The succession of the priesthood was part of the continual consecration of Israel as God’s people. Under King David’s reign, the priests were to serve from age twenty to age fifty. After fifty, the priests would provide guidance to the younger priests to fulfil their responsibility. Since Aaron and his sons were anointed, and their priesthood consecrated, the priesthood had been continually consecrated. The following three aspects of continual consecration are observed.

1.  People of consecration (Exod 29:29-34). Aaron’s sons (Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar) were commissioned and ordained for the priestly office to ensure continuity. Aaron’s holy garments were given to his son (the one taking over from him) to put on for seven days (Exod 29:29-30). After the seven days, the ordination and the commissioning would then be completed. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us that we are a royal priesthood, and Jesus is our eternal great High Priest (Heb 10). We too must prepare the next generation. Aaron's sons had to eat the flesh of the ram of consecration and the bread that was in the basket at the Tabernacle door (Exod 29:31-34). The significance of this was that it was not only to enjoy eating or to remember God's provision, it was also an act of consecration, sanctification and communion with the Lord. Today’s Christians also have communion with God through the partaking of the Lord’s Supper.

2.  Place of consecration (Exod 29:35-37). As the altar was stained by sin, the priest was to offer every day a bullock to cleanse, atone, anoint and sanctify the altar unto the Lord. This was to be done for seven days. It was to be set apart unto the Lord and declared holy, and not for any common use. A Christian’s consecration also includes his deliberate desire to offer all his gifts and abilities (that God has given to him) to be used for the service of God to His glory.

3.  Practice of consecration (Exod 29:38-42). There must be daily sacrifices: one in the morning, one in the evening. And there are continual, daily burnt offering. We as Christians today must have our daily walk and communion with God. Our daily personal devotion may be in the morning, in the evening or for the whole day. There can be no end to our consecration to God.

In conclusion (Exod 29:43-46), the blessing that Israel could enjoy was the presence of God with them. They could fellowship with God, and they could testify and live in the fullness of God’s presence. All the ordinances and ceremonies by their sacrifices point to the ultimate sacrifice of the High Priest, our Lord Jesus. We do not have the Tabernacle or the Aaronic priesthood anymore, but God's children are the royal priesthood. And we can still get to enjoy this continual fellowship and relationship with our God in the Lord Jesus Christ.