Bible Notes Online - Leviticus 8 - ESV
Commentary

In Ex 29 the instructions were originally given for the anointing of the priests. Here, those instructions were carried out.

v1-4: The entire congregation was gathered to witness the anointing of Aaron and his sons.

v6-9: Aaron and his sons were cleansed (v6), then Aaron was clothed (v7-8) and crowned (v9).

v10-13: Having anointed the tabernacle and all its articles, Moses poured oil on Aaron to anoint him. Then Aaron's sons were clothed with headbands and sashes.

v14-21: Moses killed and offered the sin offering and the burnt offering.

v22: The ram of consecration (or ordination). This was the unique aspect of the ceremony, specially for Aaron and his sons.

v23: They were set apart by the putting of blood on;

  • the tip of the right ear; hearing;
  • the thumb of the right hand; doing;
  • the big toe of the right foot; going
  • This mirrors Adam and Eve's sin; they heard, and took, and hid.
  • A consecrated life is a balanced life, given over to God.

v30: Thus, Aaron and his sons were sanctified; it teaches us that to serve God is not something to be taken lightly.

v31-36: The anointing was not over; Aaron and his sons had to remain at the door of the Tabernacle for seven days; they were to enjoy the presence of God together. This procedure was to be repeated when each High Priest died, Heb 7.23