“Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it may become holy.
9. And thou shalt take the anointing oil There was by no means any virtue or efficacy for sanctification in the oil, except in so far as it was a type of the Spirit, from whom as its only source all holiness emanates. Assuredly the oil, as being a corruptible fluid, neither penetrates into the soul, nor would by itself at all avail unto spiritual service.
Moses waited for express command before setting up the tabernacle, though everything was ready and the people eager. The timing, the first day of the first month, teaches us to begin each year with intentional service to God, and not to delay necessary work under pretence of waiting for some special season. Let the things of His kingdom be sought first.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 40:1-15
And thou shall anoint them as thou didst anoint their father,.... For Aaron was first anointed, and then his sons: that they may minister unto me in the priest's office; which they might not do before their anointing, though separated for it, and called unto it: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations; that is, this ceremony of anointing was...