Exodus 29:9 kjv
And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.
Exodus 29:9 nkjv
And you shall gird them with sashes, Aaron and his sons, and put the hats on them. The priesthood shall be theirs for a perpetual statute. So you shall consecrate Aaron and his sons.
Exodus 29:9 niv
and fasten caps on them. Then tie sashes on Aaron and his sons. The priesthood is theirs by a lasting ordinance. "Then you shall ordain Aaron and his sons.
Exodus 29:9 esv
and you shall gird Aaron and his sons with sashes and bind caps on them. And the priesthood shall be theirs by a statute forever. Thus you shall ordain Aaron and his sons.
Exodus 29:9 nlt
Wrap the sashes around the waists of Aaron and his sons, and put their special head coverings on them. Then the right to the priesthood will be theirs by law forever. In this way, you will ordain Aaron and his sons.
Exodus 29 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Lev 8:7 | "He put the tunic on him... the sash... the robe... the ephod... ephod band..." | Garments of priesthood, fulfilling Ex 29 instructions. |
| Lev 8:12 | "And he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him, to consecrate him." | Consecration ritual, establishing the priesthood. |
| Ex 28:41 | "You shall put them on Aaron... and his sons... and anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests." | Command for their priestly service and ordination. |
| Num 3:10 | "And you shall appoint Aaron and his sons... that they may guard their priesthood." | Divine appointment and responsibility of the priesthood. |
| Num 18:7 | "But you and your sons... shall keep your priesthood for all that concerns the altar... a gift of service; and any outsider who comes near shall be put to death." | Exclusive nature and perpetuality of the Levitical priesthood. |
| Ex 12:14 | "This day shall be for you a memorial day... you shall celebrate it... as a lasting ordinance." | Example of another "lasting ordinance" in the Torah. |
| Gen 9:16 | "The bow shall be in the cloud... the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature..." | Example of "lasting covenant," demonstrating divine decree. |
| Ps 110:4 | "The LORD has sworn and will not change: 'You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.'" | Foreshadows Christ's superior, everlasting priesthood. |
| Heb 5:4 | "And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was." | Divine calling as essential for priesthood, paralleling Aaron. |
| Heb 7:11 | "If perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood... what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek...?" | Limitations and temporary nature of Levitical priesthood. |
| Heb 7:23 | "The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office." | Contrast to Christ's unending priesthood. |
| Heb 7:24 | "But he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever." | Christ's permanent, unchangeable priesthood. |
| Heb 7:28 | "For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath... appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever." | Superiority of Christ's perfect priesthood over Aaron's. |
| 1 Pet 2:5 | "You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood..." | New Testament concept of believers as a spiritual priesthood. |
| 1 Pet 2:9 | "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession..." | Believers' identity as spiritual priests in Christ. |
| Rev 1:6 | "...and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father..." | Believers' priestly role in the new covenant. |
| Rev 5:10 | "...and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth." | Future priestly reign of believers with Christ. |
| Ex 40:15 | "You shall anoint them as you anointed their father, that they may serve me as priests. And their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations." | Reiteration of the perpetual priesthood through anointing. |
| Deut 10:8 | "At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark... to minister to him and to bless in his name, to this day." | God's selection of Levi for priestly duties. |
| Col 2:17 | "These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ." | Typological nature of the Old Covenant rituals. |
Exodus 29 verses
Exodus 29 9 Meaning
Exodus 29:9 describes a pivotal moment in the consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests. It details the specific actions of dressing them with sashes and caps, signifying their distinct identity and function. Crucially, it establishes that their priesthood is a divine appointment, an "everlasting ordinance" given by God. The final phrase, "Thus you shall ordain Aaron and his sons," emphasizes the fulfillment of God's command through a ritual of filling their hands, symbolizing their receiving authority and duties.
Exodus 29 9 Context
Exodus 29 is central to the establishment of the Levitical priesthood, outlining the meticulous rituals for the consecration of Aaron and his sons. This chapter follows the detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle (Exodus 25-28), which is the dwelling place of God among His people. The verse specifically marks a moment within the seven-day ordination process, where the garments described in Exodus 28 are formally placed upon them. Historically, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, priests played a vital role in mediating between gods and humans, often appointed through various human or cultic means. However, the unique aspect in Exodus 29 is the explicit divine command and the concept of an "everlasting ordinance," emphasizing that this priesthood is divinely instituted, exclusive, and established on God's terms, differentiating it from surrounding pagan priesthoods that relied on human will or dynastic claims without divine mandate.
Exodus 29 9 Word analysis
- And you shall gird (וְחָגַרְתָּ - ve-chagarta): From the verb חָגַר (chagar), meaning "to gird, put on a belt." This action signifies preparation for active service or duty. Girding loins made one ready for movement or strenuous activity, reflecting the active service required of priests. It also denotes the act of clothing them with the sash, specifically for their priestly functions.
