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.

And thou shalt anoint {H4886} them, as thou didst anoint {H4886} their father {H1}, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office {H3547}: for their anointing {H4888} shall surely be an everlasting {H5769} priesthood {H3550} throughout their generations {H1755}.

and anoint them as you anointed their father, so that they can serve me in the office of cohen. Their anointing will signify that the office of cohen is theirs through all their generations."

Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so that they may also serve Me as priests. Their anointing will qualify them for a permanent priesthood throughout their generations.โ€

and thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priestโ€™s office: and their anointing shall be to them for an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.

Commentary

Context

Exodus 40:15 is part of the concluding chapter of the book of Exodus, which details the final instructions for the setup and consecration of the Tabernacle and its ministers. After the elaborate construction of the Tabernacle according to God's precise design, the focus shifts to establishing the priesthood. This verse specifically follows the command to anoint Aaron as the High Priest and precedes the actual execution of these commands, bringing the book of Exodus to its ceremonial climax.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment and Consecration: The verse highlights the divine initiative in establishing the priesthood. Aaron's sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, were not self-appointed but chosen and set apart by God through the ritual of anointing. This act of anointing with holy oil symbolized their sanctification and empowerment for sacred service.
  • Hereditary Priesthood: A central theme is the establishment of a hereditary priesthood. The phrase "as thou didst anoint their father" emphasizes that the anointing of Aaron's sons was a continuation of the same divine ordination given to Aaron. This ensured a continuous line of priests "throughout their generations," a crucial aspect of Israel's worship system.
  • Perpetual Ministry: The declaration that their anointing would result in "an everlasting priesthood" underscores the permanence and enduring nature of this divine institution. The priestly office was not temporary but designed to serve as a perpetual link between God and His people, mediating sacrifices and intercession in the Tabernacle.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "anoint" is mashach (ืžึธืฉึทืื—), which means to smear, rub, or consecrate. It is the root from which the word "Messiah" (Mashiach) is derived, signifying "the Anointed One." In this context, the anointing physically sets apart the priests for a holy purpose, imbuing them with the authority and sanctity required for their sacred duties. The phrase "everlasting priesthood" uses the Hebrew 'olam (ืขื•ึนืœึธื), which signifies eternity, perpetuity, or a very long duration, emphasizing the enduring nature of this divine decree.

Cross-References & Significance

This verse ties directly into the broader narrative of the Mosaic Law and the establishment of Israel's religious life. The anointing of Aaron is detailed in Exodus 29:7 and Leviticus 8:12. The specific duties of the priests are elaborated throughout Leviticus and Numbers, emphasizing their role in sacrifices, blessings, and teaching the law. While the Aaronic priesthood was indeed perpetual under the Old Covenant, it ultimately pointed forward to a greater and eternal priesthood. The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as our great High Priest, whose priesthood is "unchangeable" and "everlasting" in a transcendent sense, fulfilling and superseding the Old Covenant priesthood.

Practical Application

For believers today, Exodus 40:15 reminds us of God's meticulous care in establishing the means of fellowship with Him. While the Aaronic priesthood served a vital role under the Old Covenant, its principles of divine appointment, consecration, and perpetual service resonate. We are called to be a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), set apart by God through faith in Christ, to offer spiritual sacrifices (Hebrews 13:15) and proclaim His praises. This verse encourages us to recognize the sacredness of our calling and to serve God with dedication, knowing that He empowers and sustains those whom He consecrates for His purposes.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 25:13

    And he shall have it, and his seed after him, [even] the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.

  • Hebrews 5:1

    ยถ For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things [pertaining] to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

  • Hebrews 5:14

    But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

  • Hebrews 7:17

    For he testifieth, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

  • Hebrews 7:24

    But this [man], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.

  • Psalms 110:4

    The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

  • Hebrews 8:1

    ยถ Now of the things which we have spoken [this is] the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
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