Exodus 29: Being Set Apart
What Does It Mean to Be Set Apart?
When we think about the book of Exodus, our minds often go straight to Moses, the plagues, the Red Sea, and the Ten Commandments. But tucked within this powerful story of deliverance is a profound truth about holiness and calling—one that applies directly to us as believers today.
Exodus 29 is one of those chapters that can feel a little daunting on the surface. It describes the priestly consecration of Aaron and his sons, full of details about sacrifices, blood rituals, anointing, and sacred garments. But as we study this passage, we’ll see that these weren’t just ancient rituals—they were a picture of what God wants to do in us.
Why does this matter? Because we are called a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). The moment we placed our faith in Christ, we stepped into a role not just as followers, but as priests in God’s kingdom. The ordination of the Old Testament priests points directly to our calling today—to be set apart, consecrated, and dedicated fully to God.
This study will take us deep into Exodus 29, unpacking what it meant for Aaron and his sons, how Jesus fulfills the ultimate priesthood, and what it means for us to live as God’s royal priests today.
Let’s dive in.
The Priestly Consecration
Washed, Clothed, and Anointed (Exodus 29:1-9)
The first step in the consecration process was a ritual washing. Moses was commanded to bring Aaron and his sons forward and wash them with water (Exodus 29:4). This symbolized purification, signifying that before they could approach God, they had to be cleansed.
Next, they were clothed in priestly garments—special robes that identified them as set apart for holy service. Finally, Aaron was anointed with oil, representing the Spirit’s empowerment for the work ahead.
Foreshadowing Christ
This moment in Exodus directly foreshadowed Christ. Before Jesus began His earthly ministry, He was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17). This act wasn’t for the removal of sin, since Jesus was sinless, but rather, it was a symbolic representation of His role as the ultimate High Priest who would stand in our place. Just as Aaron was clothed in priestly garments, Christ was clothed in divine righteousness (Hebrews 4:14-16). His anointing came not from oil, but from the Holy Spirit descending on Him, affirming His mission (Luke 4:18). In the same way, we as believers experience a spiritual washing, being cleansed from our sins through the blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:11). We are clothed in His righteousness (Galatians 3:27) and anointed with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21-22), empowering us to serve Him fully.
Reflection Questions:
What does it mean to you personally that you have been washed, clothed, and anointed in Christ?
In what ways do you need to let go of an old identity and fully embrace being clothed in righteousness?
Atonement and Total Surrender
After the washing and anointing, the next step involved two key sacrifices: the sin offering and the burnt offering (Exodus 29:10-18).
A bull was sacrificed as a sin offering, and Aaron and his sons were commanded to place their hands on its head before it was killed. This act symbolized the transfer of their sin to the animal. The blood was then poured out at the altar, making atonement for them.
Foreshadowing Christ
This moment foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who took on the sins of the world. Just as Aaron needed a sacrifice to cover his sins, we needed a perfect offering—Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 1:29). His blood was poured out for us (Hebrews 9:12), and through Him, we are made clean.
The next sacrifice was a ram, which was completely burned on the altar. Unlike the sin offering, which dealt with purification, the burnt offering symbolized total surrender. Jesus exemplified this surrender in His complete obedience to the Father’s will, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). In response, we are called to be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), offering our lives fully to God without reservation.
Reflection Questions:
Is there any area of your life that you are still holding back from God?
How does understanding Jesus as the perfect sacrifice change the way you see your own spiritual walk?
The Royal Priesthood in Christ
The priesthood did not end with Aaron—it found its fulfillment in Jesus and continues through us today. 1 Peter 2:9 declares that we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession. This means that every believer is now called to priestly service. Unlike the Old Testament priests who had to go through continual sacrifices and rituals, we now serve under the perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ, who made the final atonement for sin (Hebrews 10:12-14).
As God’s royal priests, we are given direct access to Him (Hebrews 4:16), called to intercede for others (1 Timothy 2:1), and offer spiritual sacrifices (Romans 12:1, Hebrews 13:15). Our lives should reflect holiness, just as the priests of old were called to live differently from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17).
Reflection Questions:
How does knowing you are part of the royal priesthood change the way you view your relationship with God?
What spiritual sacrifices can you offer to God in your daily life?
Living as God’s Priests Today
The priesthood of Aaron was a shadow of what was to come in Christ. Through Jesus, we have not only been redeemed and forgiven, but also called to serve as God’s royal priests. We are washed, clothed, and anointed for His purposes. We have been made into a spiritual house, built on the foundation of Christ (1 Peter 2:4-5).
This is not just a title—it is a calling that should shape our everyday lives. If we are truly priests of God, then we must live set apart, devoted, and fully surrendered to His will.
So the question remains: Are we living as priests in the kingdom of God? Are our ears attuned to His voice, our hands engaged in His work, and our feet walking in holiness? May we embrace this high calling with joy and devotion, knowing that we serve under the greatest High Priest—Jesus Christ.
I would love to know how this amazing study has touched you. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
