Exodus 29:35

KJV

And thus shalt thou do unto Aaron, and to his sons, according to all [things] which I have commanded thee: seven days shalt thou consecrate them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thus shalt thou do {H6213} unto Aaron {H175}, and to his sons {H1121}, according to all things which I have commanded {H6680} thee: seven {H7651} days {H3117} shalt thou consecrate {H4390}{H3027} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Carry out all these orders I have given you concerning Aharon and his sons. You are to spend seven days consecrating them.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what you are to do for Aaron and his sons based on all that I have commanded you, taking seven days to ordain them.

American Standard Version

And thus shalt thou do unto Aaron, and to his sons, according to all that I have commanded thee: seven days shalt thou consecrate them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 29:35 serves as a pivotal concluding instruction within the divine mandate for the ordination of Aaron and his sons, firmly establishing them as priests set apart for sacred service. This verse emphasizes the imperative for Moses to execute every detail of the elaborate consecration ritual with absolute precision, underscoring the comprehensive and divinely ordained seven-day period required for their full installation into the holy office.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 29:35 functions as a climactic summary and final directive within the extensive instructions for the ordination of the Aaronic priesthood, which dominates the entirety of [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Ordination of Priests"). The preceding verses meticulously detail each step of the ritual: the ceremonial washing of Aaron and his sons (e.g., [Exodus 29:4](/exodus/29-4 "Exodus 29:4 - Washing of Priests")), their anointing with sacred oil (e.g., [Exodus 29:7](/exodus/29-7 "Exodus 29:7 - Anointing of Aaron")), their investiture with holy garments (e.g., [Exodus 29:5-6](/exodus/29-5-6 "Exodus 29:5-6 - Priestly Garments")), and a precise sequence of sacrifices, including a bull for a sin offering (e.g., [Exodus 29:10-14](/exodus/29-10-14 "Exodus 29:10-14 - Sin Offering")) and two rams for burnt and ordination offerings (e.g., [Exodus 29:15-28](/exodus/29-15-28 "Exodus 29:15-28 - Burnt and Ordination Offerings")). Verse 35 brings these specific commands to a definitive close, reiterating the divine mandate for the entire seven-day process and ensuring the priests are fully prepared and sanctified for their holy duties before the Lord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ordination of priests in ancient Israel, as outlined in Exodus 29, was a unique, divinely instituted process that stood in stark contrast to priestly installations in surrounding Ancient Near Eastern cultures. Unlike other nations where priesthood might be a human-devised role or inherited without specific divine ritual, Israel's priesthood was established by direct divine command, emphasizing exclusive holiness and separation for service to Yahweh alone. The concept of ritual purity and separation was paramount, as these priests would mediate between a holy God and His people. The "seven days" of consecration were not arbitrary; the number seven frequently signifies completeness, perfection, or divine activity in biblical numerology (e.g., the seven days of creation in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account")), indicating a thorough, divinely sanctioned, and comprehensive period of preparation. This extensive ritual ensured that Aaron and his sons were not merely appointed but deeply purified, sanctified, and formally empowered for their sacred and weighty responsibilities within the newly constructed Tabernacle, itself designed according to precise divine specifications found in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle and Priesthood Instructions").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. It powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that all aspects of worship and sacred service are dictated by God, not human preference. The meticulous nature of the instructions highlights the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing that those who draw near to God must be set apart and purified according to His standards. Furthermore, the extensive ritual and the seven-day period reinforce the theme of **Preparation for Service**, illustrating that sacred office requires thorough dedication and divine enablement. The establishment of the Aaronic priesthood also lays the groundwork for the theme of **Mediation**, as these priests would serve as the divinely appointed intermediaries between God and the people of Israel, foreshadowing the ultimate mediator. These themes are foundational to understanding Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh and the nature of true worship, as seen throughout the Law, for instance, in the repeated commands for holiness in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Do (Hebrew, _‘âsâh'_):** This verb (H6213) signifies to perform, make, or accomplish. In this context, it emphasizes Moses' active and precise execution of God's commands. It highlights the imperative of obedience, indicating that Moses was not merely to understand or acknowledge the instructions but to carry them out meticulously, without deviation, as a direct act of worship and submission to divine authority.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This verb (H6680) denotes a strong, authoritative, and binding directive from a superior. Here, it underscores that the entire ordination ritual for Aaron and his sons was not a human invention or tradition, but a direct, non-negotiable mandate from God Himself. Moses' role was simply to execute these divine instructions with absolute precision, highlighting God's sovereignty over worship and service.
* **Consecrate (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ yāḏ'_):** While the KJV uses "consecrate," the Hebrew idiom here is "fill the hand" (H4390, H3027). This phrase is a technical term for priestly installation or ordination. It refers to the act of placing the designated portions of the sacrifices into the hands of the priests, symbolizing their formal investiture with authority and responsibility for handling sacred offerings and performing their priestly duties. It signifies their empowerment and authorization for service, moving beyond mere purification to active appointment. The "hand" (H3027) itself implies power, means, and authority, thus "filling the hand" means empowering them for their sacred task.
* **Seven days (Hebrew, _shebaʿ yāmim'_):** This phrase (H7651, H3117) specifies the duration of the consecration. The number "seven" (H7651) often denotes completeness, perfection, or divine fullness in biblical thought (e.g., the seven days of creation). Here, it emphasizes the thoroughness, completeness, and divine perfection of the consecration process. It was a period of sustained purification, dedication, and formal installation, ensuring that the priests were fully set apart and prepared for their holy office, leaving no doubt about the divine sanction of their ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thus shalt thou do unto Aaron, and to his sons,"**: This opening clause emphasizes Moses' direct responsibility as the executor of God's commands and clearly identifies the specific recipients of the ordination—Aaron and his male descendants. It highlights the personal nature of the divine command given to Moses to perform these rites upon the designated individuals, who would form the hereditary priesthood of Israel.
* **"according to all [things] which I have commanded thee:"**: This phrase is a powerful reiteration of God's absolute authority and the non-negotiable necessity of precise obedience. It underscores that every detail of the elaborate ceremony, from the washings and anointings to the specific sacrifices and garments, was divinely prescribed and not open to human alteration, improvisation, or selective adherence. It speaks to the meticulousness required in approaching a holy God and performing His service.
* **"seven days shalt thou consecrate them."**: This final clause specifies both the duration and the ultimate purpose of the ritual. The "seven days" signify a complete and perfect period of preparation, ensuring thorough purification and dedication. The act of "consecrating" (or "filling the hand") formally installs them into their sacred office, setting them apart exclusively for God's service as mediators between Him and the people of Israel, marking their transition from ordinary individuals to divinely appointed priests.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 29:35 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly of the phrase "as I have commanded" or similar expressions, which appears frequently throughout the Tabernacle and priestly instructions (e.g., [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Tabernacle Pattern"), [Exodus 39:32](/exodus/39-32 "Exodus 39:32 - Completion of Tabernacle")). This serves to underscore the absolute authority of God's word and the imperative of human obedience, making divine command and human compliance a central **motif** of the covenant relationship. The number "seven days" functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing completeness, perfection, and divine institution, thereby emphasizing the thoroughness and divine sanction of the priestly ordination. Furthermore, the verse acts as a form of **Inclusio** or **framing device** for the detailed instructions of the entire chapter, bringing the specific commands for the ordination ceremony to a definitive close by reiterating the comprehensive nature and duration of the process, thus circling back to the overarching divine directive.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 29:35 profoundly illustrates God's meticulousness in establishing worship and His unwavering demand for holiness in those who draw near to Him in service. It reveals that the priesthood was not a self-appointed office but a divinely ordained one, requiring thorough preparation and strict adherence to God's commands. This emphasis on divine authority, precise obedience, and the necessity of consecration for sacred service forms a foundational theological principle, demonstrating that access to God is always on His terms, and those who serve Him must be set apart and purified according to His will. The thoroughness of the seven-day process also speaks to the gravity and sanctity of the priestly role as mediators between God and humanity, highlighting the seriousness with which God views His presence and service. This commitment to divine order and holiness paves the way for the later instructions on priestly conduct and ritual purity found throughout the book of Leviticus.

