Leviticus 8:10-12
Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it, and consecrated them. And he sprinkled some of it on the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all its utensils and the basin and its stand, to consecrate them. And he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easy to miss is that the anointing oil didn't just set apart priests; it also consecrated the very place where God would dwell among His people. This act declared that the entire Tabernacle and everything within it was now sacred, dedicated exclusively to God's holy presence and service.
Following the washing and dressing of Aaron and his sons in their priestly garments, Moses now consecrates the Tabernacle itself and its contents. He anoints the sacred tent and all the sacred furniture within it, setting them apart for God's exclusive service. This act immediately precedes the anointing of Aaron's head, signifying the complete dedication of both the dwelling place and its appointed leader.
Have you ever wondered why anointing with oil was so important in ancient Israel? It wasn't just a symbolic gesture.
The anointing oil was a specially prepared mixture, described in Exodus 30:22-25, and its use was strictly reserved for sacred purposes.
Setting Apart for God
When Moses anointed the tabernacle and its furnishings, he was performing a vital act of consecration. This wasn't about making them 'clean' in a physical sense, but about setting them apart entirely for God's use and service. Everything within the tabernacle – the ark, the altars, the lampstand, the table of showbread – was dedicated to the Lord. This act declared that these items were no longer ordinary objects but belonged to God and were to be treated with reverence.
A Symbol of Divine Presence
This anointing also symbolized the presence of God's Spirit. While oil is a physical substance, in Scripture, it often represents the Holy Spirit's anointing, setting apart individuals and objects for divine purposes. The anointing of the tabernacle and its contents was a tangible way of showing that this was not just a building, but God's dwelling place among His people.
The act of anointing didn't stop with the furniture. It extended to the very people who would serve God.
Following the anointing of the tabernacle itself, the text moves to the consecration of Aaron, the high priest. This signifies a crucial shift: God's presence required not only a dedicated space and objects but also dedicated people.
The High Priest's Unique Calling
Aaron, as the high priest, received a more significant anointing, with oil poured on his head. This set him apart for the unique and solemn role of mediating between God and Israel. His consecration was a profound spiritual and symbolic act, marking him as chosen and set apart for divine service.
Extending to the Priesthood
While Leviticus 8:10 focuses on the tabernacle, the broader context of the chapter shows Aaron and his sons being anointed and consecrated. This highlights that the sacredness of the tabernacle extended to the individuals ministering within it. The anointing of both the 'things' and the 'persons' underscored that every aspect of worship was to be holy and divinely appointed.
Understand the original words
shemen hamishchah · Hebrew Noun
A mixture of spices and olive oil used to set apart people (like priests or kings) and objects for exclusive service to God, symbolizing the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
qadash · Hebrew Verb
The process of declaring something or someone as sacred and dedicated to God's service, marking the transition from ordinary to holy status.
mizbeach · Hebrew Noun
A structure, usually of stone or earth, upon which sacrifices or offerings are made to God; it represents the place where God meets His people through blood sacrifice.
qadash · Hebrew Verb
To set apart as sacred or holy for the exclusive use of God, often involving specific rituals of washing, anointing, or applying blood.
This passage directly parallels Leviticus 8:10, showing Moses anointing the tabernacle and its furnishings as God commanded, emphasizing the sanctity of the place dedicated to His presence.
Exodus 30:26This verse details the command to anoint the tabernacle and its vessels, highlighting that the act of anointing was a divine instruction to set these items apart for holy service.
Hebrews 9:21The New Testament author reflects on the Old Testament practice, stating that the tabernacle and all its furnishings were consecrated with blood and oil, affirming the purpose of purification and setting apart.
1 Samuel 16:13This passage shows the anointing of David with oil by Samuel, illustrating that the act of anointing was not only for objects and the tabernacle, but also for individuals chosen by God for special service.
calvinLeviticus 8:4-36: "And Moses did as the LORD commanded him; and the assembly was gathered together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."
Et fecit Moses quemadmodum praecperat ei Jehova. Et congregatus est coetus ad ostium tabernaculi conventionis.
And Moses said unto the congregation, This is the thing which the Lord commanded to be done.
Tunc dixit Moses ad congregaionem, Hoc est verbum quod praecepit Jehova facere.
And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washe…
gillLeviticus 8:10: "And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein, and sanctified them."
And Moses took the anointing oil,.... Which Bezaleel had made, according to the directions which Moses had given him, and he had received from the Lord: this Moses brought with him to the door of the tabernacle, as he was ordered, Leviticus 8:2 and now he took it and made use of it as follows: and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein; the altar of incense, t…
What's easy to miss is that the anointing oil didn't just set apart priests; it also consecrated the very place where God would dwell among His people. This act declared that the entire Tabernacle and everything within it was now sacred, dedicated exclusively to God's holy presence and service.
Following the washing and dressing of Aaron and his sons in their priestly garments, Moses now consecrates the Tabernacle itself and its contents. He anoints the sacred tent and all the sacred furniture within it, setting them apart for God's exclusive service. This act immediately precedes the anointing of Aaron's head, signifying the complete dedication of both the dwelling place and its appointed leader.
Following the washing and dressing of Aaron and his sons in their priestly garments, Moses now consecrates the Tabernacle itself and its contents. He anoints the sacred tent and all the sacred furniture within it, setting them apart for God's exclusive service. This act immediately precedes the anointing of Aaron's head, signifying the complete dedication of both the dwelling place and its appointed leader.
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shemen mishchah · Hebrew Noun phrase
A sacred oil used in the Old Testament to mark persons or objects as holy and set apart for divine service; it symbolizes the setting apart by the Holy Spirit.
"Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it, and consecrated them. And he sprinkled some of it on the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all its utensils and the basin and its stand, to c…" — What's easy to miss is that the anointing oil didn't just set apart priests; it also consecrated the very place where God would dwell among His people. This act declared that the entire Tabernacle an…
