Praise the Lord Jesus Christ, please study this chapter and then answer all 154 questions at the end of this chapter.

Leviticus Chapter 8

In the last few lessons, we saw God through Moses, training Aaron and his sons in the way all of the offerings were to be made. At the time this was done, the head of each house operated as the priest of his family. Someone may ask, why the family of Aaron was chosen to be the priestly family? The first born son of each family was God’s. God worked out a system where each first born son could be purchased back from God by paying the silver shekel of the temple. When Moses came down the mountain with the 10 Commandments, Moses told them all that were on God’s side to come to him.

The tribe of Levi came to Moses. At that moment, God decided the priestly tribe would be the tribe of Levi. From the tribe of Levi, God chose Aaron and his sons to be the first high priest and priests to carry on the work in the tabernacle. In the last few lessons, we have seen the things Aaron and his sons were instructed on. Notice, that they were not instructed on how to make a living, or how to conduct worldly lives. They were taught the works of God. Ministers today being taught for the ministry should be taught more Bible and less finance and psychology. Enough said, now we will get on with the lesson.

Verses 1-36: Aaron and his sons were consecrated before they ministered to the Lord. The consecration of Aaron and his sons had been ordered long before (see notes on Exodus 29:1-28). But is here described with all the ceremonial details as it was done after the tabernacle was completed and the regulations for the various sacrifices enacted.

Leviticus 8:1 “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,”

The following section or paragraph, relating to the consecration of Aaron and his sons, was delivered, according to Jarchi, seven days before the setting up of the tabernacle. But to me it seems to have been delivered after the setting it up, since it was out of the tabernacle that the Lord said all those things recorded in the preceding chapters. And after he had given out the laws concerning sacrifices. Then he renewed the order for the consecration of Aaron and his sons, that they might offer them.

“Saying”: As follows.

If we will notice in all this, Moses was God’s earthly agent at this time. In fact, we will see Moses in the next few verses acting in the position of God’s ordained high priest, in the ordination of Aaron and his sons. Remember, the training these separated men had, was in the ways of God.

Leviticus 8:2 “Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread;”

“The garments” (see notes on Exodus 28:1-43).

“The anointing oil”: Oil was used for ceremonial anointing (8:12, 30).

“Sin offering” (see notes on 4:1 – 5:13, especially 4:3-12).

God gives Moses specific instructions on exactly what he will need in the ordination services. Moses and Aaron must have everything needed ready for the services. In the gathering of the proper materials for this ordination, I see that before a person is ordained of God to be a minister, much preparation is necessary. A person must carefully weigh the cost before beginning. The call of God is without repentance, so we must be sure before we decide to embark on this road.

Leviticus 8:3 “And gather thou all the congregation together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.”

That is, the heads of the tribes and the elders of the people, as Aben Ezra interprets it. For the whole body of the people, and every individual of them, could not be got together.

“Unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation”: Taking this for the whole court itself, as it sometimes is. Though no doubt on this occasion as great a number was convened as well could be admitted into the court, or about it. To be spectators and witnesses of the solemn investiture of Aaron and his sons with the priestly office.

This is not to be done privately. This should be an event for all the congregation to witness. You remember, Jesus was baptized in the river Jordan where many had come to be baptized. The congregation must be aware of who God had ordained to lead them, before they would follow his instructions. It is wonderful to be a leader, but the people have to be willing to follow, before you can lead them.

Leviticus 8:4 “And Moses did as the LORD commanded him; and the assembly was gathered together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.”

He convened Aaron and his sons, and the heads of the people, at the door of the tabernacle, and came himself. And brought with him the garments, the oil, and sacrifices, even everything necessary for the consecration.

“And the assembly was gathered together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation”: And this was, according to the Targum of Jonathan, on the twenty third day of the month Adar or February. But it rather seems to be later, some time in the beginning of Nisan or March, and before the Passover began (see Num. 9:1).

Notice in all of this, that Moses does exactly as God has instructed him. These are gathered at the entrance, you will note.

Leviticus 8:5 “And Moses said unto the congregation, This [is] the thing which the LORD commanded to be done.”

Having convened them, he opened to them the reason of their being called together, which was not done of himself, but by divine direction.

“This is the thing which the Lord commanded to be done”: Namely, what follows, concerning the consecration of Aaron and his sons to be priests. And the investiture of them with that office, attended with various rites and ceremonies to be performed, of which they were to be witnesses.

You may remember from the Exodus teaching, that the people feared God greatly, and they had asked Moses to talk to God for them. They were used to hearing from God through Moses. Then it must be Moses to tell them that a new day has dawned, and now they will have new instructions on how to approach holy God. Moses reminds them that this is not instructions from himself, but from the LORD through him.

