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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 40:1–15.
The materials and furniture of the tabernacle had been viewed severally and approved, and now they must be put together. 1. God here directs Moses to set up the tabernacle and the utensils of it in their places. Though the work of the tabernacle was finished, and every thing ready for rearing, and the people, no doubt, were very desirous to see it up, yet Moses will not erect it till he has express orders for doing so. It is good to see God going before us in every step, Psa 37:23. The time for doing this is fixed to the first day of the first month (Exo 40:2), which wanted but fourteen days of a year since they came out of Egypt; and a good year's work there was done in it. Probably the work was made ready but just at the end of the year, so that the appointing of this day gave no delay, or next to none, to this good work. We must not put off any necessary duty under pretence of waiting for some remarkable day; the present season is the most convenient. But the tabernacle happening to be set up on the first day of the first month intimates that it is good to begin the year with some good work. Let him that is the first have the first; and let the things of his kingdom be first sought. In Hezekiah's time we find they began to sanctify the temple on the first day of the first month, Ch2 29:17. The new moon (which by their computation was the first day of every month) was observed by them with some solemnity; and therefore this first new moon of the year was thus made remarkable. Note, When a new year begins, we should think of serving God more and better than we did the year before. Moses is particularly ordered to set up the tabernacle itself first, in which God would dwell and would be served (Exo 40:2), then to put the ark in its place, and draw the veil before it (Exo 40:3), then to fix the table, and the candlestick, and the altar of incense, without the veil (Exo 40:4, Exo 40:5), and to fix the hanging of the door before the door. Then in the court he must place the altar of burnt offering, and the laver (Exo 40:6, Exo 40:7); and, lastly, he must set up the curtains of the court, and a hanging for a court-gate. And all this would be easily done in one day, many hands no doubt being employed in it under the direction of Moses. 2. He directs Moses, when he had set up the tabernacle and all the furniture of it, to consecrate it and them, by anointing them with the oil which was prepared for the purpose, Exo 30:25, etc. It was there ordered that this should be done; here it was ordered that it should be done now, Exo 40:9-11. Observe, Every thing was sanctified when it was put in its proper place, and not till then, for till then it was not fit for the use to which it was to be sanctified. As every thing is beautiful in its season, so is every thing in its place. 3. He directs him to consecrate Aaron and his sons. When the goods were brought into God's house, they were marked first, and then servants were hired to bear the vessels of the Lord; and those must be clean who were put into that office, Exo 40:12-15. The law which was now ordered to be put in execution we had before, ch. 29. Thus in the visible church, which is God's tabernacle among men, it is requisite that there be ministers to keep the charge of the sanctuary, and that they receive the anointing.
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Summary
Exodus 40:15 provides the concluding divine mandate for the consecration of Aaron's sons, establishing their anointing as the foundational act for their perpetual service in the priest's office. This pivotal declaration solidifies the hereditary nature of the Aaronic priesthood, ensuring a continuous line of mediators between a holy God and His covenant people. The anointing, a sacred ritual, symbolizes their sanctification and empowerment, underscoring God's enduring provision for Israel's access to His presence within the Tabernacle.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 40:15 is strategically placed in the climactic final chapter of Exodus, which meticulously details the completion and consecration of the Tabernacle and its associated ministries. The preceding verses (Exodus 40:1-13) describe the final assembly of the Tabernacle's components and the anointing of the Tabernacle itself, along with all its furnishings, thereby sanctifying them for divine service. Immediately prior to this verse, Aaron himself is commanded to be anointed as the High Priest (Exodus 40:13-14). Exodus 40:15 then extends this sacred anointing to his sons, solidifying the establishment of the entire priestly line. The chapter culminates with the glory of the Lord filling the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38), signifying God's acceptance and indwelling presence. This priestly consecration is thus presented as an essential prerequisite for divine indwelling and acceptable worship, serving as a crucial link between the physical structure of the Tabernacle and the spiritual ministry conducted within it, setting the stage for the detailed laws and rituals found in the book of Leviticus.