* [Leviticus 8:33](/leviticus/8-33 "Leviticus 8:33 - Completing the Consecration")
* [Hebrews 5:4](/hebrews/5-4 "Hebrews 5:4 - Divine Appointment of Priesthood")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous instructions for the consecration of Aaron and his sons in Exodus 29:35 offer profound lessons for believers today, even though the specific rituals of the Levitical priesthood have been fulfilled in Christ. We are called to be a "royal priesthood" (as described in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), dedicated to God's purposes, and this verse reminds us of the intentionality and thoroughness required in our spiritual walk and service. Just as the ancient priests underwent a rigorous, divinely mandated preparation, we too are called to a life of intentional dedication and obedience to God's revealed will. Our spiritual growth, effectiveness, and ability to truly reflect God's holiness depend on our submission to His revealed truth and our willingness to be set apart for His glory. This means cultivating a lifestyle of holiness, continually seeking to align our lives with God's commands, and preparing ourselves spiritually through prayer, diligent study of His Word, and active fellowship for the unique callings He places on our lives. The "seven days" of thorough preparation serve as a powerful metaphor for the sustained, lifelong process of sanctification that God desires for His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulousness of God's instructions for the priests challenge our approach to spiritual disciplines and service today, particularly regarding obedience and intentionality?**
* **In what practical ways are we, as New Testament believers, called to "consecrate" ourselves daily for God's purposes, mirroring the dedication and separation of Aaron and his sons?**
* **What does the "seven days" of thorough preparation teach us about the importance of sustained spiritual growth, patience, and readiness for effective ministry in our own lives?**

