Leviticus 8:10

And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that [was] therein, and sanctified them.

And Moses {H4872} took {H3947} the anointing {H4888} oil {H8081}, and anointed {H4886} the tabernacle {H4908} and all that was therein, and sanctified {H6942} them.

Then Moshe took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it, thus consecrating them.

Next, Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it; and so he consecrated them.

And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein, and sanctified them.

Commentary

Leviticus 8:10 describes a pivotal moment in ancient Israel's worship, detailing Moses' actions in consecrating the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among His people. This verse is part of a larger narrative in Leviticus 8, which outlines the elaborate ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests, as well as the dedication of the sacred space itself.

Context

Following God's detailed instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (as recorded in Exodus 25-40), the Tabernacle had been constructed. Leviticus 8 then records the solemn process of setting apart this holy dwelling and its furnishings for divine service. Moses, acting as God's appointed mediator, performs the anointing as commanded, ensuring that all elements of worship are ritually pure and dedicated solely to the Lord. This act precedes the anointing of Aaron and his sons, which is recorded shortly after in Leviticus 8:12, signifying the readiness of both the place and the personnel for sacred duties.

Key Themes

  • Consecration and Sanctification: The primary theme is the act of making holy or setting apart. The anointing oil transforms ordinary objects into sacred vessels, designated exclusively for God's service. This act underscores God's demand for holiness in all that approaches Him.
  • Divine Authority and Obedience: Moses' actions are not arbitrary but are a direct fulfillment of God's specific commands. This highlights the importance of obedience to divine instructions in establishing proper worship.
  • Symbolism of the Anointing Oil: The anointing oil, whose specific composition is detailed in Exodus 30:23-25, symbolizes the presence and empowering of the Holy Spirit. Its application signifies a divine setting apart and empowerment for service.
  • Preparation for Worship: The anointing of the Tabernacle and its contents was a necessary prerequisite for the offering of sacrifices and the performance of priestly duties, establishing a holy environment suitable for God's presence.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "anointing oil" translates the Hebrew shemen mishchah (ืฉึถืืžึถืŸ ืžึดืฉึฐืื—ึธื”), which refers to a specially prepared, sacred oil used for consecration. The word "sanctified" comes from the Hebrew verb qadash (ืงึธื“ึทืฉื), meaning "to be set apart," "to be made holy," or "to be consecrated." This emphasizes a fundamental change in status from common to sacred, designating these objects for divine use and prohibiting their use for anything profane.

Significance and Application

Leviticus 8:10 illustrates the meticulous care God requires for approaching His holiness. The physical anointing of the Tabernacle points to a spiritual reality: God desires to dwell among a people and in places that are set apart for Him. While the Old Testament Tabernacle was a physical dwelling, the New Testament reveals a profound shift. Believers themselves become the temple of the Holy Spirit, consecrated not by oil but by the blood of Christ and the indwelling Spirit. As 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 proclaims, our bodies are "the temple of the Holy Ghost" and we are "bought with a price." This means that, through faith in Christ, we are sanctified and set apart for God's purposes, called to live lives of holiness that reflect His character. Just as the Tabernacle was dedicated to God's service, so too should our lives be wholly devoted to Him, reflecting His glory in all we do.

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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

  • Exodus 40:9

    And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that [is] therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.

  • Exodus 40:11

    And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it.

  • Leviticus 8:2

    Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread;

  • Exodus 30:23

    Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred [shekels], and of sweet cinnamon half so much, [even] two hundred and fifty [shekels], and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty [shekels],

  • Exodus 30:29

    And thou shalt sanctify them, that they may be most holy: whatsoever toucheth them shall be holy.
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