(The Lord speaking is red text)
And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
Put the holy garments on Aharon, anoint him, and consecrate him, so that he can serve me in the office of cohen.
And you are to clothe Aaron with the holy garments, anoint him, and consecrate him, so that he may serve Me as a priest.
And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments; and thou shalt anoint him, and sanctify him, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.
And thou shalt put{H3847} upon Aaron{H175} the holy{H6944} garments{H899}, and anoint{H4886} him, and sanctify{H6942} him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office{H3547}.
1. **Themes:**
- **Holiness and Consecration:** The verse emphasizes the sanctity required for priestly service, with Aaron, the high priest, being dressed in holy garments and anointed to set him apart for divine service.
- **Divine Authority and Appointment:** God himself prescribes the vestments and the anointing, signifying that true priestly authority comes from God.
- **Priestly Role and Mediation:** Aaron is being prepared to serve as a mediator between God and the people of Israel, a role that is central to the priestly office.
2. **Historical Context:**
- **Exodus Narrative:** Exodus 40:13 is part of the final chapter of the Book of Exodus, which details the completion of the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place for God among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings.
- **Covenant and Worship:** The context is the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant, with God giving specific instructions for worship, including the consecration of the priesthood.
- **Aaron's Role:** Aaron is being prepared to assume his duties as the high priest, a role that will involve offering sacrifices and interceding for the people.
- **Tabernacle Construction:** This verse follows the detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, highlighting the importance of proper worship and the role of the priesthood in facilitating it.
- **Transition to Levitical Law:** The end of Exodus transitions to the Book of Leviticus, which expands on the priestly duties, sacrifices, and laws for the Israelites.
In summary, Exodus 40:13 is a key verse that encapsulates the themes of priestly consecration and divine appointment within the historical context of the Israelites' establishment of worship practices and structures following the Exodus from Egypt.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)