### FAQ
**Why was a seven-day consecration period required for the priests?**

Answer: The seven-day period was profoundly significant for several reasons. Biblically, the number seven often symbolizes completeness, perfection, and divine activity, as seen in the seven days of creation in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") or the seven-day festivals. For the priests, this duration ensured a thorough and complete process of purification, dedication, and formal installation. It underscored the gravity and holiness of their office, signifying that their setting apart was exhaustive and fully acceptable to God, preparing them adequately for their weighty responsibilities as mediators between God and Israel. It was a period of sustained focus on God's commands and their sacred calling.

**What did "consecrate them" specifically entail in this context?**

Answer: In this specific context, "consecrate them" (literally "fill their hand" in Hebrew, as seen in the Strong's data for H4390 and H3027) referred to a multi-faceted process of installation. It involved ritual washings for purification, anointing with sacred oil to signify divine appointment and empowerment, clothing them with specific holy garments, and a series of sacrificial offerings (sin, burnt, and ordination offerings). The "filling of the hand" was a key symbolic act where specific parts of the sacrifices (e.g., portions of the ram of ordination) were placed into their hands, formally investing them with the authority to handle sacred things and perform their priestly duties. This entire process, meticulously detailed throughout [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Ordination of Priests"), was designed to set them apart as holy and authorized for service to the Lord.

**Is the Levitical priesthood and its rituals still relevant for believers today?**

Answer: While the specific rituals of the Levitical priesthood are no longer practiced because they found their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the principles behind them remain profoundly relevant. The need for holiness, obedience to God's commands, and the concept of being set apart for divine service are timeless truths that transcend the Old Covenant. New Testament believers are called a "royal priesthood" (as seen in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), indicating that all believers have direct access to God through Christ and are called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise, service, and a life dedicated to Him. Thus, while the form of worship and access has changed dramatically through Christ, the underlying call to consecration and a life dedicated to God endures for all who believe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 29:35, with its emphasis on meticulous divine command, thorough consecration, and the seven-day installation of the Aaronic priesthood, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Levitical priests, though divinely appointed, were imperfect and temporary, requiring repeated consecrations and sacrifices for their own sins as well as the people's. Jesus, however, is our eternal and perfect High Priest, consecrated not by the "filling of the hand" with animal sacrifices, but by the Father Himself, through an oath, and by virtue of His own sinless nature and eternal life (as detailed in [Hebrews 7:20-28](/hebrews/7-20-28 "Hebrews 7:20-28 - Jesus, Our Superior High Priest")). His consecration was complete and eternal, requiring no repetition, for He offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin (as explained in [Hebrews 9:26-28](/hebrews/9-26-28 "Hebrews 9:26-28 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). He perfectly fulfilled "all things which I have commanded" through His flawless obedience to the Father's will, culminating in His death on the cross, which perfectly atoned for sin and consecrated a new and living way for humanity to approach God (see [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - The Efficacy of Christ's Sacrifice")). Through His perfect priesthood, believers are now made holy and granted direct access to God, becoming a "holy priesthood" (as described in [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Holy Priesthood")) in Him, without the need for the elaborate, temporary rituals of the Old Covenant.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 14:8

And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad out of his tent seven days.

Leviticus 14:11

And the priest that maketh [him] clean shall present the man that is to be made clean, and those things, before the LORD, [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation:

Exodus 29:37

Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy.

Exodus 40:12

And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.

Exodus 40:16

¶ Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.

John 16:14

He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.

Exodus 29:30

[And] that son that is priest in his stead shall put them on seven days, when he cometh into the tabernacle of the congregation to minister in the holy [place].