“Ordination” In the Old Testament

Abstract

Ordination is widespread and varied in Christendom, yet the exact biblical parallel of the current practices is unclear. Also, the word “ordination” does not appear in the Hebrew Old Testament.  However, English translations of the OT and the LXX freely employ the words: “ordain,” “ordained,” and “ordination” to translate about twenty-five (25) Hebrew words and phrases. This study attempts to examine these words to see how they informed the practice of ordination in late Judaism, early Christianity, and modern Christianity. It is interesting to note that most of these Hebrew words so freely translated into English as “ordain,” “ordained,” and “ordination” have no cultic connotation whatsoever. The few relevant uses showcase a variety of ceremonies and rituals: appointment to an office or task, inauguration of religious leaders, places, institutions, and observances, investiture, anointing, consecration, commission, laying on of hands, and basic concepts of divine purpose, providence, calling, and choice.  The “laying on of hands” for Joshua and the Levites seem to be the closest.

KEYWORDS:  Ordain; ordained; ordination; consecration, anointing, “laying on of hands.”