Leviticus 8:6 “And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water.”

Presenting their bodies a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1), Aaron and his sons were officially anointed and appointed to their priesthood. By comparison, Jesus needed no preliminary sacrifices, as He had no sin.

This washing them with water is very similar to baptism. This is washing the ways of the world off of them. This removing the earth from Aaron and his sons was the first step to being ordained of God to do the work He has called them to do. Notice at the beginning of Jesus ministry, even though He had no sin, the ceremonial washing (baptism), was performed. We Christians must be washed in the blood of the Lamb of God (Jesus), before we can put on our robe of righteousness. Even in becoming a Christian, the heart must be prepared (we must repent of our sins). Then we are baptized (buried with Christ, and rise to new life in Him). Then, we are ready to witness for Him.

Leviticus 8:7 “And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound [it] unto him therewith.”

To the laver which was in the court of the tabernacle.

“And washed them with water”: To show that they should be clean that bear the vessels of the Lord, and offer the sacrifices of the people. All that are in public office in the house of God ought to have both clean hands and a pure heart. To hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience, and to be of a pure and holy conversation. And indeed, all that are made kings and priests to God, as all the saints are, they are washed from their sins in the blood of Jesus (Rev. 1:5).

At the baptism of Jesus, we saw the Dove descend upon Him. Jesus already was full of the Spirit of God within His flesh before baptism, but now He was clothed with the Spirit, as well. God the Father confirmed Jesus’ ordination when the voice came from heaven and said

Matthew 3:17 “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

This coat, put on the priest, was his robe of authority from God. It also was his covering. This robe was of fine white linen, which symbolizes righteousness. This is the same type of white linen that the Christians will wear in heaven (washed in the blood of the Lamb). The girdle was a sash made to hold this robe tight to the body of the priest. The ephod was like a vest that went over the robe. The vest had two onyx stones at the shoulders with the twelve tribes of Israel engraved on them. The priest carried the people on his shoulders. Underneath the onyx stones was a pocket of Gold which held the stones. Gold symbolizes God. This shows me that this tribe was on the high priest’s shoulder, but God was there also to undergird and strengthen the high priest for this great task.

This ephod, or vest, was held together with golden chains. So much gold here tells me that the strength of the high priest was in God. On this ephod was the breast plate a span wide and a span long which held 12 stones which represented the 12 tribes of Israel. This tells me that all 12 tribes were not just on the shoulders of the high priest, but on his heart, as well. These stones were also, mounted in Gold. We Christians must be set in Jesus also. The Israelites must be stayed on God (this is what the mounted in gold shows), for the priest to help them. There was a pouch on this ephod between the vest and the heart of the high priest. God would speak through the Urim and the Thummim to the people.

I believe God spoke to the people through the heart of the high priest. I also believe for a minister to be effective in bringing the message of God to the people, God must press into the heart of the minister and speak through the heart of the minister. Even Jesus said He spoke the words of the Father.

John 14:10 ” Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.”

I believe in the garment of the high priest; God is showing us that first you must be called to be a minister of God’s Word. The next step is to study the Bible and prepare yourself to handle God’s Word correctly. The washing shows the putting off of the world and everything of it. Then the ordination begins. God gives the minister the white linen garment of righteousness. A minister must be separated from the world and must live a separated life. They also must be righteous in God’s sight. They must be willing to take the whole congregation on their shoulders with the help of God. They must keep the congregation on their heart. The minister must draw strength from God to hold this congregation together. The minister must decide from the beginning, that the message must be God’s message that God has placed on the heart of the minister. No ministry based on any other system can ever work. This is God’s plan, not man’s. One of the most important things in the ministry is to be endowed with power from on High through the baptism (dedication), in the Holy Spirit of God. The power of the minister and his message is when God speaks to the people through them.

Luke 12:11-12 “And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and [unto] magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:” “For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.”

I will say one more time, that to minister is a call of God, not a vocation.

Leviticus 8:8 “And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim.”

The “Urim and the Thummim” are thought to have been carried in a pocket in the High-Priests ephod. It is uncertain exactly how they worked, but some scholars believe these two special stones were flat on one side and rounded on the other, and when they were cast to the ground, God would reveal an answer: either yes (perhaps both landing flat side down), or no (perhaps both landing rounded side down), or no answer at all (if they did not land on the same side).

A feature on the breastplate of the High-Priest by which God’s people were given His decision on matters which required a decision (see note on Exodus 28:30).

