The Office and Regulations of the Priests (Leviticus 8-10)

Which detail the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, the beginning of their priestly duties, and a sobering lesson on the sanctity of worship before God. These chapters highlight the seriousness of approaching God’s presence and the responsibilities that come with serving as His priests.

Leviticus 8: The Ordination of Aaron and His Sons

The Consecration Ceremony

Moses, following God’s commands, gathered the entire Israelite community at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Before the people, he washed Aaron and his sons with water, dressed them in priestly garments, and anointed the Tabernacle and all its furnishings with the anointing oil. He then poured the oil on Aaron’s head to consecrate him.

The Sacrifices for Ordination

Moses offered a bull as a sin offering and a ram as a burnt offering, followed by the ram of ordination. He applied the blood of the ram to Aaron’s right ear, thumb, and big toe, symbolizing the sanctification of his hearing, actions, and walk. The same was done for Aaron’s sons. The remaining blood and oil were sprinkled on Aaron, his sons, and their garments to consecrate them.

Seven Days of Consecration

The ordination ceremony lasted seven days, during which Aaron and his sons remained at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. They were commanded to stay there day and night, faithfully observing all that God had commanded through Moses.

Leviticus 9: The Priestly Ministry Begins

The First Offerings

On the eighth day, Aaron and his sons began their priestly duties. Moses instructed Aaron to offer a sin offering and a burnt offering for himself and the people. Aaron slaughtered the animals, and following the procedures Moses had taught, offered them on the altar.

God’s Glory Appears

After offering the sacrifices, Aaron lifted his hands toward the people and blessed them. Moses and Aaron then entered the Tent of Meeting and, upon exiting, blessed the people again. Suddenly, the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people, and fire came out from the presence of the Lord, consuming the burnt offering and fat portions on the altar. The people saw this and shouted for joy, falling facedown in worship.

Leviticus 10: The Sin of Nadab and Abihu

The Unauthorized Fire

Tragedy struck when Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s sons, took their censers, put fire in them, and added incense. However, they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to His command. In response, fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.

Aaron’s Silent Grief

Moses instructed Aaron and his surviving sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, not to mourn publicly, as they were in the middle of their priestly duties. The community mourned for Nadab and Abihu, while Aaron remained silent, accepting God’s judgment.

Instructions for the Priests

God spoke to Aaron, giving instructions that priests were not to drink wine or fermented drink when entering the Tent of Meeting, so that they could distinguish between the holy and the common, the clean and the unclean. Moses also instructed Eleazar and Ithamar to complete the offerings as commanded, ensuring they followed God’s laws precisely.

These chapters highlight the solemn responsibilities of the priesthood and the importance of approaching God with reverence and obedience. The tragic incident with Nadab and Abihu serves as a powerful reminder that God’s holiness must be honored at all times.