The command of the LORD thundered forth:
"Bring Aaron and his sons. Bring the sacred garments, the anointing oil, the bull for the sin offering, two rams, and the basket of bread made without yeast. Summon the entire assembly to the gates of the Tent of Meeting."
Moses obeyed, and the people gathered, holding their breath as destiny prepared to crown new priests.
Before the multitude, Aaron and his sons were led forward. Moses washed them with water, the cleansing cold of consecration. Then came the holy garments—tunics of purity, the robe, the ephod, and its jeweled breastpiece. Upon Aaron's brow rested the golden plate, gleaming like fire, engraved with holiness to the LORD.
The oil of anointing flowed. Moses anointed the tabernacle, the altar, and every sacred vessel until all shimmered with sanctity. At last, he poured oil upon Aaron's head, and it streamed down his beard and garments, sealing him as the chosen high priest. Aaron's sons were clothed in white tunics, sashes, and headbands, prepared for service in the holy order.
Then the sacrifices began. The bull for sin offering was brought, and Aaron with his sons laid their hands upon it. Moses slew it, purifying the altar with its blood. The fat, kidneys, and liver covering were consumed by fire, while the carcass was burned outside the camp. So atonement was wrought.
Next came the ram for burnt offering. Its blood splashed against the altar, its pieces consumed in flame. The smoke rose heavenward—a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
Then the second ram was presented—the ram of ordination. Aaron and his sons pressed their hands upon its head, binding their priesthood with its fate. Moses slew it and took its blood. With solemn precision, he touched Aaron's right ear, his right thumb, and his right toe. One by one, the sons of Aaron received the same mark. Blood bound them—ears to hear God's word, hands to do His will, feet to walk in His ways.
The fat portions, the right thigh, and bread without yeast were placed in their hands. Moses waved them before the LORD, then burned them upon the altar in a fragrant blaze. The breast of the ram, Moses' share, he too lifted and waved before the LORD.
Finally, the sacred anointing oil was mingled with blood from the altar. Moses sprinkled Aaron and his sons, and even their garments, until priest and clothing alike were consecrated.
Then Moses commanded:
"Boil the meat at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. Eat it with the bread of ordination. Whatever remains, burn in fire. You shall not leave this place for seven days, until your ordination is complete—for seven days the LORD will consecrate you. Stay here, that you may live, and not die."
So for seven days and nights Aaron and his sons remained at the threshold of the Tent, their every breath dedicated to the LORD. And the people watched in awe, knowing Israel now had priests anointed by heaven's hand.