In our study on Exodus, we went into what the Urim and Thummim meant, but it bears repeating here. The Urim means lights, and the Thummim means perfections. These symbolize complete truth. My own personal belief is that in this Urim and Thummim, there was a very precious diamond with the unspeakable name of God engraved on it. When the breastplate was tightened, the stone pressed into the heart of the high priest, and God spoke to the people through the heart of the high priest. A better way to say, in the breastplate, would be in the pouch behind the breastplate. The Urim and Thummim was not on the same side of the breastplate as the 12 stones of the tribes of Israel. The twelve stones were on the outside for all to see, the Urim and Thummim was on the underside. Jesus Christ is the perfect Light of the world. We can also see in this earthly high priest, a shadow of the eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ our LORD.

Leviticus 8:9 “And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, [even] upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.”

Which was made of fine linen, and was a wrap of that of a considerable length about his head (Exodus 28:39).

“Also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate”: Which was put upon the forehead of the high priest. Reaching from ear to ear, and was fastened to the mitre with a blue lace. And had on it this inscription, “holiness to the Lord” (Exodus 28:36), and is here therefore called:

“The holy crown”: Denoting both the sanctity and the dignity of the high priest. And typical of Christ, who is holiness itself. And to his people, and is now crowned with glory and honor, being a priest upon the throne. Hence the Jews speak of the crown of the law, and of the crown of the kingdom, and of the crown of the priesthood. And this, as all the rest, was done;

“As the Lord commanded Moses”: All these were made according to the divine order, and were put on in the manner and form he directed him. Of the mystery of the mitre and the crown (see notes on Exodus 28:39; 28:36; 28:37).

Mitre comes from the word (mitsnepheth), and it means a tiara or an official turban. This mitre, along with the robe showed the authority of the high priest. The gold plate on the forehead of the high priest meant that the high priest was to keep God ever before him. It also meant that the mind of the high priest should be stayed on God. This gold on the front of the forehead symbolized the power and authority of God in the ministry of the high priest. In all of this, Moses keeps reminding them that God gave these instructions.

Ministers, we should not be wasting God’s time and our time on finances, and government. That is someone else’s concern. The minister is the spiritual leader of the congregation. The spiritual needs of the congregation should be our priority. This is a holy calling, as you can easily see from the garments of the high priest. When the high priest was ministering in the things of God, He was totally separated from worldly things.

Leviticus 8:10 “And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that [was] therein, and sanctified them.”

Which Bezaleel had made, according to the directions which Moses had given him, and he had received from the Lord. This Moses brought with him to the door of the tabernacle, as he was ordered (Lev. 8:2). And now he took it and made use of it as follows:

“And anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein”: The altar of incense, the candlestick, and table of showbread.

“And sanctified them”: Separated and devoted them to sacred use and service.

The very first thing we must see here, is that this is not just any oil. This is special oil for the purpose of anointing. Let’s look back in Exodus and see that this oil is holy ointment.

Exodus 30:23-28 “Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred [shekels], and of sweet cinnamon half so much, [even] two hundred and fifty [shekels], and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty [shekels],” “And of cassia five hundred [shekels], after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin:” “And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.” “And thou shalt anoint the tabernacle of the congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony,” “And the table and all his vessels, and the candlestick and his vessels, and the altar of incense,” “And the altar of burnt offering with all his vessels, and the laver and his foot.”

We need to see in this that not only the building is to be anointed, but everything and everyone in it. The sanctuary, set aside for worshipping God then or now, should be kept holy. The oil ministers use in the church today to anoint people or the holy things of the sanctuary is pure olive oil, which symbolizes the Holy Spirit of God. We should not use just any oil, because the oil itself must be holy.

Leviticus 8:11 “And he sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all his vessels, both the laver and his foot, to sanctify them.”

The altar of burnt offering. The order for anointing it is given in (Exodus 30:28), but in that no directions are given for the manner of doing it by sprinkling. Nor the number of times it was to be sprinkled. Hence Jarchi confesses his ignorance, and says, “I know not how it was ordered about these sprinklings;” but no doubt Moses was instructed of God in what manner to anoint it, and how often. And the number seven may denote the perfect unction of it, and made it a fitter type of Christ, who received the unction of the Spirit without measure.

“And anointed the altar, and all its vessels”: Pans, shovels, basins, flesh hooks, and fire pans.

“Both the laver and his foot”: Which was for the priests to wash at. And very probably this was done before Moses brought Aaron and his sons there and washed them (Lev. 8:6). Since it seems most proper that it should be consecrated before used, as it follows:

“To sanctify them”: Set them apart for sacred use.

