This Week with the Word

The Uniform Lesson for July 19
Background & Commentary by Sam E. Stone

Since the Israelites were “Called to Be God’s People,” it is understandable that the Lord’s direction for every phase of their worship would be direct and specific. The entire book of Leviticus focuses on the priests—Aaron and his sons. These instructions, however, were to be fully communicated to all the people. Over and over God told Moses, “Speak unto the children of Israel.” It was the special responsibility of the priests to teach them all of the Lord’s directions (see Deuteronomy 31:9-13, 33:10; Nehemiah 8). Today’s text should be studied along with Exodus 28, 29 for more of the detailed instructions.

God’s Instructions/Leviticus 8:1-3

The first seven chapters of Leviticus contain what has been called “a how-to manual” for the priests, providing instructions for the various sacrifices that they would offer. These chapters provide the pattern to be followed in the future ministry. Included were regulations for the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the ordination offering, and the fellowship offering. These laws had first been given “in the Desert of Sinai” (Leviticus 7:37, 38).

Setting apart the priests for their duties had great significance. Roy Gane explains, “In Old Testament times, priests and kings were anointed with oil as a sign that they were chosen and authorized by the Lord to fill special leadership roles.” The term “anointed one” is used of the high priest (Leviticus 4:3, 5, 16; 6:22), the king (1 Samuel 2:10, 35), and of course the ideal Davidic ruler whom we know as the Messiah (Psalm 2:2; Daniel 9:25, 26).

Significantly Christians are also considered to be priests, set apart to serve the Lord now (see 1 Peter 2:9). We, too, are anointed by God (1 John 2:20). By laying hands on church leaders today, workers are recognized and set apart for specific areas of ministry in the Lord’s church (compare Acts 6:6; 13:2,3).

Moses’ Actions/Leviticus 8:4-13

The service of consecration and investiture was a solemn and elaborate ritual. It was performed in the presence of the entire assembly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting (Leviticus 8:3). Some Bible students suggest that this group may have consisted of all the elders, representing the entire nation at this time.

The ceremony itself consisted of five parts: washing (v. 6), investiture (vv. 7-9, 13), anointing (vv. 10-12), sacrifices (vv. 14-29), and a meal of consecration (vv. 31, 32). Aaron and his sons were first washed in water, symbolizing their spiritual cleansing (see Hebrews 10:22). This was done in the bronze laver in the tabernacle courtyard (v. 11). Jewish tradition is divided as to whether only hands and feet were washed, or the body was entirely immersed (Leviticus 8:6).

Since Aaron was high priest, he was clothed differently from the other priests. His clothing included a coat, robe, ephod, sash, breastplate (with the Urim and Thummim), turban, and the sacred diadem (8:7-9). All of this was done as the Lord commanded Moses (v. 9).

Once the high priest was properly attired, then Moses continued with the ceremony. Holy anointing oil was used to set apart the tabernacle, its furnishings, and its vessels for the service of the Lord (Exodus 30:30-33). According to tradition, all the priests had the oil sprinkled on them, but only Aaron (the high priest) had it poured on his head.

Psalm 133 declares, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes” (vv. 1, 2). This impressive service marked Aaron’s consecration—officially setting him apart—to do the work God had assigned him.

Finally the bull was offered to serve as a sin offering for Aaron and his sons. This demonstrated their complete dedication to the Lord (Leviticus 8:14-17). The verses that follow our printed text explain more about the ceremony.

This passage is filled with implications for the Christian today. Christ serves as our perfect high priest, interceding for us in Heaven. Believers have been set apart as priests to serve the Lord here. The Spirit provides gifts of leadership to empower the church (see 1 Corinthians 12). The priesthood of all believers mirrors what God desired for the Israelites—that they be “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6).

As Christians live faithful lives for him, we show that we are a “chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that (we) may declare the praises of him who called (us) out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9; see Revelation 1:5, 6; 5:9, 10). |L

Sam E. Stone is the former editor of Christian Standard. He continues his writing and speaking ministry from his home in Cincinnati, Ohio.