Historical & Cultural Context
The command in Exodus 40:15 occurs at a foundational moment in Israel's history, shortly after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. Having just entered into a unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, Israel was transitioning from a nomadic, tribal society to a nation uniquely set apart by God. Central to this new national and religious identity was a structured system of worship and mediation. In the ancient Near East, anointing with oil was a common practice signifying consecration, appointment to office (e.g., kings, priests), or divine favor. For Israel, however, this ritual was uniquely tied to Yahweh's explicit command, distinguishing their priesthood from pagan counterparts. The establishment of a hereditary priesthood, passed "throughout their generations," was crucial for maintaining continuity and stability in their religious life, ensuring that the sacred duties of sacrifice, intercession, and teaching the Law (as later detailed in Leviticus and Numbers) would be faithfully carried out. This divine appointment underscored the sanctity and authority of the priestly office, vital for a people learning to walk in covenant with a holy God in the wilderness.
Key Themes
This verse encapsulates several foundational themes central to the book of Exodus and the unfolding covenant. Foremost is the theme of Divine Appointment and Consecration, highlighting that access to God and service in His presence are not human initiatives but are divinely ordained and require sacred setting apart. The emphasis on an "everlasting priesthood" underscores the theme of Covenant Perpetuity and God's Faithfulness, demonstrating God's commitment to provide a continuous means of mediation for His people. Furthermore, the establishment of a hereditary priestly line contributes to the theme of Order and Structure in Worship, ensuring that the sacred duties of atonement and intercession would be carried out consistently and authoritatively across generations, laying the groundwork for the detailed ritual laws found in Leviticus and the ongoing narrative of Israel's relationship with Yahweh.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (H4886, מָשַׁח) signifies to smear, rub, or spread a liquid, particularly oil, over something or someone. In a sacred context, it denotes consecration, setting apart for a holy purpose or office. The act of anointing imparts a special status, symbolizing divine election, empowerment, and the bestowal of authority. It is the root from which "Messiah" (מָשִׁיחַ, Mashiach), meaning "Anointed One," is derived, highlighting the profound theological significance of this ritual. Here, it physically and symbolically transforms Aaron's sons from ordinary men into consecrated servants of God.
The Hebrew term (H5769, עוֹלָם) carries the sense of eternity, perpetuity, or a very long duration, often extending beyond human comprehension. While in some contexts it can mean "for a lifetime" or "for a very long time," when applied to divine decrees or covenants, it typically conveys an enduring, unending quality within the framework of that covenant. In Exodus 40:15, it emphasizes the permanent nature of the Aaronic priesthood's divine establishment, signifying that this office was not temporary but intended to be a perpetual institution for Israel under the Old Covenant, enduring through all subsequent generations.
Verse Breakdown
"And thou shalt anoint them,"
This command is directed to Moses, who serves as God's appointed agent in the consecration process. "Them" refers specifically to Aaron's sons, who are to be set apart for sacred service. The anointing ritual is the physical act that symbolizes their spiritual consecration and divine empowerment, marking them as distinct and holy for their unique role.
"as thou didst anoint their father,"
This clause establishes the continuity and legitimacy of the priestly office. The sons are to undergo the same sacred anointing ceremony as their father, Aaron, ensuring that their authority and sanctity derive from the same divine source and are of the same quality as that of the High Priest himself. This reinforces the hereditary nature of the priesthood and its unbroken lineage from Aaron.
"that they may minister unto me in the priest's office:"
This states the explicit purpose of their anointing and appointment. "Minister unto me" highlights that their service is directed towards God Himself, emphasizing that the priesthood's primary function is to facilitate worship and communion with the Divine, not merely to serve the people. "In the priest's office" (H3547, kâhan) refers to the specific functions and duties of the priesthood, which include offering sacrifices, interceding for the people, teaching the Law, and maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle/Temple.
"for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood"
This is a powerful declaration of divine decree. The anointing itself is the basis for the enduring nature of their office. The phrase "shall surely be" emphasizes the certainty and irrevocability of this divine institution, highlighting God's sovereign establishment. "An everlasting priesthood" signifies that this priestly line, once established by God, is intended to be perpetual and enduring, a permanent fixture in Israel's covenant relationship with God.
"throughout their generations."
