For seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will become most holy; whatever touches the altar will be holy.
The ceremonies for consecrating Aaron and his sons had to be set down in detail so that they themselves would grasp the weight of what God called them to, and the people would learn to honor the office and keep their hands off it. The Hebrew word for consecrating means filling the hand, which tells us ministers have their hands full, no time for trifling, their work is so great and constant.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 29:1-37
Christ is that Most Holy altar, holy in His person and nature as none but God Himself is holy. Whatever gift or sacrifice offered upon Him according to the law is made holy by it; our prayers and praises ascend with acceptance through His blood, though even our best services need His atonement to purify them.
AI summary
The altar itself must be kept scrupulously clean throughout the seven days, ashes removed and the prescribed unction sprinkled, so that when the ceremony concludes, the altar stands consecrated no less than the priests who serve at it.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 29:36-37