The consecration of priests in the Old Testament is a significant event that underscores the sanctity and dedication required for those who serve in the priestly office. The ceremonies associated with the consecration of priests, particularly the partaking of the sacrifices, are detailed primarily in the book of Leviticus. These rituals were instituted by God to set apart Aaron and his sons for the priestly ministry, ensuring that they were ceremonially clean and spiritually prepared to mediate between God and the people of Israel.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural account of the consecration of priests is found in Leviticus 8 and 9. The process begins with Moses gathering the congregation at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, as commanded by the LORD. The consecration involves several key elements: washing, clothing, anointing, and sacrifices.

Washing and Clothing

The ceremony begins with the washing of Aaron and his sons with water, symbolizing purification (Leviticus 8:6). Following this, they are clothed in the priestly garments, which include the tunic, robe, ephod, breastpiece, and turban, each signifying different aspects of their sacred duties (Leviticus 8:7-9).

Anointing

Moses then anoints the Tabernacle and everything in it, consecrating them for holy use. He pours the anointing oil on Aaron's head, signifying the Holy Spirit's empowerment and setting him apart for the priestly office (Leviticus 8:10-12).

Sacrifices of Consecration

The sacrifices play a central role in the consecration ceremony. Three types of offerings are presented: a sin offering, a burnt offering, and a ram of ordination.

1. Sin Offering: A bull is offered as a sin offering to atone for the sins of Aaron and his sons. Moses takes some of the blood and puts it on the horns of the altar, purifying it and making atonement for it (Leviticus 8:14-15).

2. Burnt Offering: A ram is offered as a burnt offering, symbolizing the complete dedication of the priests to God. The entire animal is consumed by fire on the altar, representing total surrender and devotion (Leviticus 8:18-21).

3. Ram of Ordination: The second ram, known as the ram of ordination, is sacrificed, and its blood is used in a unique manner. Moses applies the blood to the right earlobe, thumb, and big toe of Aaron and his sons, symbolizing the consecration of their hearing, work, and walk to the service of God (Leviticus 8:22-24).

Partaking of the Sacrifices

After the sacrifices, Moses takes portions of the ram of ordination, along with unleavened bread, and places them in the hands of Aaron and his sons. This act, known as the wave offering, signifies their active participation in the sacrificial system and their acceptance of the priestly role (Leviticus 8:25-29).

The priests are then instructed to boil the flesh of the ram at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and eat it there, along with the bread from the basket of ordination offerings. This meal is a covenantal act, symbolizing their fellowship with God and their role as mediators between God and the people (Leviticus 8:31-32).

Seven Days of Consecration

The consecration ceremony lasts for seven days, during which Aaron and his sons remain at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, following the LORD's commands through Moses. This period of seclusion and dedication emphasizes the seriousness of their calling and the need for continual purification and readiness to serve (Leviticus 8:33-36).

Significance

The consecration of priests and their partaking of the sacrifices highlight the holiness required of those who minister before God. These ceremonies foreshadow the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills the priestly role, offering Himself as the final and complete sacrifice for sin. Through Christ, believers are called to be a royal priesthood, consecrated to serve God with purity and devotion.Exodus 29:31-33
And you shall take the ram of the consecration, and seethe his flesh in the holy place.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 8:31,32
And Moses said to Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that is in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Concerning the Communion, or Participation of the Body and Blood ...
... so that after the words of consecration, as they ... or more binding foundation than
several other ceremonies appointed and ... day to be taken by all priests, or the ...
/.../proposition xiii concerning the communion.htm

Articuli xxxix. Ecclesi?? Anglican??. AD 1562.
... and Deacons, are not commaunded Bishops, Priests, and Deacons ... to ordain, change,
and abolish, Ceremonies or Rites ... XXXVI. Of consecration of Bishops and ministers ...
/.../articuli xxxix ecclesiae anglicanae a d.htm

The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... Church is not to be sought in ceremonies and rites ... on the cross; and all believers
are priests offering spiritual ... pledges on our part for our consecration to him ...
/.../ 55 the second helvetic.htm

Of the Lord's Supper, and the Benefits Conferred by It.
... one bread, and one body in partaking together of ... Saviour's address is an act of
consecration, and there ... is the Lord's "passover""that the sacrifices of the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 of the lords.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... was finished, and most deeply impressive were the ceremonies on the day of its
consecration. ... of Christ"without the intervention of priests or lordly ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... Haruspices and priests and those accustomed to serve this ... provided they refrain from
domestic sacrifices, which are ... Son in God, and the Son partaking of that ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

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