"Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests. And bring near to yourselfThis phrase initiates a divine command to Moses, emphasizing the personal responsibility and active role he must take in the consecration of the priesthood. The Hebrew root for "bring near" is "qarab," which often implies drawing close in a relational or sacrificial context. This act of bringing near is not merely physical but also spiritual, signifying a setting apart for holy service. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of designating individuals for sacred duties, underscoring the importance of proximity to the divine presence. your brother Aaron
Aaron, the elder brother of Moses, is chosen for a significant role, highlighting the importance of family lineage and divine election in the priesthood. Aaron's selection is not based on personal merit but on God's sovereign choice, which is a recurring theme in Scripture. The familial relationship underscores the continuity of God's covenantal promises through generations, and Aaron's role as high priest foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, in the New Testament. and his sons with him
This phrase extends the priestly calling to Aaron's descendants, establishing a hereditary priesthood. The inclusion of Aaron's sons signifies the perpetuation of the priestly office and the importance of legacy in God's plan. It reflects the biblical principle of generational blessing and responsibility, where the faith and duties of one generation are passed to the next, ensuring the continuity of worship and service to God. from among the Israelites
This selection "from among the Israelites" indicates that the priesthood is drawn from the chosen people, Israel, emphasizing their unique role as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. It highlights the concept of being set apart for God's purposes, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible. The Israelites' identity as God's people is central to their mission and calling, serving as a light to the nations. to minister as priests to Me
The ultimate purpose of Aaron and his sons' calling is "to minister as priests to Me," signifying service directly to God. The Hebrew word for "minister" is "kahan," which involves performing sacred duties and mediating between God and the people. This priestly service is a profound act of worship and obedience, reflecting the heart of the Levitical priesthood. It points to the New Testament understanding of all believers as a royal priesthood, called to serve and worship God in spirit and truth. Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar
The specific naming of Aaron's sons—Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar—personalizes the call and underscores the individual responsibility of each priest. Their names are recorded in Scripture, highlighting their roles in the unfolding narrative of Israel's history. Tragically, Nadab and Abihu's later disobedience serves as a sobering reminder of the holiness required in God's service. Eleazar and Ithamar's continued service illustrates God's grace and the ongoing fulfillment of His purposes despite human failure. Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe brother of Moses, chosen by God to be the first high priest of Israel. His role was crucial in mediating between God and the Israelites. 2. Nadab and AbihuThe first two sons of Aaron, who were also appointed as priests. Their later actions in Leviticus 10 serve as a warning about the holiness required in serving God. 3. Eleazar and IthamarThe younger sons of Aaron, who continued the priestly line after the death of Nadab and Abihu. 4. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, from whom the priests were selected. This highlights the importance of being set apart for God's service. 5. PriesthoodThe institution established by God for worship and sacrifice, serving as a foreshadowing of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. Teaching Points The Call to HolinessJust as Aaron and his sons were set apart for priestly service, Christians are called to live holy lives, dedicated to God’s purposes. The Importance of ObedienceThe priesthood required strict adherence to God’s commands, reminding us of the importance of obedience in our walk with Christ. Mediators of God’s PresenceThe priests served as mediators between God and the people, pointing to Jesus as our ultimate mediator and encouraging us to intercede for others. Generational FaithfulnessAaron’s sons were included in the priesthood, highlighting the importance of passing down faith and service to future generations. The Role of CommunityThe selection of priests from among the Israelites underscores the communal aspect of faith, where each member has a role in God’s plan. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the selection of Aaron and his sons as priests reflect God’s plan for leadership and service within the community of believers? 2. In what ways does the priesthood of Aaron foreshadow the ministry of Jesus Christ as our High Priest? 3. How can we apply the concept of being "set apart" in our daily lives as believers in a modern context? 4. What lessons can we learn from the obedience required of the priests, and how can this influence our relationship with God? 5. How does the idea of a "royal priesthood" in 1 Peter 2:9 challenge us to live out our faith in practical ways within our communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 8Describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons, providing a detailed account of their ordination and the significance of their roles. Hebrews 5Discusses the role of the high priest and connects it to Jesus Christ, who is our eternal High Priest, emphasizing the fulfillment of the priestly role in Him. 1 Peter 2:9Refers to believers as a "royal priesthood," drawing a parallel between the Old Testament priesthood and the New Testament calling of all Christians to serve God. People Aaron, Abihu, Eleazar, Israelites, Ithamar, Moses, Nadab, ShohamPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Aaron, Aaron's, Abihu, Abi'hu, Along, Bring, Brother, Eleazar, Elea'zar, Israelites, Ithamar, Ith'amar, Me-aaron, Midst, Minister, Nadab, Office, Priest, Priests, Priest's, Serve, SonsDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 28:1 7160 servants of the Lord
