What role does Moses play in ensuring Aaron and his sons' sanctification? Setting the Scene - Israel has reached the critical moment when priests must be set apart for holy service. - God’s instructions for this consecration are given in Exodus 28–29 and fulfilled in Leviticus 8. - Moses, though not a priest himself, is appointed by God to oversee every step of the seven-day ordination. The Command Originates with God - Exodus 29:35: “Do for Aaron and his sons everything I have commanded you, taking seven days to ordain them.” - Moses’ authority is therefore derivative; his role is to carry out the precise pattern revealed by the LORD. Moses as Mediator and Officiant - He acts as the visible link between God and the future priesthood. - He represents God to Aaron and Aaron to God, prefiguring the ultimate Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 3:5–6). - By his obedience, he protects the sanctity of the priesthood before it even begins. Teaching and Supervising the Meal of Sanctification (Leviticus 8:31) “Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons, ‘Cook the meat at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and eat it there with the bread that is in the basket of consecrated offerings, as I was commanded: Aaron and his sons are to eat it.’” Moses’ involvement in this verse highlights four key functions: 1. Instruction – He tells them exactly how and where to eat the ordination meal. 2. Enforcement – He ensures the command is obeyed “as I was commanded,” not altered or rushed. 3. Identification – Sharing the sacrificial food signals their full participation in holy things (cf. Exodus 29:32–33). 4. Boundary setting – Eating “at the entrance” keeps the entire rite inside sacred space, preventing defilement. Further Actions by Moses that Seal Their Sanctification - Washing (Leviticus 8:6) – He cleanses them with water, symbolizing purification. - Clothing (8:7–9, 13) – He dresses Aaron and his sons in priestly garments, visually marking their new office. - Anointing (8:10–12, 30) – He applies the holy oil on tabernacle, altar, Aaron, and finally the sons, separating all for God. - Blood applications (8:23–24) – He places sacrificial blood on right ear, thumb, and big toe, dedicating their hearing, work, and walk to holiness. - Wave offering (8:27) – He presents the portions before the LORD, declaring that the priests themselves belong to God. The Immediate Outcome - Leviticus 8:35: “At the entrance to the Tent of Meeting you are to remain day and night for seven days and keep the LORD’s charge…” - Because Moses faithfully mediates every detail, Aaron and his sons emerge on the eighth day ready to minister (Leviticus 9:1). - Failure in any step would have disqualified them, underscoring Moses’ indispensable role. Enduring Lessons from Moses’ Role - God-ordained leadership safeguards holiness; unauthorized approaches risk judgment (Leviticus 10:1–2). - True sanctification is always by divine command, never self-appointed (Hebrews 5:4). - Obedience to revealed detail—even in something as simple as where to eat a meal—matters to God. - The pattern anticipates Christ, who both mediates the covenant and sanctifies His priestly people (John 17:19; Hebrews 2:11). |
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