We know that the sprinkling seven times, symbolizes that this made it spiritually complete. We have spoken before that to sanctify something means that it has been set aside for God’s purpose. Things in the sanctuary then, or in our sanctuaries now, should not be used for other things. These things have been set aside for God’s purpose. We must not mix the world in God’s house. God’s house is holy.

Leviticus 8:12 “And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron’s head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.”

“To sanctify him”: This act was to ceremonially set Aaron apart from the congregation to be a priest unto God, and from the other priests to be High-Priest.

Notice here, that Aaron was set aside for God’s work in this sanctifying. He was empowered by the Holy Spirit of God to minister in the anointing. The oil poured on Aaron’s head was in such abundance that it ran down his face and even to the hem of his garment. This symbolizes his total dedication to God. You may say, how do you know this ran down to his hem? It was not sprinkled, it was poured. The word translated poured here, means overflowed, in some instances.

Leviticus 8:13 “And Moses brought Aaron’s sons, and put coats upon them, and girded them with girdles, and put bonnets upon them; as the LORD commanded Moses.”

His four sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. He ordered and directed them to come there, or sent proper persons to fetch them. Or from one part of the court, where they were, he might accompany them there.

“And put coats upon them, and girded them with girdles”: Which were made of fine linen (Exodus 39:27). And the coats being made long to reach down to the ankles, needed girdles, especially when in service, that they might perform it more expeditiously.

“And put bonnets on them”: Which were made of fine linen also, and differed from the mitre of the high priest only in the manner of rolling up the linen.

“As the Lord commanded Moses”: As all the above things were made, so they were all put on, according to the directions Moses received of the Lord, who was faithful in his house, with respect to everything he enjoined him (Heb. 3:2).

In the high priest Aaron, we were seeing a shadow of Jesus, the great High Priest. As in many of the types and shadows, we were also seeing the office of a pastor of a church. Now we will be looking at the sons of Aaron, who symbolize the Christians. The garment here, will be different. There will be no breastplate, or ouches of gold with the 12 tribes on the shoulder. These coats are made of white linen, the same as the garments we Christians will be wearing in heaven. These coats of linen symbolize the righteousness that the Christian takes on as a covering, after Jesus took our sin upon His body. The priests will not have the responsibility of carrying the congregation on their shoulders, or their heart. Christians do have on a garment of authority, but this authority is to use the name of the High Priest and minister in His name. Just as Aaron’s son’s authority is through Aaron the high priest, so the authority of the Christian is in the name of Jesus. We have power of attorney to use the name of Jesus, and Aaron’s sons minister under the supervision of their father. The fact the girdle was on them, showed the presence of God. We see in the bonnet, which was white linen, the covering of pure thoughts. We also see the beauty of holiness in these bonnets. There was no gold on this bonnet, as there was under the mitre that Aaron wore.

Exodus 28:40 “And for Aaron’s sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.”

There is really no need to add to this Scripture, it explains the bonnets. Let us look at two Scriptures about the Christian’s covering for the head, since these priests symbolize the believers in Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.”

Ephesians 6:17 “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”

White linen symbolizes righteousness in Christ. This linen bonnet could easily be thought of as the helmet of salvation then.

To summarize this lesson, we must realize the significance of these priests and the high priest to our churches today. Remember that in this particular Bible study, we are looking at the spiritual message that is to be found in each of the verses. Go back through this lesson again, and see if we Christians and the pastors of our churches are living up to this high calling of God. If not, what are we going to do about it?

Verses 14-17: (See notes on 4:3-12).

Leviticus 8:14 “And he brought the bullock for the sin offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the bullock for the sin offering.”

To the tabernacle, into the court of it, to the altar of burnt offering there. That is, he caused it to be brought thither as he was ordered (Exodus 29:10).

“And Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the bullock for the sin offering”: Their right hands, according to the Targum of Jonathan, which is not improbable, thereby as it were transferring their sins to it, and confessing them over it. Acknowledging their guilt, and that they deserved to die, as that creature would. Which was to be a vicarious sacrifice for sin, and whose blood was to purify and sanctify the altar, at which they, sinful men, were to serve.

Leviticus 8:15 ” And he slew [it]; and Moses took the blood, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it.”

Not Aaron, nor any of his sons, who as yet were not fully consecrated and installed into their office. But Moses, as follows:

“And Moses took the blood”: Which was received into a basin when the bullock was slain.

“And put it upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger”: Upon the four horns of the altar, which were at the four corners of it. And dipping his finger into the blood, he besmeared the horns with it, and drew it about with his finger here and there. And so is said to be done round about the altar, as these horns were.

“And purified the altar”: Or cleansed it. Not from moral guilt and pollution, which it was incapable of, but from all ceremonial pollution it might be supposed to have.