7734 leaders, spiritual
7767 priests, OT institution
7768 priests, OT function
8345 servanthood, and worship Exodus 28:1-2 5073 Aaron, priest
5489 rank Exodus 28:1-5 5145 clothing Exodus 28:1-43 1065 God, holiness of Library Three Inscriptions with one Meaning
'Thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it ... HOLINESS TO THE LORD.'--EXODUS xxviii. 36. 'In that day there shall be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD.'--ZECH. xiv. 20. 'His name shall be in their foreheads.'--REV. xxii. 4. You will have perceived my purpose in putting these three widely separated texts together. They all speak of inscriptions, and they are all obviously connected with each other. The first of them comes from the ancient times of the institution …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Names on Aaron's Breastplate
Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord, upon his two shoulders, for a memorial.... And Aaron shall bear the names of the Children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the Holy Place.'--EXODUS xxviii. 12,29. Every part of the elaborately prescribed dress of the high priest was significant. But the significance of the whole was concentrated in the inscription upon his mitre, 'Holiness to the Lord,' and in those others upon his breastplate and his shoulder. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ninth Day. Holiness and Mediation.
And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, HOLINESS TO THE LORD. And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall always be upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.'--Ex. xxviii. 36, 38. God's house was to be the dwelling-place of His Holiness, the place where He was to reveal Himself; as the Holy One, not to be approached but with …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Edwards -- Spiritual Light
Jonathan Edwards, the New England divine and metaphysician, was born at East Windsor, Connecticut, in 1703. He was graduated early from Yale College, where he had given much attention to philosophy, became tutor of his college, and at nineteen began to preach. His voice and manner did not lend themselves readily to pulpit oratory, but his clear, logical, and intense presentation of the truth produced a profound and permanent effect upon his hearers. He wrote what were considered the most important …
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 3 That the Ruler Should be Pure in Thought.
The ruler should always be pure in thought, inasmuch as no impurity ought to pollute him who has undertaken the office of wiping away the stains of pollution in the hearts of others also; for the hand that would cleanse from dirt must needs be clean, lest, being itself sordid with clinging mire, it soil whatever it touches all the more. For on this account it is said through the prophet, Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord (Isai. lii. 11). For they bear the vessels of the Lord who undertake, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Sanctification
'For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.' I Thess 4:4. The word sanctification signifies to consecrate and set apart to a holy use: thus they are sanctified persons who are separated from the world, and set apart for God's service. Sanctification has a privative and a positive part. I. A privative part, which lies in the purging out of sin. Sin is compared to leaven, which sours; and to leprosy, which defiles. Sanctification purges out the old leaven.' I Cor 5:5. Though it takes not …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action.
The ruler should always be chief in action, that by his living he may point out the way of life to those that are put under him, and that the flock, which follows the voice and manners of the shepherd, may learn how to walk better through example than through words. For he who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exhibit the highest things. For that voice more readily penetrates the hearer's heart, which the speaker's life …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable in Speech.
The ruler should be discreet in keeping silence, profitable in speech; lest he either utter what ought to be suppressed or suppress what he ought to utter. For, as incautious speaking leads into error, so indiscreet silence leaves in error those who might have been instructed. For often improvident rulers, fearing to lose human favour, shrink timidly from speaking freely the things that are right; and, according to the voice of the Truth (Joh. x. 12), serve unto the custody of the flock by no means …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Romans 13, 8-10. 8 Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; love therefore is the fulfilment of the law. CHRISTIAN LOVE AND THE COMMAND TO LOVE. 1. This, like the two …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Earliest Christian Preaching
1. THUS far we have confined ourselves to the words of Jesus. The divine necessity of His death, indicated in the Old Testament and forming the basis of all His teaching regarding it, is the primary truth; the nature of that necessity begins to be revealed as the death is set in relation to the ransoming of many, and to the institution of a new covenant -- that is, a new religion, having as its fundamental blessing the forgiveness of sins. I do not think this view of our Lord's mind as to His own …
James Denney—The Death of Christ Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 28:1 NIVExodus 28:1 NLTExodus 28:1 ESVExodus 28:1 NASBExodus 28:1 KJV
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