Topical Bible: Call: To Special Religious Duty: Aaron and his Sons

◄ Call: To Special Religious Duty: Aaron and his Sons ►

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The call to special religious duty is a significant theme in the Bible, exemplified by the appointment of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood. This divine selection underscores the importance of consecration, obedience, and service in the worship of God.

Divine Appointment

Aaron, the brother of Moses, was chosen by God to serve as the first high priest of Israel. This appointment is recorded in the Book of Exodus, where God commands Moses, "Bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the Israelites, to serve Me as priests—Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons" (Exodus 28:1). This selection was not based on personal merit but on God's sovereign choice, highlighting the divine prerogative in calling individuals to His service.

Consecration and Anointing

The consecration of Aaron and his sons was a detailed process, signifying their sanctification for holy service. In Exodus 29, God provides specific instructions for their ordination, which included washing, clothing in sacred garments, and anointing with oil. "Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head" (Exodus 29:7). This anointing symbolized the Holy Spirit's empowerment and the setting apart of Aaron and his sons for their priestly duties.

Priestly Duties and Responsibilities

As priests, Aaron and his sons were responsible for performing sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and interceding on behalf of the people. Leviticus 8-9 details the inaugural offerings and the beginning of their ministry. The priests were to adhere strictly to God's commands, as their service was integral to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The gravity of their role is underscored by the tragic incident involving Nadab and Abihu, who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consumed by fire as a result (Leviticus 10:1-2).

Perpetual Priesthood

The priesthood of Aaron and his sons was intended to be a perpetual institution. "Their anointing will qualify them for a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations" (Exodus 40:15). This enduring nature of the priesthood pointed to the necessity of continual mediation between God and His people, a role ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament by Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest.

Significance in Israel's Worship

The call of Aaron and his sons to special religious duty was foundational for Israel's worship and religious life. Their ministry facilitated the people's access to God and ensured the proper observance of the sacrificial system. The priesthood served as a constant reminder of God's holiness and the need for atonement, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

In summary, the call of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood illustrates the principles of divine selection, consecration, and faithful service in the worship of God. Their role was crucial in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel, setting a precedent for the priestly ministry that finds its fulfillment in the New Covenant.

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Exodus 4:14-16
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he comes forth to meet you: and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Covenanting a Duty.
... Even as the other religious observances are not obligatory ... an explicit engagement
to perform the special duties of ... them as had in providence a call to become a ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iii covenanting a duty.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... with the season meet for every other religious act ... distress, and the pangs of
bereavement, call for the ... urge us to those exercises of special solemn Covenanting ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... the priests of the Lord; men shall call you the ... When religious services should have
been performed by them, the ... of Levi was taken, and the special duties of ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... But these hopes we seem to call in question, if, in ... of the Church may be preserved:
and these religious acts are to be performed, at the special command of ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... wonderful priestly vestments during solemn religious services, after ... made by the
craftsman with special love and ... a daughter Gaziri, while others call her Garzim ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

The First Delegated General Conference of 1812
... and our several charges to the special care of ... of our country did not interfere in
religious matters at ... of individuals to this subject, and to call forth the ...
/.../chapter 1 the first delegated.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iv.
... his errors, but should make God's special favor towards ... to have refused even at the
call of others ... its practical side, and was rather religious than theological ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 4.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... In Lent, if masquerades displease the town, Call them ridottos ... and was solemnised
in some churches with special sermons and religious services.[1049] On ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

On Idolatry
... intention of those who offer those religious services ... worship of dulia [which the
papists call an inferior ... The Third exception has a special tendency to justify ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

Is God in the Camp?
... You may keep on with your religious performances for seventy ... to try our ways and
specially to call in question ... If we desire this special sense of God's presence ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/is god in the camp.htm