Verses 1-9 describe the priestly consecration ritual. This ritual comprises three key moments: purification through a bath (4), the donning of vestments (5f), and the anointing (7). Verse 9b states that the priesthood of Aaron and his descendants is everlasting. It is likely that this rite only began to be observed in Israel after the exile (587-534 B.C.), when the high priest assumed the role of king.
The consecration period for the priest and the altar lasted seven days (37) and involved three kinds of sacrifices: 1. The young bull for sin offering (10-14); nothing from this sacrifice can be eaten, as it is for atonement. 2. A ram is offered as a burnt offering, meaning it is completely burned in God’s presence (15-18). 3. Another ram is sacrificed as a communion offering (19-25, 31-37). The priest receives the breast portion (26-28). During this sacred meal, the laity do not participate (33b). Note how, to highlight the sacredness of the altar, seven days are dedicated to its consecration along with the daily offering of a young bull, whose blood was used to anoint the altar (36). The altar’s sanctity was so great that anyone who touched it became sanctified (37). The belief in the Lord’s constant presence among His people encourages them to regularly present gifts and offerings to Him, reflecting the ongoing priestly duty (P). The detailed description of all utensils, ornaments, and cultic rituals falls under the authority of the same God who brought them out of Egypt (46).