The High Priest in ceremonial dress
THE ANOINTING
In Exodus 29, there is a very visual description of the anointing of Aaron and his sons. Verse 20 describes how the ear, thumb, and big toe of the right foot of the priest were anointed. In Jewish tradition it is said this procedure reminds the priest he must; listen (ear) to the people, act on their behalf (thumb), and be out among the people (big toe).
Another teaching says ear-thumb-toe anointing was to atone for the part Aaron played in the Golden Calf catastrophe. His “ear” had heard the truth but failed. His “thumb” reminded Aaron that his hands which had been given to serve the Lord were used in this act of idolatry. Finally the “toe” reminds Aaron that his feet had participated in an event that was wrong.
Whatever God intended, both insights underline the importance He places on holiness and righteousness for those who would be His anointed. Before the priests could wear the sacred garments, they went through ritual purification by total immersion in water. As the high priest, Aaron wore the turban with the holy crown on it. The complete ceremony lasted for seven days, including the process of purification, preparation and ordination described in Leviticus 8–9.
The anointing oil was poured over the head of Aaron. “ It is like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, coming down upon the edge of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon, coming down upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing—life forever ” (Ps. 133:2–3).
As is always the case, Hebrew communicators choose visual illustrations to teach. This one chooses Mount Hermon the majestic, often snow-capped mountain in Israel. The anointing with oil is like the dew of Hermon. It runs down over the head of Aaron, into and through his beard and onto his sacred, priestly garments. Quite a picture!
However, this moment is meant to be more than a visual. It goes much deeper. Yeshua (Jesus) referred to this kind of anointing with oil when He said, “ You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume ” (Luke 7:46). Moses was instructed by the Lord to anoint and consecrate Aaron and his sons (Exod. 30:30). The purpose for the anointing was specific— “that they may minister as priests to Me .” Their role was to be “set apart.” They were called by God to minister, but they first needed His anointing.
Kings and prophets were also anointed. God gave a clear instruction to Elijah: “ The LORD said to him, ‘Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus, and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place ’” (1 Kings 19:15–16).
Prophets were often recognized with physical anointing, which affirmed what was happening in their lives spiritually. They were sometimes called "messiahs" or the anointed ones. When the ark of God was brought into the tent David prepared, a very sacred time followed. In the exhortation that followed came this: “ Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm ” (1 Chron. 16:22).
Another teaching says ear-thumb-toe anointing was to atone for the part Aaron played in the Golden Calf catastrophe. His “ear” had heard the truth but failed. His “thumb” reminded Aaron that his hands which had been given to serve the Lord were used in this act of idolatry. Finally the “toe” reminds Aaron that his feet had participated in an event that was wrong.
Whatever God intended, both insights underline the importance He places on holiness and righteousness for those who would be His anointed. Before the priests could wear the sacred garments, they went through ritual purification by total immersion in water. As the high priest, Aaron wore the turban with the holy crown on it. The complete ceremony lasted for seven days, including the process of purification, preparation and ordination described in Leviticus 8–9.
The anointing oil was poured over the head of Aaron. “ It is like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, coming down upon the edge of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon, coming down upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing—life forever ” (Ps. 133:2–3).
As is always the case, Hebrew communicators choose visual illustrations to teach. This one chooses Mount Hermon the majestic, often snow-capped mountain in Israel. The anointing with oil is like the dew of Hermon. It runs down over the head of Aaron, into and through his beard and onto his sacred, priestly garments. Quite a picture!
However, this moment is meant to be more than a visual. It goes much deeper. Yeshua (Jesus) referred to this kind of anointing with oil when He said, “ You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume ” (Luke 7:46). Moses was instructed by the Lord to anoint and consecrate Aaron and his sons (Exod. 30:30). The purpose for the anointing was specific— “that they may minister as priests to Me .” Their role was to be “set apart.” They were called by God to minister, but they first needed His anointing.
Kings and prophets were also anointed. God gave a clear instruction to Elijah: “ The LORD said to him, ‘Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus, and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place ’” (1 Kings 19:15–16).
Prophets were often recognized with physical anointing, which affirmed what was happening in their lives spiritually. They were sometimes called "messiahs" or the anointed ones. When the ark of God was brought into the tent David prepared, a very sacred time followed. In the exhortation that followed came this: “ Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm ” (1 Chron. 16:22).
this was excerpted from a longer article which you can read in full at
1 comment:
Very informative and interesting!
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