What role does Moses play in the consecration process described in Leviticus 8:15? Setting the Scene • Leviticus 8 records the seven-day ordination of Aaron and his sons. • Until their consecration is complete, they cannot handle sacrificial blood, so Moses—already recognized as God’s appointed servant (Exodus 28:1; Numbers 12:7)—acts on their behalf. Moses’ Specific Actions in Leviticus 8:15 “Then Moses slaughtered the bull and took some of its blood; with his finger he put it on all the horns of the altar and purified the altar. He poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar and consecrated it, so that atonement might be made on it.” • Slaughters the sin offering. – Moses personally kills the bull. Until Aaron is consecrated, Moses alone may perform this priestly act (cf. Leviticus 4:3-5). • Applies blood to the altar’s horns. – Blood on the horns symbolizes purification reaching the altar’s most prominent points (Exodus 29:12). • Pours the remaining blood at the altar’s base. – This completes the purification, providing a foundation of atonement (Hebrews 9:22). • Consecrates and purifies the altar. – The altar, now cleansed, can receive Israel’s future sacrifices (Leviticus 16:18-19). • Makes atonement on the altar. – Moses stands as the interim mediator, foreshadowing Christ’s ultimate mediation (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 3:1-6). Why Moses and Not Aaron? • Divine command: “Do for them what I have commanded” (Leviticus 8:34). • Aaron is still being set apart; he cannot mediate until cleansed (Hebrews 5:1-3). • Moses already enjoys direct access to God’s presence (Exodus 33:11). Spiritual Takeaways • God provides a qualified mediator until the priesthood is ready—pointing forward to the perfect Mediator. • Atonement precedes ministry; the altar itself must be purified before service can begin. • Obedience to God’s precise instructions safeguards worship’s holiness (Deuteronomy 12:32). |
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