Sacrifices were required before the priests could serve because they needed atonement for their own sins and cleansing to approach a holy God. Though chosen for sacred service, the priests were still sinners and could not minister without first being purified according to God’s command.
Exodus 29:10–12 describes the process:
“You shall also have the bull brought before the tabernacle of meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on the head of the bull. Then you shall kill the bull before the Lord… and you shall take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar… and pour all the blood beside the base of the altar.”
The laying on of hands symbolized the transfer of sin to the sacrificial animal, and its death served as a substitutionary atonement. This ritual emphasized that no one could approach God without blood being shed (Hebrews 9:22).
Additional offerings, a ram for a burnt offering and another for consecration, were made to set the priests apart for service (Exodus 29:15–22). The blood of these sacrifices was applied to the right ear, thumb, and big toe of each priest (Exodus 29:20), signifying that their hearing, actions, and walk must be dedicated to God.
This requirement highlights that holiness is essential for worship and that access to God is only possible through atonement. These sacrifices pointed forward to Christ, who offered Himself once for all, needing no sacrifice for His own sin, because He is perfect (Hebrews 7:27). Through His blood, believers are cleansed and made priests unto God (Revelation 1:5–6).
The consecration sacrifices teach that service to God begins with cleansing and surrender, truths fulfilled fully in Jesus Christ.
