Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
CON'SECRATE, CONSECRA'TION. Ex 32:29; Lev 7:37. The word means "to set apart for holy uses." It is applied in the Bible to both persons and things. The tribe of Levi was consecrated to the priesthood with the most solemn and imposing ceremonies. Vessels, Josh 6:19, profits, Mic 4:13, fields, Lev 27:28, cattle, 2 Chr 29:33, individuals. Num 6:9-13; 1 Sam 1:11, Acts 20:28, and nations, Ex 19:6, were anciently consecrated or set apart to sacred
purposes. See Priest.