers being priests.