“And poured the blood at the bottom of the altar”: The rest of the blood he did not use about the horns.

“And sanctified it”: Separated it from common to sacred use.

“To make reconciliation upon it”: That it might be fit to have sacrifices offered on it to make atonement and reconciliation for sins. For which reason, it was necessary it should itself be pure and holy, in such sense it was capable of being so.

It is the shed blood which reconciles to God. We went into great detail in an earlier lesson on the significance of these things. I will just touch on a few here, since it is repeating an earlier lesson. In that lesson, we learned that the laying of the hands on the head of the animal, was symbolically transferring sin to the animal. No forgiveness was possible without the shedding of blood, and this animal becomes the substitute for Aaron and his sons. I will remind you that horns symbolize power. This animal is not only taking care of the sins of Aaron and his sons, but the blood is cleansing the altar. Remember in a previous lesson, the blood at the foot of the altar, which was swallowed up by the earth, symbolized the blood of Jesus that was shed for all the earth. We mentioned in the last lesson that everything in the sanctuary, as well as the sanctuary itself, was set aside for God’s purpose from this moment on, and would not be used for worldly events. Since this sanctuary symbolizes our church building today, this should tell us something.

Leviticus 8:16 “And he took all the fat that [was] upon the inwards, and the caul [above] the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and Moses burned [it] upon the altar.”

Called the “omentum”.

“And the caul above the liver”: The lobe upon the liver, as the Septuagint; or “the caul” and “the liver”, so says Jarchi. The liver separately, for he took a little of the liver with it, the caul.

“And the two kidneys, and their fat, and Moses burned it upon the altar”: The fat of these several parts, which has been often observed was done. And in imitation of which, the same has been done by the Persians and their Magi, as related by Strabo and others. And by the Romans, to which Persius refers. And these several parts are generally covered with fat in fat creatures, and especially sheep, as Aristotle observes.

It is important to remember again, that these inward parts, symbolize the inward parts of Jesus. These elements make a sweet smelling savor to God when they are totally burned up. Jesus glorified the Father in His crucifixion. The flesh of Jesus was as a man, but inside He was Immanuel (God with us).

Leviticus 8:17 “But the bullock, and his hide, his flesh, and his dung, he burnt with fire without the camp; as the LORD commanded Moses.”

Aben Ezra observes, that some say that he did this himself. And others, that it was done by orders, that is, he ordered others to do it, which seems probable enough (see note on 4:11).

“As the Lord commanded Moses (Exodus 29:14).

This symbolizes the flesh of Jesus, which became cursed for us, when He took the sin of the whole world upon His body. Just as Jesus was crucified outside the camp, this offering was totally burned up outside the camp. Jesus fulfilled every aspect of these Old Testament sacrifices and offerings. There are several things we must look at in all of this. Moses is still acting as high priest here. This flesh is not eaten, but burned. Aaron and his sons have not begun to minister in the sanctuary at this point. There would be no one to eat the meat. This blood offering was to purify, not only Aaron, but his sons and the altar. After this offering, Aaron will be ceremoniously clean.

Verses 18-21: (See notes on 1:3-17).

Leviticus 8:18 “And he brought the ram for the burnt offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.”

One of the two he was ordered to take (Lev. 8:2).

“And Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram”: As they had done before on the head of the bullock (see Lev. 8:14). Their right hands, as the Targum of Jonathan, and that at the same time.

Leviticus 8:19 “And he killed [it]; and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about.”

That is, Moses killed the ram, as the Septuagint version expresses it.

“And Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about”: As he did the blood of the bullock (Lev. 8:15).

After the sin offering, Aaron would be clothed with righteousness, like we are when we put our sin on Christ and receive His righteousness. Now after this burnt offering, Aaron will be holy in the sight of God. We dealt with all of this in the burnt offering in an earlier lesson. This brings peace and confidence to Aaron.

Leviticus 8:20 “And he cut the ram into pieces; and Moses burnt the head, and the pieces, and the fat.”

Cut off its head and quartered it.

“And Moses burnt the head, and the pieces, and the fat”: Even all of it, as the following verse shows.

Leviticus 8:21 “And he washed the inwards and the legs in water; and Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar: it [was] a burnt sacrifice for a sweet savor, [and] an offering made by fire unto the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.”

The one being taken out, the other cut off.

“And Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar”: It was a burnt sacrifice for a sweet savor, and an offering made by fire unto the Lord. As the Lord commanded Moses (see Exodus 29:18).

We went into the washing of the inward parts and the legs in another lesson, but we will just touch on it here. God will not accept an unclean offering. The most important part of our coming to the LORD, is that we are cleansed inside. We have talked before about how God will not settle for anything less than a pure clean heart. Many people profess to be followers of God, and from the outside looking on they are, but God looks at the heart of man. God wants us to be clean from the inside out.