- them with sashes (בְּאַבְנֵט - bĕ-avneṭ): The אַבְנֵט (avneṭ) refers to the priestly sash. Unlike ordinary belts, this sash was likely ornate and symbolized honor and specific religious attire, differentiating the priest. It was made of fine linen with colors, indicating beauty and separation.
- Aaron and his sons (אֶת אַהֲרֹן וְאֶת בָּנָיו - ’et ’aharon vĕ-’et banav): Specifies the recipients of this unique office. The lineage of Aaron was divinely chosen for the priesthood, establishing a hereditary line, unlike the initial selection of Levi. This emphasizes the specific divine appointment over generic human choice.
- and you shall bind caps (וְחָבַשְׁתָּ לָהֶם מִגְבָּעוֹת - vĕ-chavashṭa lahem migba’ot): From חָבַשׁ (chavash), "to bind, turban, wrap." This refers to placing the conical priestly caps (migba’ot) on their heads. The head covering was essential for modesty, respect, and possibly as a distinguishing mark of their sacred role. It completes their uniform as ordained figures, symbolizing consecration.
- and they shall have the priesthood (וְהָיְתָה לָהֶם כְּהֻנָּה - vĕ-hayĕta lahem kĕhunnāh): From כְּהֻנָּה (kehunnāh), referring to the office or dignity of a priest. This phrase indicates the conferring of the priestly status itself, not just the clothing. It denotes the establishment of their permanent role and authority.
- by a lasting ordinance (חֻקַּת עוֹלָם - chuqqat ‘olam): חֻקָּה (chuqqāh) means "statute, ordinance, something prescribed." עוֹלָם (‘olam) implies "eternity, forever, ancient, perpetual." Combined, this phrase signifies that the priesthood is not temporary or conditional but is a perpetual divine institution established by an immutable decree. It points to a divine plan extending through generations.
- Thus you shall ordain (וּמִלֵּאתָ יָדָם - u-milleta yadam): Literally "and you shall fill their hand." This is a crucial Hebrew idiom for consecration or ordination, particularly for priests. It symbolizes bestowing authority, responsibility, and the means to perform their duties (i.e., holding offerings). It is not just a symbolic act but a ritual through which divine authority for the sacred office is conferred.
Words-group analysis:
- "And you shall gird them with sashes, Aaron and his sons, and you shall bind caps on them": This segment focuses on the specific investiture with the priestly garments. The sashes and caps are not merely decorative but functional and symbolic. They set Aaron and his sons apart, making their sacred identity visible and distinguishing them from the congregation, enabling them to mediate between God and the people.
- "and they shall have the priesthood by a lasting ordinance.": This phrase establishes the divine nature and perpetuity of the priestly office. It signifies that the priesthood's legitimacy does not stem from human choice or political decree but from an eternal divine decree. This permanence emphasizes God's consistent plan for redemption and access to His presence, even if the mode of access later evolved.
- "Thus you shall ordain Aaron and his sons.": This closing statement reaffirms the purpose of the preceding actions and the entire chapter: the formal consecration. The phrase "fill their hand" encapsulates the idea of God empowering and equipping them for their sacred service. It represents the transfer of divine authority and responsibility necessary to carry out the duties of mediation, sacrifice, and instruction.
Exodus 29 9 Bonus section
The concept of the "lasting ordinance" (chuqqat ‘olam) in relation to the Aaronic priesthood is crucial for understanding its typological significance. While the specific practices of the Old Covenant priesthood faded with the New Covenant, the principle of an everlasting priesthood remains through Christ. The perpetuity of the ordinance highlights the continuous need for mediation, a need fully and finally met in Christ's once-for-all sacrifice and ongoing intercession (Hebrews 9:11-12, 7:25). Thus, the Old Covenant "lasting ordinance" found its ultimate fulfillment and eternal reality in the person and work of Christ, establishing a "royal priesthood" for all believers in Him (1 Pet 2:9). The garments also prefigure the righteousness of Christ (white linen) and the glory that is given to believers through Him (sash colors).
Exodus 29 9 Commentary
Exodus 29:9 highlights the foundational act of God instituting a designated priesthood for Israel. The meticulous clothing with specific garments (sashes and caps) underscored their unique identity, sacred role, and readiness for service, physically separating them for God's purposes. The designation of this priesthood as a "lasting ordinance" signifies its divine origin and enduring nature as part of God's covenant with Israel, intended to be perpetual throughout their generations. This perpetuity points to the need for a consistent mediator between a holy God and an unholy people, demonstrating God's provision for His people to approach Him. However, this human priesthood, while divinely established, ultimately served as a type pointing towards the one, true, and unchangeable priesthood of Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills the role of eternal High Priest without end (Heb 7:24). The idiom "fill their hand" signifies God's direct act of empowering and equipping them with the authority to serve, emphasizing that their legitimacy flowed entirely from Him.