Numbers 3:3
These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whom he ordained to serve as priests.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "whom he consecrated" actually refers to a specific ritual called "filling their hands," where Moses symbolically placed sacrificial offerings into their hands, signifying their empowerment and appointment to serve. This wasn't just an abstract ordination, but a tangible act of commissioning them into their sacred duties.
This verse begins a genealogy that immediately clarifies the priestly line after the tragic death of two of Aaron's sons. Moses is instructed to gather the Levites and present them to Aaron, not just as attendants, but as a divinely appointed substitute for the firstborn, a concept that will be further explained. This sets the stage for detailing the census and specific duties of the Levites who will serve alongside the remaining priests.
The verse mentions Aaron's sons were 'anointed' and 'consecrated' priests. What does that actually mean for their role?
The consecration of priests, especially Aaron's sons, was a deeply symbolic and tangible act.
Filling the Hands
The Hebrew phrase often translated as 'consecrated' literally means 'filled their hand.' This wasn't just a title change; it involved a specific ritual where offerings were placed into the hands of the priests.
A Public Commitment
This act, described in Exodus and Leviticus, symbolized that their hands were now dedicated to handling sacred things and performing specific duties for God and the people. It was a public declaration and empowerment for their holy calling.
Divine Authority
Moses performed these rites, acting under God's direct command. This ensured that their service was not self-appointed but divinely authorized, setting them apart for God's work.
Why the emphasis on 'anointed' priests? What does anointing signify in Scripture?
The act of anointing with oil in the Old Testament was a powerful symbol of divine selection and empowerment.
Symbol of the Holy Spirit
Anointing set individuals apart for a special purpose, often indicating they were chosen and empowered by God. For priests, this meant they were consecrated for service in the Tabernacle and to mediate between God and the people.
A Mark of Distinction
While the High Priest's anointing was particularly emphasized, the text here implies that Aaron's sons also received this anointing, marking them as distinct and holy unto the Lord. This distinguished them from ordinary Israelites.
Preparing for Service
Understand the original words
kōhēn · Hebrew Noun
One who holds a sacred office, designated to act as a mediator between God and the people through the offering of sacrifices and intercession.
māšaḥ · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
Set apart or consecrated through the application of oil, signifying divine selection and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit for a specific ministry or office.
mālāʾ yāḏ · Hebrew Verb (Idiom)
To fill the hands; the formal act of consecrating or commissioning someone for service to God, equipping them for the specific duties of their sacred office.
c. 1440 BC— this verse
Tabernacle Construction and Consecration
Following the Exodus from Egypt, Moses, under God's direct command, oversees the construction of the Tabernacle and the consecration of Aaron and his sons as the first priests. This established the divine order for worship and service.
c. 1440 BC
Aaron's Sons Nadab and Abihu Offer Strange Fire
Shortly after their consecration, Nadab and Abihu, two of Aaron's sons, offer unauthorized fire before the Lord and die. This tragic event underscores the gravity and strictness of God's prescribed worship.
c. 1440 BC
Levites Chosen for Tabernacle Service
God instructs Moses to select the tribe of Levi to assist the priests in their duties. This divine appointment provided essential support for the Tabernacle's ministry and was given in place of the firstborn males of Israel.
c. 1440 BC
Census of Levites
Moses and Aaron conduct a census of the Levites, numbering them from one month old and upward, to organize their service. This census is detailed in the preceding verses of Numbers chapter 3.
This passage details the specific consecration rituals, including the 'filling of the hand' ceremony, which is the basis for understanding how Aaron's sons were formally set apart for the priesthood.
Leviticus 8:1-13This passage provides the narrative account of the actual consecration of Aaron and his sons, illustrating the verses in Numbers that simply name them as anointed priests.
Numbers 3:39-45This section explains that the Levites, including Aaron's priestly line, were set apart by God specifically to serve Him, often in place of the firstborn, highlighting their unique divine calling.
1 Samuel 2:27-28This passage illustrates the consequences of failing to honor God's appointed priesthood, emphasizing the solemnity and divine authority vested in those consecrated for service, similar to Aaron's sons.
Hebrews 5:4This New Testament passage speaks directly to the concept of priestly calling, stating that no one takes this honor upon himself but is called by God, just as Aaron and his sons were divinely appointed.
ellicottNumbers 3:3: "These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office."
(3) Whom he consecrated . . . — Literally, filled their hand. The rites of consecration are described at length in Exodus 29:1-37 , where the command given to Moses is related. and in Leviticus 8:1-13 , where the account is given of the actual consecration, on which occasion the appointed sacrificial offerings were placed by Moses in the hands of Aaro…
gillNumbers 3:3: "These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office."
These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests that were anointed,.... With the holy, anointing oil, with which they were anointed when, Aaron was and they only, see Exodus 30:30 , whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office; that is, whom Moses consecrated, by anointing them, putting the priest's garments on them, offering sacrifice…
The phrase "whom he consecrated" actually refers to a specific ritual called "filling their hands," where Moses symbolically placed sacrificial offerings into their hands, signifying their empowerment and appointment to serve. This wasn't just an abstract ordination, but a tangible act of commissioning them into their sacred duties.
This verse begins a genealogy that immediately clarifies the priestly line after the tragic death of two of Aaron's sons. Moses is instructed to gather the Levites and present them to Aaron, not just as attendants, but as a divinely appointed substitute for the firstborn, a concept that will be further explained. This sets the stage for detailing the census and specific duties of the Levites who will serve alongside the remaining priests.
This verse begins a genealogy that immediately clarifies the priestly line after the tragic death of two of Aaron's sons. Moses is instructed to gather the Levites and present them to Aaron, not just as attendants, but as a divinely appointed substitute for the firstborn, a concept that will be further explained. This sets the stage for detailing the census and specific duties of the Levites who will serve alongside the remaining priests.
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This anointing wasn't just ceremonial; it was a necessary step in preparing them to carry out the complex and holy duties of the priesthood, ensuring their service was acceptable to God.
"These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whom he ordained to serve as priests." — The phrase "whom he consecrated" actually refers to a specific ritual called "filling their hands," where Moses symbolically placed sacrificial offerings into their hands, signifying their empowermen…
