Leviticus 8:11

11 He took some of the oil and sprinkled it seven times on the altar and its equipment and on the basin and its base, in order to dedicate them to the Lord.

Leviticus 8:11 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 8:11

And he sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times
The altar of burnt offering; the order for anointing it is given in ( Exodus 30:28 ) ( 40:10 ) but in that no directions are given for the manner of doing it by sprinkling, nor the number of times it was to be sprinkled: hence Jarchi confesses his ignorance, and says,

``I know not how it was ordered about these sprinklings;''

but no doubt Moses was instructed of God in what manner to anoint it, and how often; and the number seven may denote the perfect unction of it, and made it a fitter type of Christ, who received the unction of the Spirit without measure:

and anointed the altar, and all its vessels;
pans, shovels, basins, flesh hooks, and fire pans:

both the laver and his foot;
which was for the priests to wash at; and very probably this was done before Moses brought Aaron and his sons thither and washed them, ( Leviticus 8:6 ) since it seems most proper that it should be consecrated before used, as it follows:

to sanctify them;
set them apart for sacred use.

Leviticus 8:11 In-Context

9 He placed the turban on his head, and on the front of it he put the gold ornament, the sacred sign of dedication, just as the Lord had commanded him.

10 Then Moses took the anointing oil and put it on the Tent of the Lord's presence and everything that was in it, and in this way he dedicated it all to the Lord.

11 He took some of the oil and sprinkled it seven times on the altar and its equipment and on the basin and its base, in order to dedicate them to the Lord.

12 He ordained Aaron by pouring some of the anointing oil on his head.

13 Next, Moses brought the sons of Aaron forward and put shirts on them, put sashes around their waists, and tied caps on their heads, just as the Lord had commanded.