Lev 8: "The importance of the divine instructions concerning
the appointment of priests: Israel was called to be 'a kingdom of priests' (Exo
19:5,6). Therefore the consecration of the priests set forth parabolically was
what was expected of them, and the whole congregation was called together to
witness it (Lev 8:3). The priests represented the nation in miniature, but their
failings (eg, Lev 10), brought home the grim reality that they fell short of the
ideal. Further, in that a section of the priestly people were permitted to
minister at the altar and tabernacle. Israel was reminded that as yet it was
unfit to assume the priestly privileges to which it had been called. In the
symbolism of the consecration service the people would thus discover a spur to
effort and a check to pride. The consecration of priests was on the same day as
that of the tabernacle, etc (Exo 29:44). Antitypically, the priest, tabernacle,
and altar were similarly arranged as shown in Heb 13:10; 9:11,23, etc. So Moses
recorded: (1) Instructions for the consecration of the priests chosen for
service: vv 1-5. (2) The priests to be cleansed: v 6. (3) They are clothed: vv
7-9. (4) The tabernacle anointed: v 11. (5) Aaron anointed as high priest: v 12.
(6) Aaron's sons anointed as priests and the altar atoned: vv 13-17. (7) A ram
is burnt: vv 18-21. (8) The ram of consecration: vv 22-30. (9) Eating of the
holy things: vv 31-36.
"The consecration of the priests denoted activity devoted to
the service of Yahweh (v 27). The priest was not to own property, nor support
himself. He was to live from the tabernacle service (vv 31,32) and his life was
to be devoted exclusively to this on behalf of Israel. Like Christ, he must be
about his Father's business (Luk 2:49). Thus Christ was the antitype of all the
elements of divine worship in Israel" (GEM).
"There is a particular order of events we should notice in the
narrative of the ordination of Aaron and his sons to be priests. The lessons we
learn from them are something that we should try and put into practice in our
own lives.
"Aaron and his sons were first washed and then dressed in
their priestly garments. The first thing we should do as we come to serve God is
to prepare ourselves by washing in baptism and then clothing ourselves with
spiritual clothes: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience,
forgiveness and love (Col 3:12-14).
"Next the sin offering was offered for Aaron and his sons.
Once we are dressed we should confess and repent of our sins and pray for
forgiveness.
"The third step was to present the burnt offering - an
offering totally dedicated to the LORD. Our third step is the same: To
completely dedicate ourselves to the work of our God, having no distractions and
with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength.
"The ram for the ordination offering was offered next. The
unique thing about this was the blood placed on the right ear, thumb and big toe
of Aaron and his sons. This speaks to me of the dedication of our ears to God's
word, our hands to his work and our feet to his path.
"Finally, Aaron and his sons were to stay in the tent of
meeting and to eat the offerings. It was a time of fellowship with the LORD.
Once we are dedicated and have been prepared we too will be able to share
fellowship with him" (RP).
Lev 8:12
Three anointings in the Old Testament are typical of the Lord
Jesus Christ in his three capacities, or offices, in the New Testament: (1)
Moses anointed Aaron as a priest in Lev 8:12, typical of Christ in his role as
the great High Priest. (2) Elijah anointed Elisha as prophet in 1Ki 19:16,
typical of Christ as the greatest of the prophets. (3) Samuel anointed David as
king in 1Sa 16:1, typical of Christ as the son of David, and future king upon
David's throne.
Lev 8:14
We must have a sin offering (Christ) before the burnt offering
(self-consecration) (v 21) and the peace/fellowship offering (fellowship with
God) (Lev 9:4).
Lev 8:35
Duty, responsibility, commitment, obligation -- as a servant,
watchman.