What role do Moses and Aaron play in Leviticus 8:2's priestly ordination process? Setting the Stage: Divine Command “Take Aaron and his sons with him, the garments, the anointing oil, the bull for the sin offering, the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread” (Leviticus 8:2). God speaks to Moses, assigning two distinct but complementary roles in the ordination drama now unfolding at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. The Role of Moses: God’s Appointed Ordaining Officer • Receives God’s instructions directly (Leviticus 8:1-2; cf. Exodus 25:40). • Gathers every required person and object—garments, oil, animals, bread—demonstrating total obedience to the divine pattern. • Performs each ceremonial act on Aaron’s behalf: – Washes Aaron and his sons with water (8:6). – Clothes Aaron in the holy garments (8:7-9). – Anoints both tabernacle and priest (8:10-12). – Offers the sin offering and ascension offerings (8:14-29). • Functions as an interim mediator until the hereditary priesthood is installed (cf. Deuteronomy 5:5). • Models that true authority in worship flows from God’s word, not human invention (Hebrews 3:5). The Role of Aaron: Israel’s Incoming High Priest • Stands with his sons as the ones being consecrated (Leviticus 8:2, 6). • Passively receives washing, vestments, and anointing, underscoring that priesthood is received, not self-appointed (Hebrews 5:4). • Bears the holy garments—ephod, breastpiece, turban—signifying representation of the twelve tribes before the LORD (Exodus 28:9-12). • Accepts sacrificial blood applied to ear, thumb, and toe, pledging full consecration of hearing, deeds, and walk (Leviticus 8:23-24). • Begins a perpetual ministry that will pass to his descendants (Numbers 3:3). Why God Uses Moses to Ordain Aaron • Establishes clear divine order: the prophet mediates God’s instructions; the priest mediates the people’s offerings. • Separates the founding moment from future routine, preventing self-inauguration of priests. • Affirms Moses’ unique, unparalleled authority in Israel’s formative period (Numbers 12:6-8). • Foreshadows Christ, who unites both prophetic and priestly offices in one Person (Hebrews 3:1; 7:23-28). Foreshadowing and Forward Reach • The washing and anointing anticipate New-Covenant cleansing and the Spirit’s indwelling (Titus 3:4-6). • Psalm 133 pictures Aaron’s anointing oil flowing down—an emblem of unity achieved through God-appointed leadership. • The pattern highlights that approach to God still requires a divinely chosen Mediator, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, “a merciful and faithful High Priest” (Hebrews 2:17). |
    |