Book of Exodus - Chapter 40 - Verse 15

In this verse, God is instructing Moses to anoint Aaron's sons as priests, just as Aaron himself was anointed. This act of anointing symbolizes a consecration and setting apart of individuals for a holy and sacred purpose. By anointing Aaron's sons, God is establishing a continued priesthood that will serve Him throughout generations. The anointing of the priests signifies a special blessing and empowerment from God to carry out their duties in the priest's office. It is a sign of God's approval and presence upon them as they minister and intercede on behalf of the people. This everlasting priesthood signifies a perpetuity of God's covenant relationship with His people, ensuring that there will always be a designated group of individuals to serve Him in this capacity. The anointing and consecration of priests hold significant spiritual and symbolic meanings, emphasizing the importance of their role in mediating between God and the people.

In this verse, the act of anointing is significant in the theological interpretation. Anointing was a ritualistic act in the Old Testament that symbolized God's choice and empowerment of individuals for a specific purpose. By anointing Aaron's sons to minister as priests, it was a way of consecrating them for their sacred service in the tabernacle. The word "anoint" comes from the Hebrew word "mashach," which means to smear or rub with oil. In the context of this verse, anointing was a visible sign of God's approval and equipping of the priests to carry out their duties. The priesthood was meant to be everlasting, an eternal institution that would continue through the generations. This points to the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people and His desire for a continual relationship with them through the priesthood. The anointing of the priests symbolizes their separation for holy service, a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate priestly role as the perfect mediator between God and humanity.