“Then he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head, anointing him and making him holy for his work” (Leviticus 8:12 NLT).
Moses consecrated the Tabernacle with all its implements, “sprinkling” them with the special anointing oil as the Lord commanded. Then, he washed Aaron and his sons with water, clothed him in priestly garments, and “poured” the anointing oil on his head to consecrate him as high priest.
David wrote of the copious amount of oil poured on Aaron’s head, comparing it to the luxurious fragrance of unity among God’s people, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!” (Psalm 133:1-2).
There is much symbolism to consider in the consecration of Aaron and his sons. For as believers, our sins are “washed” away by the blood of Jesus’ sacrifice (Heb. 10:19-22, 1 John 1:7). We are clothed in new clothes of righteousness, putting off the old man and putting on the new in Christ (Col. 3:1-15). And we have been anointed with the “oil” of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 1:21-22).
Yet, Aaron the high priest, who had the anointing oil “poured” on him, is a foreshadowing of Christ, the Anointed One, our Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14-15).
And in Christ, the Spirit has been given to us.
PRAYER: Dear Father, fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Not only sprinkling, but pouring out Your Spirit upon us. Anoint us to do Your work and to follow Your Son, becoming like Him. In Jesus’ name, amen.