Leviticus 8: The Priests Are Set Apart – Consecrated for God’s Service

Key Verse: Leviticus 8:12 "He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him."

God had given His people instructions for worship, but now He establishes those who will lead it. Leviticus 8 describes the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, set apart for the service of the Lord.

This chapter reminds us that God calls and equips His servants for His work. Just as Aaron and his sons were consecrated, we too are called to be a holy priesthood in Christ.

The Ordination Process

Moses followed God’s commands in publicly consecrating Aaron and his sons for their priestly role. This involved several key steps:

1. The Washing with Water – Aaron and his sons were washed at the entrance of the Tabernacle, symbolizing spiritual cleansing. (Leviticus 8:6)

2. The Holy Garments – They were clothed in priestly robes, signifying righteousness and God’s calling. (Leviticus 8:7-9)

3. The Anointing Oil – Moses anointed the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and Aaron himself, setting them apart as holy. (Leviticus 8:10-12)

4. The Sacrifices – Three offerings were made:

   • A sin offering for cleansing. (Leviticus 8:14)

   • A burnt offering for total dedication to God. (Leviticus 8:18)

   • An ordination offering for consecration. (Leviticus 8:22)

5. The Blood Applied – Moses placed blood on Aaron’s right ear, thumb, and big toe, symbolizing listening to God, serving God, and walking in His ways. (Leviticus 8:23-24)

6. The Eating of the Sacrifice – The priests ate part of the offering, signifying their participation in God’s holy work. (Leviticus 8:31-32)

For seven days, they remained at the entrance of the Tabernacle, completing their ordination. (Leviticus 8:33)

Jesus: Our Great High Priest

The ordination of Aaron and his sons points us to Jesus, our eternal High Priest.

• Jesus was anointed by the Spirit – Just as Aaron was anointed with oil, Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit. (Luke 4:18)

• He was perfectly consecrated – Unlike the priests who needed sacrifices for their own sins, Jesus was sinless and fully dedicated to the Father. (Hebrews 7:26)

• His blood cleanses and sets us apart – The blood applied to Aaron foreshadowed Christ’s blood, which cleanses us and calls us to walk in holiness. (1 Peter 1:2)

A Lesson for Us

• Are we living as priests, set apart for God’s service? (1 Peter 2:9)

• Are we listening to God’s voice, working for His glory, and walking in His ways?

• Are we fully dedicated to Him, offering our lives as living sacrifices? (Romans 12:1)

Leviticus 8 reminds us that God calls His people to be holy and devoted to Him. Through Jesus, we are now His royal priesthood, set apart for His glory.

Are we living in the calling He has given us?