Anointing and Ordination in the Bible

Mar 6, 2025

Bible Recap Lecture: Anointing, Consecrating, and Ordaining

Key Definitions

  • Anointing: Applying oil to something.
  • Consecrating: Setting something apart for sacred use.
  • Ordaining: Establishing someone, especially in ministry.

Moses, Aaron, and His Sons

  • Process Involved:
    • Moses anoints, consecrates, and ordains Aaron and his four sons.
    • The ordination ceremony lasts seven days.
    • Aaron offers the first sacrifice on the altar during this time.
  • First Tabernacle Service:
    • Occurs on the eighth day.
    • Aaron and his sons offer more sacrifices.
    • Moses emphasizes that following God's commands allows God's glory to appear.

God's Provision and Nearness

  • God's actions aim to draw near to His people.
  • Analogy of travel to illustrate God's efforts to be near humanity.
  • Emphasis on God's patience despite human impatience or perception of rituals as boring.

Aaron's Role as High Priest

  • Importance of Atonement:
    • Aaron makes atonement for himself first, then for the people.
    • Atonement covers sins.
    • Order: Sin offering, burnt offering, peace offering.
  • Blessing the People:
    • Aaron and Moses bless the people.
    • God's glory appears, fire consumes the offering, leading to worship.

Rebellion of Nadab and Abihu

  • Nadab and Abihu offer incense inappropriately.
  • Possible reasons for their error:
    • Unauthorized incense.
    • Wrong timing.
    • Possible drunkenness.
  • God's response is immediate and severe: fire consumes them.
  • Emphasis on God's intolerance of rebellion.
  • Aaron is forbidden from traditional grief practices.

God's Commands to Aaron

  • God speaks directly to Aaron, offering rare guidance.
  • Priests' Responsibilities:
    • Avoid drinking on the job.
    • Protect sacred spaces.
    • Distinguish between clean and unclean.
    • Teach others God's laws.

Moses and Aaron's Sons

  • Remaining sons fail to comply with Moses' commands.
  • Moses' fear of God striking them down.
  • Aaron's appeal to compassion leads Moses to relent.

Reflections on God's Character

  • Moses' response mirrors God's compassion.
  • Encouragement to see God's influence in personal growth (patience, kindness, trust).

Additional Thoughts

  • Merchandise available for reminders of joy in God.
  • Promotion of items like t-shirts, bracelets, and a necklace based on Psalm 16:11.