ויקרא, פרק ח׳, פסוק י״ב

The dedication of the High Priest reaches its peak through a precise and transformative process, setting him apart from all others to serve God. This is not a simple application of oil, but a careful, multi-step procedure designed to rest supreme holiness upon him and prepare him to enter the sacred space.

The anointing involved two distinct, sequential actions. First, Moses poured the oil directly onto Aaron's head. Following this, he placed oil between Aaron's eyes and drew it across his forehead with his finger, connecting it to the oil already poured on his head [רש"י, מזרחי]. This anointing on the forehead was traced in a specific pattern, resembling a Greek letter [מזרחי, תורה תמימה, רד"צ הופמן]. The order of these events, pouring followed by spreading the oil, was carried out exactly as planned [מזרחי].

This direct pouring of oil onto the head was an honor reserved strictly for Aaron, reflecting the elevated holiness of the High Priesthood [ביאור יש"ר, רד"צ הופמן]. Regarding Aaron's sons, the regular priests, there are different perspectives on how they were dedicated. While one view suggests they also received a similar anointing during the seven days of dedication, the primary approach among commentators is that the sons never had oil poured on their heads. Instead, their dedication consisted solely of having the anointing oil sprinkled on their bodies and garments, in sharp contrast to the full pouring Aaron received [הטור הארוך, רמב"ן, רד"צ הופמן].

The ultimate goal of this anointing was distinct from other royal ceremonies. While kings are anointed to grant them a spirit of strength and bravery, Aaron's anointing was performed with the pure intention of achieving holiness [העמק דבר], designed to sanctify him on a deeply personal level [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Furthermore, the timing of this event was part of a carefully orchestrated plan. Moses delayed the anointing of the Tabernacle itself until Aaron was fully dressed and anointed. This ensured that the High Priest was completely ready and sanctified, prepared to enter the sanctuary and serve God the moment the structure was established [הטור הארוך בשם הרמב"ן].