CONSECRATION OF THE PRIEST

“Here is what you are to do to consecrate them for ministry to me in the office of cohen…”
Exodus 29:1a

Today again I want to look at three sections of this week’s Parashah all in one view as we study the details around the consecration of the priest. At first glance it can seem unappealing as much of the talk centers around blood and sacrifice. But as life is in the blood, what we end up seeing in this passage relates to the life we later partake in with the sacrifice of Yeshua. It is in the fulfillment of these commands that we have atonement. It is because of these sacrifices that we find sin forgiven.
In the act of consecration one was to take a young bull and two rams of no defect, in addition to matzah, matzah cakes mixed with olive oil, and matzah wafers spread with oil. All the matzah was to be of wheat flour and placed in a basket. The basket and the meat were then presented.
The next step consisted of bathing. Aharon and his sons were to be cleansed near the entrance of the tent of meeting. The garments that we have looked at over the past few days were then placed on the priest and his sons, layering the tunic, robe, vest, and breastplate. Aharon’s turban was then placed on his head and the holy ornament attached to the turban. Oil was then poured on the head of the priest, anointing him and his sons for the work of the office of cohen, and finished off with the sash being wrapped around the priest.
The collected young bull was then brought to the front of the tent of meeting where Aharon and his sons were to lay their hands on the bull’s head and slaughter him. The bull’s blood was to be placed on the horns of the altar and the rest poured at the altar’s base. The fat was offered up in smoke and the flesh, skin, and dung became the sin offering that was burnt outside the camp. This was followed with the taking of one of the two lambs which again the priests were to lay hands on before slaughtering. Its blood was splashed on the sides of the altar, its body quartered and inner organs washed. The ram was then offered in smoke as the burnt offering for Adonai, pleasing unto Adonai.
With the remaining ram, Aharon and his sons were to lay hands on his head and slaughter, but this time put the blood of the ram on Aharon’s right ear lobe, right thumb, and right big toe. This then was done for his sons as well. The remaining blood, mixed with oil, was sprinkled on Aharon and his clothing, therefore consecrating him. Certain pieces were then to be taken, along with a loaf of bread, one cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, and given to Aharon and his sons to hold. As they waved these items before Adonai, this became their wave offering. After waving, they were to be burned as burnt offering as well.
The breast of the ram was taken as Aharon’s share, waved again and consecrated, becoming the contribution of Isra’el for their peace offering. Seven days later, once the meet is boiled, Aharon and his sons were to eat the meat along with bread found in the basket, partaking in the atonement.
Daily a young bull was to be taken as a sin offering in addition to the other offerings of atonement. For seven days atonement was to be made on the altar through two lambs, one offered in the morning and one at night. Through all generations this regular burnt offering was to be performed at the tent of meeting before Adonai. It was in this and because of this Adonai stated, “There I will meet with the people of Isra’el; and the place will be consecrated by my glory.”

Exodus 29:1-18
Exodus 29:19-37
Exodus 29:38-46