The Dedication of Aaron and His Family
Exodus 29:1-37, 40:9-16

One of the most sacred events in connection with Tabernacle service was the dedication of the priests. The dedication of the high priest consisted of nine acts (Leviticus 8:7-9), whereas that of the common priests involved but three. The actual ceremony in the case of Aaron and his sons was performed by Moses (Leviticus 8:1-36). The candidate for dedication was taken to the bronze basin, and his body was washed with water. Following the washing, he was dressed with the sacred garments and dedicated with holy oil. One cannot help but be impressed with the splendor and significance of both the priest’s garments and his responsibility as mediator between God and man. Aaron serves well as a type of Christ. His duties and dress all point to the Person and work of Messiah as our high priest. What the priesthood of Aaron could not do, our Lord is able to do, because He is our perfect high priest. He is a priest after the order of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:6, 6:20 and 7:21). Melchizedek beautifully pictures Christ as a type of high priest (see my commentary on Hebrews BkThe New Priesthood Lasts Forever). Aaron’s priesthood was only the shadow, whereas the Messiah’s priesthood is the reality.636