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Aaron, the brother of Moses, holds a significant role in the biblical narrative as the first high priest of Israel. His preparations for this sacred office are detailed primarily in the books of Exodus and Leviticus, where God provides specific instructions for his consecration and the garments he must wear.

Consecration and Anointing

The consecration of Aaron and his sons is a pivotal event in establishing the priesthood. InExodus 29, God commands Moses to conduct a ceremony that includes washing, clothing, anointing, and offering sacrifices. The process begins with Aaron and his sons being brought to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, where they are washed with water (Exodus 29:4). This act symbolizes purification and readiness to serve in a holy capacity.

Following the washing, Aaron is dressed in the sacred garments, which include the tunic, robe, ephod, breastpiece, and turban, each with its own symbolic significance (Exodus 29:5-6). The anointing oil is then poured on Aaron's head, consecrating him as high priest (Exodus 29:7). This anointing signifies the Holy Spirit's empowerment and the setting apart of Aaron for divine service.

Sacrificial Offerings

The consecration ceremony involves a series of sacrificial offerings. A bull is offered as a sin offering, symbolizing atonement for Aaron and his sons (Exodus 29:10-14). Two rams are also sacrificed: one as a burnt offering, representing complete dedication to God, and the other as a ram of ordination, with its blood applied to Aaron's right ear, thumb, and big toe, signifying the sanctification of his hearing, work, and walk (Exodus 29:15-20).

Sacred Garments

The garments worn by Aaron are described in detail inExodus 28. They are designed "for glory and for beauty" (Exodus 28:2) and include:

·The Ephod: A richly embroidered garment with shoulder pieces and a waistband, made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen (Exodus 28:6-8).
·The Breastpiece: A square piece of fabric with twelve stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel, set in four rows (Exodus 28:15-21).
·The Robe: A blue robe with pomegranates and bells on its hem, signifying the priest's role in intercession and the presence of God (Exodus 28:31-35).
·The Turban and Plate: A fine linen turban with a gold plate inscribed with "Holy to the LORD" (Exodus 28:36-38).

Ongoing Duties and Rituals

Once consecrated, Aaron's duties as high priest include offering sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and interceding for the people.Leviticus 16 outlines the Day of Atonement, a critical annual ritual where Aaron enters the Most Holy Place to make atonement for himself and the nation. This involves specific preparations, including wearing linen garments and offering a bull for his own sin offering and a goat for the people's sin offering (Leviticus 16:3-5).

Aaron's preparations and the rituals he performs underscore the holiness required of those who serve in God's presence and the meticulous care with which God establishes His covenant with Israel through the priesthood.