What role does Moses play in Leviticus 8:28, and why is it significant? Setting the Scene Leviticus 8 records the public consecration of Aaron and his sons. Until their ordination is complete, Moses alone carries out every priestly action at the LORD’s command (cf. Exodus 29:1-37). Verse Under the Spotlight “Then Moses took them from their hands and burned them on the altar on top of the burnt offering. They were an ordination offering, a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD.” (Leviticus 8:28) What Moses Does in Leviticus 8:28 • Receives the wave offering elements (fat portions and bread) from Aaron and his sons. • Personally places (burns) them on the altar, combining them with the burnt offering already flaming there. • Completes the act so that the offering rises “a pleasing aroma” before the LORD, exactly as prescribed. Why Moses’ Role Is So Significant • Obedience as Mediator – Moses acts “just as the LORD had commanded Moses” (Leviticus 8:4,9,13,17,21,29,36). His unfaltering obedience guarantees that the new priesthood begins on a foundation of pure conformity to God’s word. • Transitional Priesthood – Until Aaron is fully installed, Moses functions as priest, bridging the gap between Sinai’s revelation and Israel’s ongoing worship (compare Exodus 24:4–8). • Validation of Aaron’s Office – By handing the offering back to Moses, Aaron publicly acknowledges that his forthcoming role rests on God’s prior appointment through Moses. • Foreshadowing a Greater Mediator – Moses, the prophet-priest, prefigures Christ, the ultimate Mediator who both offers and is the sacrifice (Hebrews 3:1–6; 7:26-27). • Establishing the Pattern of Worship – The sequence—wave offering, priestly hands, altar fire—sets the template Israel will follow for generations, highlighting that worship must align with divine design, not human preference. Echoes in the Rest of Scripture • Exodus 29:24-25 – God’s initial instructions: “Take them from their hands and burn them on the altar…” Moses executes this word-for-word. • Numbers 3:3 – Aaron’s sons are described as “anointed priests, ordained to serve.” Their ordination hinges on Moses’ actions in Leviticus 8. • Deuteronomy 18:15 – Moses points ahead to “a Prophet like me,” underscoring that his mediatorial role anticipates Christ. • Hebrews 9:22 – “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Moses’ altar ministry illustrates this principle long before the cross. Takeaway Truths for Today • God’s worship is never casual; it is carefully ordered by His Word. • Leadership matters: faithful obedience from leaders safeguards the purity of communal worship. • Every Old Testament mediator, even a towering figure like Moses, ultimately points us to Jesus, the perfect High Priest who fulfills and surpasses all earlier sacrifices (Hebrews 10:1-14). |
    |