Leviticus 8:22 “And he brought the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.”

Or “filling”, or “fullness’s”. Because, as Jarchi says, these filled and perfected the priests in their priesthood. This was the finishing and consummation of their consecration. What is said in this and the three following verses (Lev. 8:23), is the same as is ordered (Exodus 29:19), and needs no further explanation (see notes on Exodus 29:19; 29:20; 29:21; 29:22).

This second ram, is actually a peace offering. When a ram is offered for a peace offering, it is called the ram of consecration.

Verses 23-24: “Right ear … right hand … right foot”: Using a part to represent the whole, Aaron and his sons were consecrated to listen to God’s holy Word, to carry out his holy assignments, and to live holy lives.

Leviticus 8:23 “And he slew [it]; and Moses took of the blood of it, and put [it] upon the tip of Aaron’s right ear, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot.”

Before casting forth the blood round the altar in the usual manner, Moses took a portion of the blood and put some of it on the right extremities of each of the priests. This, being performed with the blood of the peace-offering, has been supposed to figure the readiness of the priest who is at peace with Yahweh to hear with the ear and obey the divine word. To perform with the hand the sacred duties of his office. And to walk with the feet in the way of holiness.

This probably seems silly to some, but I personally believe it is one of the most vivid instructions in the Bible for people who are called of God to minister. Remember, from the statement above, that this is the offering of consecration to God. Notice the three things that were consecrated to God. Always, the right side was the spiritual blessing. The right ear being consecrated to the LORD would mean that the priest being consecrated would listen to clean things. His hearing would be cleansed by the blood. The thumb of his right hand being anointed with the blood, would indicate that everything he put his hand to do would be clean through the blood. Then this priests work for the LORD would be a pure, holy work. This priest should not do anything except God’s work. We see in this great toe of the right foot of this priest being anointed, that the walk of the priest anointed must be holy. This should be a good example for all those who are called to minister for God. We must not stay and listen to unholy conversation, everything we do should be a godly task, and our walk should be holy as well. Have we consecrated ourselves to this extent?

Leviticus 8:24 “And he brought Aaron’s sons, and Moses put of the blood upon the tip of their right ear, and upon the thumbs of their right hands, and upon the great toes of their right feet: and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about.”

Having performed these symbolical acts upon the high priest, Moses now repeats the same in the case of the four ordinary priests. The right members were chosen for these symbolical acts because they are represented as the strongest, and are therefore most able to execute the will of God (see also Exodus 29:20). The cured leper had the same parts of the body touched with the blood of the trespass offering (see Lev. 14:14-17).

The thing that we must see in this is that the priests, sons of Aaron, also were anointed with the blood of consecration on their right ear, the thumb of their right hand, and their great toe of their right foot. The sons of Aaron are types of the believers in Christ. We must see in this that all Christian’s walk, work, and hearing must be stayed on God. I have said so many times in these lessons, that Christianity is a daily walk. If we are true Christians, our desire will be to be Christlike. When you are saved, you become a brand new person in Christ. Old habits and sins have passed away.

Leviticus 8:25 “And he took the fat, and the rump, and all the fat that [was] upon the inwards, and the caul [above] the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and the right shoulder:”

After the sin offering and burnt offering had been presented on their behalf, this was their peace offering. By which they declared the pleasure which they felt in entering upon the service of God and being brought into close communion with Him as the ministers of His sanctuary. Together with their confident reliance on His grace to help them in all their sacred duties.

This says to me that when I became a Christian, I was not just clean on the outside, but everything within me was cleansed also. I think these following Scriptures say it all.

Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

A person who is saved in Jesus Christ is a separated person consecrated to the life Christ desires for them. You cannot be a true Christian and be involved in worldly things.

Leviticus 8:26 “And out of the basket of unleavened bread, that [was] before the LORD, he took one unleavened cake, and a cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, and put [them] on the fat, and upon the right shoulder:”

Moses was ordered to take (Lev. 8:2).

“That was before the Lord”: Being brought to the tabernacle, where now the Lord had taken up his residence.

“He took one unleavened cake”: Which had no oil in it or upon it.

“And a cake of oiled bread”: Which was mixed and tempered with oil.

“And one wafer”: Which was anointed with oil.

“And put them upon the fat, and upon the right shoulder”: Of the ram of consecration, which he took from it, and laid the cakes uppermost upon them.

Leviticus 8:27 “And he put all upon Aaron’s hands, and upon his sons’ hands, and waved them [for] a wave offering before the LORD.”

