1. 1 Samuel 16:5 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does it mean to consecrate in preparation for sacrifice?

1 Samuel 16:5 (ESV)

5 And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

Consecration involved washing your body and your clothes. This was necessary before meeting with the Lord and coming into his presence (see Exodus 19:10; Numbers 8:21).1