Next, Moses took the anointing oilThe use of anointing oil in the Old Testament signifies setting apart for a holy purpose. Anointing oil was a blend of olive oil and spices, as described in
Exodus 30:22-25. This oil was used exclusively for sacred purposes, emphasizing the sanctity of the tabernacle and its furnishings. The act of anointing with oil is a precursor to the New Testament practice of anointing with the Holy Spirit, as seen in
Acts 10:38, where Jesus is described as being anointed by God.
and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it;
The tabernacle was the portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. Anointing the tabernacle and its contents symbolized the dedication of these items to God’s service. This act of consecration ensured that everything within the tabernacle was holy and set apart for divine use. The anointing of the tabernacle foreshadows the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, as described in1 Corinthians 6:19, where the body is referred to as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
and so he consecrated them.
Consecration involves making something sacred or dedicating it to God. By anointing the tabernacle and its furnishings, Moses was following God’s command to sanctify these items for worship. This act of consecration is a type of Christ, who consecrates believers through His sacrifice, as seen inHebrews 10:10. The consecration of the tabernacle parallels the believer's call to holiness, as stated in1 Peter 1:15-16, where Christians are urged to be holy in all conduct.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to mediate the covenant at Sinai. In this passage, Moses acts as the priestly figure who anoints and consecrates the tabernacle and its furnishings.
2.
Anointing OilA sacred mixture used for consecrating the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests. The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit and God's presence.
3.
TabernacleThe portable sanctuary where God dwelled among the Israelites. It was the center of worship and sacrificial offerings during their wilderness journey.
4.
ConsecrationThe act of making something holy or set apart for God's purposes. In this context, it involves the anointing of the tabernacle and its contents to signify their dedication to God.
5.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were to worship Him according to the laws and rituals given through Moses.
Teaching Points
The Importance of ConsecrationConsecration is essential for service to God. Just as the tabernacle and its furnishings were set apart, believers are called to live holy lives dedicated to God's purposes.
Symbolism of Anointing OilThe anointing oil represents the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment. Believers today are anointed by the Holy Spirit to serve God and fulfill His will.
God's Holiness and Our ResponseThe detailed process of consecration highlights God's holiness and the reverence required in approaching Him. Our worship and service should reflect this same reverence and dedication.
The Role of MediatorsMoses acted as a mediator in consecrating the tabernacle, pointing to Jesus Christ, our ultimate mediator, who consecrates us through His sacrifice.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 8:10?
2.How does Leviticus 8:10 illustrate the importance of anointing in consecration?
3.What role does anointing oil play in setting apart holy objects and people?
4.How can we apply the concept of consecration in our daily Christian walk?
5.What New Testament connections exist regarding anointing and consecration?
6.How does Leviticus 8:10 emphasize God's holiness and our call to be holy?
7.What is the significance of anointing oil in Leviticus 8:10 for consecration rituals?
8.How does Leviticus 8:10 relate to the concept of holiness in the Bible?
9.Why was Moses instructed to anoint the tabernacle and its contents in Leviticus 8:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 8?
11.What does the Bible teach about consecration?
12.What does ordination mean?
13.How can Leviticus 8’s insistence on a seven-day ordination period be reconciled with other references in the Old Testament that imply different consecration timelines?
14.In Leviticus 8:1–13, how historically or archaeologically credible is the elaborate priestly ordination ceremony described?What Does Leviticus 8:10 Mean
Next“Next” situates us in the flow of events. After preparing Aaron and his sons, the spotlight moves to the objects of worship themselves, signaling that God’s house must be set apart before His priests can serve within it (Exodus 40:9–10;Hebrews 9:21).
Moses took the anointing oil• The oil, blended by God’s exact recipe (Exodus 30:22-25), represents the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence (1 Samuel 16:13;Acts 10:38).
• Moses, acting in obedience, demonstrates that holiness is never self-generated; it is applied by God through His appointed means (Numbers 7:1).
and anointed the tabernacle• Every board, curtain, and socket received oil, declaring the entire structure holy ground (Exodus 40:9).
• God’s dwelling place is distinguished from common space, prefiguring Christ who “tabernacled among us” (John 1:14) and the believer’s body as a temple of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
and everything in it;• From the ark to the utensils (Exodus 40:10-11), nothing was exempt.
• This sweeping action models comprehensive surrender—our whole lives, not selective portions, belong to the Lord (Romans 12:1).
and so he consecrated them.• “Consecrated” means set apart exclusively for God’s service (2 Chronicles 7:16).
• The verse underscores that true consecration involves both divine provision (the oil) and human obedience (Moses applying it), echoingPhilippians 2:13.
summaryLeviticus 8:10 reveals that holiness begins with God, flows through obedient servants, and touches every aspect of His dwelling. By anointing the tabernacle and all its contents, Moses illustrates that everything connected to worship must be marked by God’s presence and purpose, a timeless call for believers to yield every area of life to Him.
(10)
As the Lord commanded Moses.--That is, the making of these pontifical garments here enumerated, and the investiture of the high priest by Moses, were according to the Divine command given in
Exodus 28:1-43.
(10)And Moses took the anointing oil.--Having invested the high priest with the visible emblems of his office and holiness, Moses now, in accordance with the directions given inExodus 30:26-30;Exodus 40:9-11, first anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein--that is, the ark of the covenant, the altar of incense, the candlestick, the table of shewbread, with all the utensils belonging unto them. For the ingredients of this oil, which is also called "oil of holy ointment" (Exodus 30:25), seeExodus 30:23-25. . . .
Verses 10, 11. - The anointing is still more specifically the means of consecration than the investing or the washing. (For
the anointing oil, which is here referred to as a thing well known, see
Exodus 30:22-25, where its component parts are designated.) The consecration of things as well as of persons is sanctioned by the action of Moses, who
anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein, and sanctified them. They were thus set apart for holy purposes. By
all that was therein would be meant the ark, the vail, the altar of incense, the candlesticks, the table of show-bread. After the tabernacle and its furniture had been anointed, the altar - that is, the brazen altar -
and all his vessels, both the laver and his foot, were sprinkled; not once only, as the things within the tabernacle, but
seven times, to show that it was specially holy, although situated only in the court.
The laver, for the priests' use, was between the door of the tabernacle and the brazen altar of burnt offering. Its
foot, or base, is described in
Exodus 38:8, as made, according to the translation of the Authorized Version, "of brass, of the looking-glasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Next, Mosesמֹשֶׁה֙(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgivertookוַיִּקַּ֤ח(way·yiq·qaḥ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947:To takethe anointingהַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה(ham·miš·ḥāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4888:Unction, a consecratory giftoilשֶׁ֣מֶן(še·men)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8081:Grease, liquid, richnessand anointedוַיִּמְשַׁ֥ח(way·yim·šaḥ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4886:To rub with oil, to anoint, to consecrate, to paintthe tabernacleהַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן(ham·miš·kān)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4908:A residence, the Tabernacleand everythingכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyin it;בּ֑וֹ(bōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrewand so he consecratedוַיְקַדֵּ֖שׁ(way·qad·dêš)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6942:To be set apart or consecratedthem.אֹתָֽם׃(’ō·ṯām)Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative case
Links
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OT Law: Leviticus 8:10 Moses took the anointing oil and anointed (Le Lv Lev.) 
