Consecration

Consecration denotes the setting apart of persons, objects, or places for the exclusive service and use of God. The Hebrew qādash (to sanctify or make holy) and the related mālēʾ yād (literally, to fill the hand) are both translated as consecration in the Pentateuch. The firstborn of humans and clean animals belonged to God by right of consecration from birth (Exodus 13:2, 12, 15), and the Levites were consecrated as a substitute for the firstborn of Israel (Numbers 3:12).

The consecration of the Aaronic priests was an elaborate seven-day ceremony involving washing, vesting, anointing with oil, the slaughter of specific sacrifices, and the application of blood to the ear, thumb, and great toe — signifying dedication of hearing, action, and walk to God (Leviticus 8). Objects dedicated by vow were similarly consecrated and could not be reclaimed (Leviticus 27:28). The author of Hebrews applies the language of consecration to Christ's high-priestly ministry, having been made perfect through suffering and consecrated as a high priest of the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:28; 10:20), whose consecration — unlike Aaron's — is permanent and inviolable.