What role does Moses play in guiding Aaron's priestly duties in Leviticus 9:7? Setting the Scene • Leviticus 8 records Moses consecrating Aaron and his sons. Chapter 9 is their first day of active ministry. • God’s glory is about to appear to Israel (Leviticus 9:6), so every step must align with the divine pattern already given on Sinai (Exodus 29:35-37). • Moses is still functioning as the intermediary who received the instructions directly from the LORD (Exodus 24:12-18). The Direct Command “Then Moses said to Aaron, ‘Approach the altar and present your sin offering and your burnt offering to make atonement for yourself and the people; then present the offering of the people to make atonement for them, as the LORD has commanded.’ ” (Leviticus 9:7) Why Moses Speaks, Not Aaron • Moses, as the prophet who heard God face-to-face (Numbers 12:6-8), conveys the precise order of worship. • Until Aaron successfully completes his first offerings, Moses remains responsible to guarantee obedience to the revealed pattern (Hebrews 3:2-5). • Moses models the principle that no priestly act is legitimate unless it is explicitly grounded in God’s word. A Mediator and Mentor • Moses bridges the gap between the newly consecrated priesthood and the holy God—illustrating the need for guidance when entering sacred service (Exodus 40:12-16). • He instructs Aaron about: – What to offer (sin offering, burnt offering, people’s sacrifices) – Who is covered (himself first, then the nation) – Why each sacrifice matters (“to make atonement”) • This mentorship equips Aaron to lead alone in later chapters (Leviticus 16:1-3). Teaching Precise Obedience • “As the LORD has commanded” underscores that worship is never left to human creativity (compare Leviticus 10:1-2). • Moses reinforces each step so Israel learns that blessing follows exact obedience (Deuteronomy 11:26-28). • The sequence—personal atonement before representing others—anticipates Hebrews 5:1-3, where a high priest must deal with his own sin first. Guarding the Holiness of the Worship • Moses ensures that the altar, newly anointed in Leviticus 8:11, is used correctly the very first time. • His oversight protects Aaron from fatal error; the later judgment on Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10) shows the stakes. • By preserving order, Moses prepares the way for God’s glory to appear (Leviticus 9:23-24). Foreshadowing a Greater High Priest • Moses’ guidance highlights that even the first high priest needed someone greater to prepare him—pointing to Christ, the sinless Mediator who needs no instructor (Hebrews 7:26-28). • The pattern of “obedience first, glory later” finds its climax in Jesus (Philippians 2:8-11). Takeaways for Today • Ministry must begin and continue under Scripture’s clear directives, not personal preference. • Leaders mentor emerging servants by passing on God’s exact words, never diluting them. • Personal holiness precedes effective service; atonement for self comes before ministry to others. • God’s glory is revealed where His instructions are honored, just as it was on that inaugural day at the tabernacle. |
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