This final phrase reiterates and reinforces the hereditary and perpetual nature of the priesthood. The office is not limited to Aaron's immediate sons but is to be passed down through their descendants, ensuring a continuous line of consecrated ministers for Israel across all subsequent generations, as long as the Old Covenant stands.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological weight. Repetition of the word "anoint" (and its derivatives, such as "anointing") underscores the centrality and sacredness of this ritual, establishing it as the foundational act for priestly consecration and highlighting its divine significance. The phrase "as thou didst anoint their father" functions as a clear analogy or comparison, directly linking the sons' anointing to Aaron's, thereby emphasizing continuity, legitimacy, and the consistent nature of divine appointment across generations. The declaration "for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood" serves as a powerful divine decree or pronouncement, highlighting the authoritative, immutable, and enduring nature of God's establishment of this sacred institution. Furthermore, the entire passage, by establishing a divinely appointed and hereditary priesthood, serves as profound foreshadowing, pointing forward to a greater and eternal priesthood that would ultimately fulfill and transcend the Aaronic order, namely that of Jesus Christ.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 40:15 profoundly articulates God's meticulous care in establishing a means for His people to approach Him, emphasizing divine initiative, the necessity of consecration, and the principle of mediation. The establishment of a hereditary and "everlasting" priesthood signifies God's commitment to a permanent system of worship and atonement under the Old Covenant. This institution was designed to bridge the chasm between a holy God and a sinful people, ensuring that sacrifices could be offered, prayers could be made, and the Law could be taught with divine authority. The perpetuity declared in this verse speaks to the enduring nature of God's covenant promises, even as it sets the stage for a later, more perfect fulfillment.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 40:15, while detailing the ancient Aaronic priesthood, offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us that access to God is always by His design and through His appointed means. The meticulousness of the consecration process underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him. For us, this means recognizing the immense privilege of our access to God through Christ. We are called a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), not by hereditary lineage or ritual anointing with oil, but by spiritual rebirth and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This verse encourages us to live lives consecrated to God, set apart for His purposes, and to offer "spiritual sacrifices" (Hebrews 13:15) of praise, good deeds, and surrendered lives. Our service, like that of the Old Testament priests, is ultimately "unto Him," driven by gratitude for His grace and a desire to honor His holiness. It challenges us to consider the seriousness of our calling and to minister with integrity and devotion, knowing that our anointing is by the Spirit, leading to an everlasting relationship with our High Priest, Jesus.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "anointing" in this verse, and how does it relate to the word "Messiah"?
The anointing (Hebrew: mâshach) in Exodus 40:15 is a highly significant ritual act that physically and symbolically sets apart Aaron's sons for their sacred office as priests. It signifies their consecration, sanctification, and divine empowerment for service to God. The oil used in the anointing symbolized the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The profound connection to "Messiah" lies in the fact that the Hebrew word for "Messiah" (Mashiach) literally means "Anointed One." Just as the priests were anointed for their specific role of mediation and service, the Messiah is the ultimate Anointed One, chosen and empowered by God for His unique redemptive mission, fulfilling and transcending all previous anointings. This highlights that both the Old Testament priests and the coming Messiah derive their authority and ability from divine appointment and enablement.
How can the Aaronic priesthood be called "everlasting" when it was superseded by the priesthood of Jesus Christ?
The term "everlasting" (Hebrew: ʻôwlâm) in this context signifies a perpetual duration within the framework of the Old Covenant. It means that the Aaronic priesthood was intended to be a permanent, hereditary institution for Israel as long as that covenant stood. It was not a temporary measure but a foundational element of Israel's worship system that would endure "throughout their generations." However, the Old Covenant itself, with its laws and rituals, was a temporary administration designed to point forward to a greater reality. When Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest, inaugurated the New Covenant through His sacrifice, He fulfilled and superseded the Old. His priesthood is truly "everlasting" in an absolute, eternal sense, being "unchangeable" and "indestructible" (Hebrews 7:24). Thus, the Aaronic priesthood was everlasting in its covenantal context, but it was always a shadow pointing to the eternal reality found in Christ's perfect and permanent priesthood.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 40:15, with its declaration of an "everlasting priesthood" through the anointing of Aaron's sons, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Aaronic priesthood was divinely ordained and perpetual within the Old Covenant, it was inherently limited—its priests were mortal, sinful, and required repeated sacrifices for themselves and the people (Hebrews 7:23). Jesus, however, is the great High Priest, not according to the order of Aaron, but "according to the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 7:17), a priesthood that predates and transcends the Levitical system. His anointing was not with oil, but with the Holy Spirit without measure (Acts 10:38), empowering Him for His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12). Unlike the Aaronic priests who died and were replaced, Jesus holds an "unchangeable priesthood" because "He lives forever to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:24-25). Thus, the "everlasting priesthood" promised in Exodus 40:15 is fully realized in Christ, who, by His eternal life and perfect sacrifice, provides a truly eternal and effective mediation between God and humanity, offering complete and permanent access to the Father for all who believe (Hebrews 10:19-22).