He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s headThe act of pouring oil on Aaron's head signifies the anointing of the high priest, a practice rooted in ancient Near Eastern customs where oil symbolized blessing, empowerment, and the presence of the divine. Anointing oil was a sacred mixture, as detailed in
Exodus 30:22-25, and its use was reserved for consecrating priests, kings, and sacred objects. The pouring of oil on the head represents the Holy Spirit's empowerment, a theme echoed in the New Testament with the anointing of Jesus (
Luke 4:18) and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (
Acts 2:1-4).
and anointed him
Anointing Aaron set him apart for his role as high priest, establishing a divine appointment and authority. This act is a type of Christ, who is the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). The anointing signifies a transfer of God's authority and blessing, marking Aaron as a mediator between God and the Israelites. This prefigures Christ's role as the mediator of a new covenant (1 Timothy 2:5).
to consecrate him
Consecration involves setting someone or something apart for a holy purpose. In the context of Leviticus, it underscores the holiness required of those who serve in God's presence. The consecration of Aaron and his sons (Leviticus 8:30) is a foreshadowing of the believer's call to holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). It also points to the ultimate consecration found in Jesus, who sanctifies believers through His sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites who performs the anointing ceremony. He acts as God's appointed mediator and is responsible for consecrating Aaron and his sons for the priesthood.
2.
AaronThe brother of Moses, chosen by God to be the first high priest of Israel. His anointing signifies his sanctification and dedication to serve in the tabernacle.
3.
Anointing OilA sacred mixture used for consecrating priests and holy objects. It symbolizes the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment for service.
4.
Consecration CeremonyA significant event where Aaron and his sons are set apart for priestly duties. This ceremony includes sacrifices, washing, and anointing, marking the beginning of their ministry.
5.
TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites. It serves as the central place of worship and sacrifice.
Teaching Points
The Importance of AnointingAnointing signifies being set apart for God's service. In the New Testament, believers are anointed by the Holy Spirit, empowering them for ministry and service.
Holiness and ConsecrationThe consecration of Aaron reminds us of the call to holiness. As believers, we are to live lives that reflect our dedication to God.
Symbolism of OilThe anointing oil represents the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Just as Aaron was empowered for his priestly duties, we are empowered by the Spirit for our spiritual journey.
Role of MediatorsMoses' role as a mediator points to Jesus Christ, our ultimate mediator, who bridges the gap between God and humanity.
Unity in the Body of ChristThe anointing of Aaron is a picture of unity among God's people. We are called to live in harmony, reflecting the unity of the Spirit.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 8:12?
2.What significance does anointing oil have in Leviticus 8:12 for consecration today?
3.How does Leviticus 8:12 foreshadow Christ's role as our High Priest?
4.Why is Aaron's anointing important for understanding priestly duties in Leviticus 8:12?
5.How can we apply the concept of consecration in our daily lives?
6.What other biblical instances highlight the importance of anointing for service to God?
7.What is the significance of anointing oil in Leviticus 8:12?
8.How does Leviticus 8:12 relate to the concept of priesthood?
9.Why was Aaron anointed on the head in Leviticus 8:12?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 8?
11.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?
12.In Psalm 133:2, does the image of oil running down Aaron’s beard have literal historic authenticity or is it purely symbolic?
13.Does the anointing process with oil in Leviticus 8:10-12 reflect any scientifically verifiable practice of that era, or is it purely ritual?
