Exodus 29:21
And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.
Exodus 29:21 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the Lord commands Moses to take some of the blood from the altar and mix it with the anointing oil. This mixture is then to be sprinkled on Aaron, his sons, and their garments. This act of sprinkling the blood and oil mixture on the priests and their clothing symbolizes the consecration and sanctification of Aaron and his sons for their roles as high priests in the service of the Lord. By being anointed with this sacred mixture, Aaron and his sons are set apart and made holy for their service in the tabernacle. This ritual of anointing with blood and oil represents the purification and dedication of the priests, marking them as chosen vessels for carrying out the sacred duties within the tabernacle. It serves as a reminder of the importance of holiness, separation, and consecration for those who are appointed to serve in the presence of the Lord.
Theological Overview
This verse from Leviticus provides a detailed instruction about the process of consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. The blood from the sacrifice on the altar and the anointing oil were significant elements in this ritual. The blood represented atonement and sacrifice, and the anointing oil symbolized the Spirit of God empowering and setting apart the priests for their holy duties. The act of sprinkling these elements on Aaron and his sons, as well as their garments, signified their dedication and purification for the service in the tabernacle. Through this act, they were sanctified and set apart for the sacred roles they were called to fulfill. The theological interpretation of this passage highlights the importance of cleansing, consecration, and God's presence in the ministry of the priesthood. It reflects the concept of holiness and separation from the world in order to serve God reverently and obediently.
Exodus 29:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.
World English Bible
You shall take of the blood that is on the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron, and on his garments, and on his sons, and on the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be made holy, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons’ garments with him.
Douay-Rheims
And when thou hast taken of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the oil of unction, thou shalt sprinkle Aaron and his vesture, his sons and their vestments. And after they and their vestments are consecrated,
Geneva Bible (1599)
And thou shalt take of the blood that is vpon the altar, and of the anoynting oyle, and shalt sprinkle it vpon Aaron, and vpon his garments, and vpon his sonnes, and vpon the garments of his sonnes with him: so he shall be halowed, and his clothes, and his sonnes, and the garments of his sonnes with him.