De-Priesting, Re-Priesting
When Aaron and his sons were ordained, they were washed, vested, and anointed (Leviticus 8:6-9).
When Aaron approached the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement, he puts on linen clothes and washes (16:4). There is no anointing, he removes the garments of glory.
The ordination rite goes in reverse. Aaron de-priests.
At the end of the day, when sin and uncleanness has been expelled by the scapegoat, Aaron takes off his linen clothes, washes, and puts on his priestly clothes to resume his duties (16:23-25).
The ordination rite is repeated. Aaron re-priests.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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