The fat and the right shoulder, with the cakes upon them.

“And waved them for a wave offering before the Lord” (see notes on Exodus 29:24).

Leviticus 8:28 “And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt [them] on the altar upon the burnt offering: they [were] consecrations for a sweet savor: it [is] an offering made by fire unto the LORD.”

After they had been waved before the Lord.

“And burnt them upon the altar, upon the burnt offering”: Of the other ram; or after that burnt offering, as Jarchi. Who observes, that we do not find that the shoulder of peace offerings was offered in any place but this, it belonged to the priest. But this being at the consecration of the priests, it was offered to the Lord by Moses, to whom it seems to have belonged, as the breast also. But that was not burnt, but eaten. And the same writer affirms, that Moses ministered all the seven days of the consecration in a white shirt, or surplice. And that he might wear a linen coat, as priests did, is not improbable, since he now officiated as one.

“They were consecrated for a sweet savor”: Acceptable to the Lord, and so the priests, Aaron and his sons likewise, on whose account they were made.

“It is an offering made by fire unto the Lord”: The fat, the shoulder, and the cakes.

We know that Jesus is the Bread. We see that Aaron and his sons lifted the bread up to heaven and waved this offering before the Lord. The following Scriptures show that the disciples and we who claim to be believers have handled the Word of God.

1 John 1:1-3 “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;” “(For the life was manifested, and we have seen [it], and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)” “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”

Leviticus 8:29 “And Moses took the breast, and waved it [for] a wave offering before the LORD: [for] of the ram of consecration it was Moses’ part; as the LORD commanded Moses.”

Of the ram of consecration.

“And waved it for a wave offering before the Lord”: This Moses seems to have waved with his own hands, and not upon the hands of Aaron and his sons. Putting his under them, as in the wave offering of the fat, shoulder, and cakes, and for which the following words seem to give a reason (see note on 7:30-32).

“For of the ram of consecration it was Moses’s part”: The breast of it was his.

“As the Lord commanded Moses (see Exodus 29:26).

This is to be eaten of Moses, after it was waved before the LORD. You remember that Moses was fulfilling the office of high priest in these ceremonies, so he was to eat this breast that had been waved before the LORD.

Leviticus 8:30 “And Moses took of the anointing oil, and of the blood which [was] upon the altar, and sprinkled [it] upon Aaron, [and] upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon his sons’ garments with him; and sanctified Aaron, [and] his garments, and his sons, and his sons’ garments with him.”

Which was sprinkled upon the altar round about (Lev. 8:24). And these two seem to be mixed together, since it follows.

“And sprinkled it upon Aaron”: etc. (see notes on Exodus 29:21).

As we have said in these lessons before, Aaron was a shadow not only of the ministers in the church, but his primary shadow was of Christ the great High Priest. The main difference shown in this particular verse is that Aaron’s anointing was of this earth and was a partial anointing. Jesus was the fullness of the godhead bodily, and was not High Priest for a season, as Aaron was, but the High Priest forever. The priesthood of Jesus is not limited to this earth, but is for heaven as well.

Leviticus 8:31 “And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that [is] in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it.”

After he had offered the bullock, the two rams, and cakes of unleavened bread for the consecration of them.

“Boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation”: The remainder of the flesh of the ram of consecration, which was all but the fat, the shoulder, and the breast.

“And there eat it with the bread that is in the basket of consecration”: What was left of that, there being one cake of a sort taken out of it and burnt.

“As I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it” (see Exodus 29:32).

Remember again, that this second ram was the ram of consecration. It was really the peace offering. We must not lose sight of the fact that these sons of Aaron are shadows, or representatives, of all Christians. We also, noted that this flesh of the ram and the bread are symbolic of the flesh of Jesus.

John 6:53 “Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.”

Here again, we see that not only the ministers are to take of the Bread of Jesus, but all believers in Christ are to take of it as well.

Leviticus 8:32 “And that which remaineth of the flesh and of the bread shall ye burn with fire.”

Until the next morning, which could not be eaten by Aaron and his sons.

“Shall ye burn with fire”: That it might not be corrupted, nor put to common nor superstitious uses.

This is not to be mishandled, since it represents the flesh of Jesus. Ministers can take note of this as well. When we put out the Bread or the Fruit of the vine for communion, we are not to put what is left over back for another time. What has touched the serving trays must be consumed by the minister and the person who prepared it, or burned in the fire.

Verses 33-36: To emphasize the importance of following God’s law, Aaron and his sons remained inside “the door of the tabernacle of the congregation” for the seven days of consecration. Their failure to obey the law would lead to death.

