DBG - February 5 - Leviticus 8-10

In this chapter we see the consecration of Aaron and the priesthood.  This chapter parallels the commandments for the occasion found in Exodus 29.

vs. 1-5 – The nation is gathered to witness the consecration of the priesthood, and the required items are gathered – Exodus 29:1-3

vs. 6 – The priests are ceremonially cleansed with water – Exodus 29:4

vs. 7-9 – Aaron is clothed with the uniform of the High Priest – Exodus 29:5-6

vs. 10-11 – Moses takes the anointing oil and places it on the implements and furniture of the Tabernacle – Exodus 30:26-29

vs. 12 – Aaron is anointed – Exodus 29:7, 30:30

vs. 13 – The other priests are dressed in their uniforms – Exodus 29:8-9

vs. 14-17 – Moses offers the bull as a sin offering for the priests – Exodus 29:10-14

vs. 18-21 – The first ram is offered as a burnt offering – Exodus 29:15-18

vs. 22-30 – The second ram is offered as a burnt offering.  Its blood is placed on each priests’ ear, thumb, and toe. The parts of the ram that God had claimed (fat, kidneys, etc.) are put with two cakes of bread and one wafer and these are all burned on the altar.  The blood of the ram is mixed with anointing oil and sprinkled on the priests. – Exodus 29:19-25

vs. 31-32 – The meat of the ram is eaten by the priests – Exodus 29:26-34

vs. 33-36 – This ceremony is repeated for seven days – Exodus 29:35-37

In this chapter we God’s confirmation of His acceptance of Aaron as High Priest.

vs. 1 – This takes place on the eighth day following the seven-day consecration ceremony.

vs. 2-6 – The sacrifices are prepared and the people gather.

vs. 7 - Aaron is commanded to perform his fist sacrifice as High Priest.

vs. 8-11 – Aaron offers a calf as a sin offering for himself.

vs. 12-14 – Aaron offers a ram as a burnt offering.

vs. 15-22 – Aaron offers the sacrifices for the people.

vs. 23-24 – God signals his acceptance by sending a burst of flame to immediately consume the sacrifices on the altar.

In this chapter we see the swift punishment for the unfaithfulness of Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu.

vs. 1 – Nadab means “liberal or generous” and Abihu means “God is my father”.  Their sin was in not obeying the prescribed ordinances for coming before the presence of God in the Tabernacle.  They had gone inside to offer incense on the golden altar before the veil. The issue seems to be that they did not use coals and fire from the brazen altar, but rather common fire from the camp – see 16:12.

vs. 2-3 – God is swift in judging these men that failed to honor His holiness.  Jewish tradition is that this happened the same day as the previous chapter.

vs. 4-5 – The bodies of the two men are treated as refuse and carried outside the camp.

vs. 6-7 – The surviving sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, are commanded not to mourn for their brothers and remain in the Tabernacle.

vs. 8-11 – We must wonder here if alcohol played a role in the poor decisions of Nadab and Abihu.  Priests were forbidden to drink wine when they served in the Tabernacle so that their minds stayed clear.

vs. 12-15 – Aaron and his surviving sons are commanded to continue their work and eat the portions allotted to them.

vs. 16-20 – The chapter ends with an event on the same day where Eleazar and Ithamar did not eat from a sacrifice they should have, instead burning it completely on the altar.  Moses confronts them and Aaron responds that it was simply not proper to expect them to do so after the events of the day. 

It is noteworthy that at every turn humanity fails.  We truly fall short of the glory of God in every aspect, even when we serve Him.  A.C. Gaebelein comments on the failures of the priesthood right at its onset: “The earthly priesthood has failure stamped upon it.”  From the very beginning the need is present of the True High Priest, Jesus Christ.  See Hebrews 4:14-16 for example.

Our hymn today, “Aaron a type of Christ”,  was written by John Newton and I think it was first published in 1799.  It starts by describing Aaron but then shifts to the greater priest, Christ.

See Aaron, God's anointed priest,
Within the veil appear,
In robes of mystic meaning dressed,
Presenting Israel's prayer.

The plate of gold which crowns his brows,
His holiness describes;
His breast displays in shining rows,
The names of all the tribes.

With the atoning blood he stands
Before the mercy-seat,
And clouds of incense from his hands
Arise with odor sweet.

Through him, the eye of faith decries
A greater priest than he:
Thus Jesus pleads above the skies,
For you, my friends, and me.

He bears the names of all his saints,
Deep on his heart engraved;
Attentive to the state and wants
of all his love has saved.

In him a holiness complete,
Light and perfections shine,
And wisdom, grace, and glory meet;
A Savior all divine.