14.What were the key events in Aaron's life?What Does Leviticus 8:12 Mean
He also pouredMoses does not merely dab or sprinkle; he deliberately “poured” asLeviticus 8:12 records, showing a full, overflowing act. This follows the precise pattern God had given earlier (Exodus 29:7) and mirrors later moments when leaders were likewise publicly anointed—Samuel with Saul (1 Samuel 10:1) and Elijah with Elisha (1 Kings 19:16). The action is visible, memorable, and teaches that God’s appointments are unmistakable.
some of the anointing oilThe special oil, described inExodus 30:22-33, was a unique blend reserved for sacred use. Its fragrance marked the tabernacle furnishings (Exodus 30:26-29) and now marks the high priest, binding him to everything holy around him. Oil often pictures the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence (Isaiah 61:1;Acts 10:38;1 John 2:20), so this moment signals that Aaron’s ministry can only operate by divine enablement, not human effort.
on Aaron’s headThe head represents leadership, authority, and the origin of direction for the whole body (Psalm 133:2, where the oil flows “down upon the beard, upon the collar of his robes”). By beginning at Aaron’s head, God shows that everything stemming from his office—teachings, judgments, blessings—must be saturated with holiness. When Aaron later blesses Israel (Numbers 6:22-27), he does so as one already marked by God’s sanctifying oil.
and anointed himTo anoint is to declare, “This one is chosen, set apart, and equipped.” Aaron moves from ordinary man to “the priest” (Exodus 28:41). The same verb describes God’s selection of kings (2 Samuel 2:4) and, ultimately, His Messiah (Isaiah 61:1;Luke 4:18). Aaron becomes a living pointer to the greater High Priest, Jesus, who is anointed “with the oil of gladness” above His companions (Hebrews 1:9).
to consecrate himConsecration means permanent dedication to God’s service (Leviticus 21:10-12). From this day forward Aaron’s life, garments, and duties belong wholly to the LORD (Leviticus 8:30). Every sacrifice he offers, every word he speaks, now carries divine authority and responsibility, prefiguring Christ who is “holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners” (Hebrews 7:26).
summaryLeviticus 8:12 shows Moses lavishly pouring the sacred oil on Aaron’s head, vividly marking him as God’s chosen high priest. The act links Aaron with the holy objects of the tabernacle, symbolizes the Spirit’s empowering presence, establishes his authority over Israel, and dedicates him irrevocably to God’s service—all foreshadowing the flawless and eternal priesthood fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
(12)
And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head.--In the anointing of Aaron, the oil was poured upon his head. (See also
Leviticus 21:10-12;
Exodus 29:7;
Psalm 133:2.) This profuse pouring of oil was repeated at the consecration of every successor to the high-priesthood, whilst the common priests were simply anointed, or were simply marked with the finger on the forehead on their first installation, and this anointing descended with them for all futurity. (See
Leviticus 6:3.) Tradition informs us that during the second Temple, the person who anointed the high priest first threw the oil upon his head, and then drew with his finger the sign of the letter
Caph,being the initial of
Cohen, i.e.,priest, between the eyebrows of the newly-consecrated pontiff.
Verse 12. -
He poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head. The change of the verb
poured for
sprinkled, indicates that the amount of "the precious ointment" poured "upon the head, that ran down unto the beard, and went down to the skirts of his garments" (
Psalm 133:2), was far greater than that with which the furniture of the tabernacle had been anointed. The oil sprinkled on the holy things sanctified them as means of grace. The oil poured upon Aaron represents the grace of the Holy Spirit, coming from without, but diffusing itself over and throughout the whole consecrated man.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He also pouredוַיִּצֹק֙(way·yi·ṣōq)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3332:To pour out, to melt, cast as metal, to place firmly, to stiffen, grow hardsome of the anointingהַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה(ham·miš·ḥāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4888:Unction, a consecratory giftoilמִשֶּׁ֣מֶן(miš·še·men)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8081:Grease, liquid, richnessonעַ֖ל(‘al)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstAaron’sאַהֲרֹ֑ן(’a·hă·rōn)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175:Aaron -- an elder brother of Mosesheadרֹ֣אשׁ(rōš)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7218:The headand 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 painthimאֹת֖וֹ(’ō·ṯōw)Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative caseto consecrate him.לְקַדְּשֽׁוֹ׃(lə·qad·də·šōw)Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6942:To be set apart or consecrated
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OT Law: Leviticus 8:12 He poured some of the anointing oil (Le Lv Lev.) 
