In the ancient world, olive oil was mixed with perfumes to welcome guests into one’s home. The anointing of the priests may have suggested that God himself welcomed the priests into his dwelling place. There they would minister in his divine presence without fear. Thus, the anointing of the priests made them fit for service in the Lord’s presence.
10 Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it, and consecrated them.