Leviticus 8:33 “And ye shall not go out of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation [in] seven days, until the days of your consecration be at an end: for seven days shall he consecrate you.”

Which was the time of their consecration, so long it lasted. And they had provision enough every day from the ram of consecration, whose flesh they were to boil and eat. The Jewish writers are puzzled where they should ease nature, since the place was holy. But the orders are not to be considered as so strict but that they might go in and out, though they were not to stay long, or to attend to any other business. And it was always necessary there should be some upon the spot, keeping the Lord’s charge in their turns. And it was always requisite that they should also sleep alternately. For it cannot be thought that they should be all this time without rest, any more than without food.

“Until the days of your consecration be at an end”: Which were to continue so long.

“For seven days shall he consecrate you”: That is, Moses, who here speaks of himself in the third person, as appears from (Exodus 29:35). Aben Ezra observes, that the word “end” is wanting, and that the sense is, at the end of seven days he shall consecrate you, finish their consecration. All the seven days he was doing it, and at the end of the seventh concluded it.

This seven day period shows that his dedication to the service of the sanctuary was complete. This also shows total separation from the world. Seven as you remember, means spiritually complete.

Leviticus 8:34 “As he hath done this day, [so] the LORD hath commanded to do, to make an atonement for you.”

The same were to be repeated every day until the seven days were ended. So Jarchi and Aben Ezra.

“To make an atonement for you, of the business of the day of atonement”: And say, that it may be learned from hence that the high priest was obliged to be separate (from his own house and family), seven days before that. And so, the priest that burned the red heifer; and the same is observed by other Jewish writers. But this refers to neither of these cases, but to the present consecration of Aaron and his sons. And the making atonement by sacrifice for them, and the sanctification of them to minister in the priest’s office.

The instructions that God had given Moses, have been carried out to the letter. This is what we must remember as well. Do it God’s way. All the schemes we figure up in our mind to help our ministry will not help. Do it God’s way, and it cannot fail. His way is perfect.

Leviticus 8:35 “Therefore shall ye abide [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation day and night seven days, and keep the charge of the LORD, that ye die not: for so I am commanded.”

“Keep the charge of the LORD”: The commandment of God ordered Aaron and his sons to do exactly as the Lord had spoken through Moses. Disobedience would meet with death.

Abide means to continually stay. We can see in the position at the door of the sanctuary, the fact that the ministers of the Word of God are not in heaven (holy of holies). Neither are they in the world (outside the gate of the tabernacle). The minister, (who Aaron represents), and the Christians, (who Aaron’s sons represent), are actually on their way to heaven, but not there yet. All we who profess to be Christians, may be in the world, but we are not of this world. Our ultimate destination is heaven.

1 John 2:15-17 “Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” “For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

This tells the position of the minister and the believers in Christ. The minister’s duty is to guard the entrance of the sanctuary. The work of the LORD is not a part time job. If you are acceptable to God, you must be a Christian 24 hours a day, seven days a week. God will not settle for less. In the next few verses, Christians are instructed on how to watch while they are still on earth.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” “Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober.” “For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.” “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.”

To me, one of the saddest parables in the Bible, is the parable of the 10 virgins. Spiritual virgins are all believers in Christ. This tells me that all ten of the virgins were believers. Five were ready, and five were not, when the call came. I believe this shows us the condition of Christians today. It doesn’t matter whether they are the head of a church, or just a member. Remember with me one more time, that Aaron represents the leaders of the church and his sons represent the believing congregation. We read in the last Scripture above from Leviticus, “Abide, that ye die not. What could cause them to die? They could die if they step back into the world or let the world come in at the door. I will not belabor this, but we see the world creeping into the church today. We see many of our leaders going in and out to the world, and then coming back into the church. The warning if we do that, is DEATH. Will you be one of the five virgins that has watched and kept your lamp burning, or will you be one of the five who tired waiting for the LORD and let your lamp burn out?

Leviticus 8:36 “So Aaron and his sons did all things which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.”

They submitted to have them done to them, and for them, what was done on the first day of their consecration, all the rest of the days. And they kept within the tabernacle all that time as was enjoined them.

To obey is better than sacrifice.

1 Samuel 15:22 “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.”

God is sending a warning to our churches and their people today in these verses here in Leviticus. I can just hear some of you saying how ridiculous to study the Old Testament to know how to live today. What do the Scriptures themselves say about this?

1 Corinthians 10:11 “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

I said at the beginning of these lessons in Leviticus, it would be of no use at all to study this book of the Old Testament, if we could not see instructions for living pleasing lives before God today. Chapter 8 has taught us what our churches, and all who believe in the LORD should do today.

Leviticus 8: Questions