Exodus 29:29

And the holy garments of Aaron shall be his sons' after him, to be anointed therein, and to be consecrated in them.

And the holy {H6944} garments {H899} of Aaron {H175} shall be his sons {H1121}' after {H310} him, to be anointed {H4888} therein, and to be consecrated {H4390}{H3027} in them.

"The holy garments of Aharon will be used by his sons after him; they will be anointed and consecrated in them.

The holy garments that belong to Aaron will belong to his sons after him, so they can be anointed and ordained in them.

And the holy garments of Aaron shall be for his sons after him, to be anointed in them, and to be consecrated in them.

Commentary

Exodus 29:29 specifies the continuation of the priestly office within Aaron's lineage, emphasizing the sacred nature of the High Priest's garments and the process of succession.

Context

This verse is part of God's detailed instructions to Moses regarding the consecration of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood, as described in Exodus chapters 28 and 29. Having outlined the specific design and significance of the holy garments for Aaron, God now establishes the hereditary nature of this office. The passage underscores the divine order and meticulous preparation required for those who would serve in the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary of God's presence among the Israelites.

Key Themes

  • Hereditary Priesthood: The verse clearly mandates that the priestly office, symbolized by the sacred garments, would pass from Aaron to his sons. This established a line of succession for the Aaronic priesthood, ensuring continuity in Israel's worship and atonement system.
  • Holiness and Consecration: The garments were not ordinary clothes; they were "holy garments," essential for the priests' sacred duties. Wearing them was integral to the process of being "anointed therein, and to be consecrated in them." This highlights the necessity of being set apart and made holy for divine service.
  • Divine Appointment and Authority: God Himself instituted this system, demonstrating His authority in appointing those who would mediate between Him and His people. The garments served as a visible sign of their divinely ordained role.

Linguistic Insights

The term "anointed" (Hebrew: mashach) signifies the pouring of sacred oil upon a person or object, setting them apart for a specific, holy purpose. This act was crucial for the consecration of the priests, marking them as chosen and empowered by God's Spirit for their service. The phrase "to be consecrated in them" (Hebrew: milu'im, related to "filling of the hand") refers to the full ordination ceremony, where the priests' hands were symbolically "filled" with portions of the sacrifices, signifying their empowerment and readiness to perform priestly functions and handle sacred offerings. The garments were indispensable to this entire process of setting apart.

Practical Application

While the Aaronic priesthood and its specific rituals were fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest (see Hebrews 7), this verse still offers enduring principles:

  • Preparation for Service: God requires those who serve Him to be properly prepared and set apart. For believers today, this involves spiritual consecration and readiness through the Holy Spirit.
  • Spiritual Inheritance: Just as the physical garments were passed down, there is a spiritual inheritance in Christ. Believers are now called a "royal priesthood" in God's kingdom, with a call to offer spiritual sacrifices and proclaim His excellencies.
  • Continuity of God's Purpose: God's plans and purposes are continuous, even as the methods of their fulfillment change. He establishes order and ensures the continuation of His work through His chosen instruments.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 18:8

    ¶ And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever.

  • Numbers 35:25

    And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.

  • Exodus 29:5

    And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod:

  • Exodus 29:7

    Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour [it] upon his head, and anoint him.

  • Leviticus 8:7

    And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound [it] unto him therewith.

  • Leviticus 8:12

    And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.

  • Exodus 40:15

    And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.
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