The ritual described involves Moses slaughtering a bull and using its blood to purify and consecrate the altar. This act is part of the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons, marking the beginning of their priestly duties. Blood, in biblical terms, often signifies life and is used here to symbolize the cleansing and sanctifying power needed to make the altar holy. By applying the blood to the horns of the altar and pouring the rest at its base, Moses is performing an act of atonement, which means to cover or cleanse from sin.
This process underscores the holiness required in worship and the need for a mediator to intercede on behalf of the people. The altar, now purified, becomes a place where sacrifices can be offered to God, symbolizing the restoration of the relationship between God and His people. It serves as a reminder of the importance of purity and dedication in one's spiritual life, emphasizing that approaching God requires preparation and reverence. This ritual foreshadows the ultimate atonement made through Jesus Christ, who, as the perfect sacrifice, cleanses believers from sin and allows them to draw near to God.