Day 49, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Leviticus 8–10
Honor Versus Dishonor
Soldiers wear military uniforms to distinguish them from civilians. The uniform doesn't simply entitle the soldiers to fight—they represent their nation and codes of conduct. The soldier who wears his uniform honorably will behave consistently with those standards—those who don't are discharged from service. The priests of Israel also wore special garments for similar reasons.
A Day of Honor; Dedicating the Priests
About 1444 BC, on a particular day, Moses chose male members from Aaron's family of the tribe of Levi to serve as priests. The vestments they would wear would signify their duties before God and their fellow Israelites. This was a time of consecration, a dedication for service to the LORD. The portable worship center (the tabernacle) was complete—all its golden poles and connecting rods assembled, its ornate woven curtains hung and its furniture in place. The priest's garments were ready to wear. Then, Moses showed the people and priests how to perform the sacrifices according to the instructions God gave him.
In today's Bible reading, Moses dedicates the priests, and they're almost ready to begin their service. Before they begin, it's time to consecrate (dedicate and ceremonially purify) them.
Moses gathers all the Israelites together at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting (probably meaning the tabernacle) to witness it. Before their eyes, he washes Aaron and his sons, clothes them with linen tunics, and puts priestly garments on them. Aaron wears the special vestment of the high priest. These uniforms distinguish them from the rest of the Israelites for holy service to the LORD. Then Moses pours anointing oil over all furnishings of the tabernacle and upon Aaron and his sons, consecrating them for service.
After dressing the priests, Moses offers sin and burnt offerings for Aaron and his sons as prescribed by God. Next, Moses offers a second ram for the ordination of the priests. From this animal's blood, he smears a little on their right earlobes, right thumbs of their right hands, and right toes of their right feet. He is dedicating and purifying them for service.
According to some Bible scholars, the blood put on the right earlobes, thumbs, and toes are symbols. Moses applied them to the right earlobes so they will remember to give attendance to the Law. He smeared blood on the right thumbs of their right hands to remember to do what is right with their hands. Last, he spread it on the right toes of their right feet so they will remember to walk in paths of righteousness. Moses ordained the priests in this manner so they will remember their dedication to live a holy life.
How the dedication applies to us
This is a symbol of how the LORD consecrates Christians for service. God purifies and dedicates us with the blood of his Son. The Apostle Peter addresses strangers in the faith (non-Jewish believers) when he says,
[we] … have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood (1Peter 1:2a,b, NIV).
… you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1Peter 2:9, NIV).
After the official ordination of the priests, the people sacrifice a lamb for a fellowship offering for dedication and sharing. The priests receive the animals' thighs and the grain offering as an ordination meal, and Moses eats the breast. The ordination lasts seven days, and during this time, the priests aren't allowed to leave the tabernacle.
An Honorable Discharge of Duties
On the eighth day of the ordination, Moses showed the priests how to offer all the sacrifices prescribed by God. Afterward, Aaron and his sons assume the duties, and the LORD is honored by their obedience. How do we know? The glory of the LORD descends upon the tabernacle, and he consumes the sacrifice with fire.
A Dishonorable Discharge
Soon after Aaron and his sons assume the leadership as priests, Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, take censures and offer unauthorized fire before the LORD. Leviticus 10:9 seems to suggest that they are drunk and disorderly. In any case, whether drunkenness, carelessness, pride, or a combination of these causes them to disobey the LORD, God strikes them dead for dishonoring his holiness.
God says, “Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored” (Leviticus 10:3, NIV). Like all the priests, Nadab and Abihu were leaders and examples of holiness. Jesus would later say, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12:48b, NIV). Soon we will see God judge Moses harshly for dishonoring him before the Israelites (Numbers 20:7-12; Deuteronomy 32:48-52).
Although church leaders may not be killed, this should serve as a warning that the LORD may remove them from their place of service if they dishonor him before their people (Revelation 2:5). And, lest we regular Christians get too complacent, let’s remember that it’s by God’s grace that we are priests before him and examples to our world of his holiness (1Peter 2:9). Every thought or deed we do will be held to account on judgment day (Romans 14:12).
Therefore, the Apostle Paul would later say, “…whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17, NIV).
Nadab and Abihu are carried out of the camp by their cousins (not priests). Aaron and his other sons can't touch their dead bodies or leave the sanctuary to grieve. This may seem unfair to us, but we must remember they represent the holiness of God. Moses consecrated them for their ministry, and they're not finished with their holy service to the LORD. However, Aaron and his remaining sons fail to offer the sin offering properly as instructed, they're grieving. They were supposed to eat the good roasted parts of the sin offering, but they didn't think it appropriate to enjoy a meal today; in their hearts, they were mourning their brothers. Moses was angry at first, but after hearing their explanation, it pacified him.
End Notes: Adam Clark’s Commentary on the Bible and An Exposition of The Old Testament by Dr. John Gill, DD., ©1954, vol. 1, pp. 394-395.
Discussion
How are Christians dedicated before the LORD?
What might be an example of an honorable discharge of our Christian service versus a dishonorable charge?
Focus Verse
Colossians 3:17 (NIV) “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to Me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead: The preparations for worship are complete. Instructions are now given for the healthcare and holiness of the community. There are many essential principles we can learn from them in our Next Lesson. Join us!
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