Leviticus 8:18-36
Q.1. Why were Aaron and his sons to be the first to identify with the sacrifice of the sin offering? – (Lev.8:18-21)
Though the role of the priest was to act as a go-between for sinners, they were never to forget their own sinfulness (Heb.5:1-4). The history of God’s people reveals a constant drift by the priests and shepherds into the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, whereby they lorded it over those whom they were to lead (c.f. Ezk.34:1-10, 17-22; Rev.2:6, 15). Before Aaron and the succeeding priesthood could ever minister on behalf of God’s erring people, they had to own up to their own culpability before a holy God. They needed a sin offering for themselves (Lev.8:18-21).
Q.2. What was the point of applying the blood of the ram of ordination to Aaron and his sons? – (Lev.8:22-29)
We are not told exactly, but this probably signified symbolically that the right ear lobe, thumb, and great toe represented the whole person i.e. they could hardly be totally immersed in blood (Lev.8:22-24). We have Christ’s own explanation, given to Peter when washing the feet of His disciples at the Last Supper (c.f. Jn.13:5-10). The priest needed to have dedicated ‘ears to hear’, ‘hands to serve’, and ‘feet to do’ God’s will. Therefore, Aaron and his sons made an offering of fat, and unleavened bread mixed with oil – and presented them as a wave offering before the Lord … they were an ordination offering for a soothing aroma; It was an offering by fire to the Lord (Lev.8:27 & 28 c.f. Lev.8:25-29). All was done – just as the Lord commanded to Moses (Lev.8:29).
Q.3. How was the seriousness of the ordination brought home to the priests? – (Lev.8:30-36)
Once the priest and their garments were anointed, they sat down to eat the approved offerings. However, they could not quickly return to their normal activities and thus treat the ordination lightly (Lev.8:30-33). They were commanded under threat of death – 34 The Lord has commanded to do as has been done this day, to make atonement on your behalf. 35 At the doorway of the tent of meeting, moreover, you shall remain day and night for seven days and keep the charge of the Lord, so that you will not die, for so I have been commanded.” (Lev.8:34-35). The penalty of the threat of death would be applied to Aaron’s two oldest sons, Nadab and Abihu not long after this (c.f. Lev.10:1-2).