A major shift occurs as the focus moves from the detailed rules of the sacrifices to the historical event of dedicating the Tabernacle and consecrating the priests. The primary approach among commentators is that the narrative steps back in time, returning to earlier commands and the initial construction process of the sanctuary [רלב״ג, רש ר הירש, הופמן, אברבנאל]. The physical assembly actually began on the twenty-third of the month of Adar. During the seven days of consecration, Moses would set up and dismantle the Tabernacle every single day to train the priests in their duties. It was only after this training period, on the first of Nisan, that the structure was erected permanently [רש ר הירש, אברבנאל].
Moses is instructed to bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting in full view of the entire congregation. This public display was designed to instill a deep sense of respect and awe for the priests among the Israelites. It made it perfectly clear that their appointment was a direct command from God, rather than Moses simply showing favoritism to his own family members [אברבנאל]. This selection of Aaron and his descendants represents an eternal covenant with the tribe of Levi, a reality well-documented throughout the biblical and prophetic records [הופמן].
Beyond the public declaration, bringing Aaron forward carried profound psychological and spiritual weight. Following the sin of the Golden Calf, Aaron was burdened with heavy guilt and felt entirely disconnected from holiness. The act of bringing him forward is not merely a physical movement, but an effort to draw his heart close and comfort him with reassuring words. God is inviting Aaron to step back into the realm of the sacred. The fact that his sons are brought along with him, secondary to his own appointment, serves as living proof to Aaron that his past actions have been completely forgiven with love. He is chosen for the priesthood on his own merit, not merely because his sons remained free from sin [מלבי״ם].
The actual consecration and anointing process unfolded in distinct stages. Initially, Aaron was anointed with oil alone, dedicating him to the role of High Priest for the rest of his life. Afterward, a second anointing took place. This time, a mixture of oil and blood from the altar was applied to both Aaron and his sons, consecrating his family line for all future generations to serve in the sanctuary. Moses was instructed to dress Aaron in his priestly garments before anointing the Tabernacle itself, ensuring that he could anoint both the High Priest and the sanctuary in one continuous, uninterrupted sequence [אברבנאל].
Once the formal dedication was complete, Aaron and his sons were required to remain at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, day and night, for the entire seven days of the consecration period. This uninterrupted stay was dedicated to intensely studying the laws of the priesthood and practicing the sacred service. Remaining strictly within the sanctuary limits may have also carried a hidden warning specifically for Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, cautioning them against stepping outside to bring foreign fire. Tragically, this implicit warning would not be enough to prevent their future deaths [אברבנאל].