Overview
Now that God had instructed Moses about all the various offerings, it was time for them to be put into effect. Firstly, the offerings were made ready (8:1, 2), then the priests, as God’s representatives, had to be purified with water and properly attired (8:6-9), sanctified by anointing (8:1, 2); for review see commentaries on Ex.28, 29), forgiving of their sin through offering sacrifices of atonement (8:14-17), and consecrated by the offering of the ram. The blood of the ram was applied to the priest’s right ear, right thumb, and right large toe, signifying they should hear God’s word, do God’s work, and walk in God’s ways. Their seven-day stay worshipping the Lord in the Tabernacle was a further sign of complete consecration. This elaborate ceremony was performed in front of the whole assembly of Israel, dust as the Lord had commanded. It was necessary for these rites to be seen in public so that the people might have greater reverence for the Lord and the priests who were to intercede on their behalf.
It was important and necessary that Moses, ordained by God, preside over the inauguration ceremonies. Although he was not, in the strictest sense of the word, a priest, he was at that time the only mediator between God and man, and thus was appointed by God to mediator between God and man, and thus was appointed by God to be the first to do these priestly functions and thereby show Aaron and his sons the proper procedures. Moses was obedient to all the Lord’s commands and was really acting on behalf of God in consecrating the newly formed priesthood.
Once Aaron and his sons had been obedient to the Lord (8:36) and the important seven days of consecration had been completed, Moses called them out (9:1) and here started the full-fledged sacred work of the sacrificial rites. Before Aaron and his sons could minister on behalf of the people, they themselves needed to bring offerings (9:2). For a priest to properly minister to others he must first take care of his own spiritual wee-being. Once he had done this, he could see to the people’s offerings. The priest’s role was very important in the Israelite community: to make atonement through the blood sacrifice and teach the people in the ways of God, as well as enforcing the Law of God. They were to be a holy people, set apart to God’s service.
The order of the sacrifices brought by the people is significant and demonstrate the basic principles of worship to God. Firstly, the sin offering signified commitment and dedication to God. Thirdly, the grain offering represented thankfulness and joy, since those who have repented of sin and are consecrated to God have great reason to be joyful. Finally, with all this accomplished, the peace offering signified communion or fellowship with God. All this became available because of the blood of the sacrifice. Once sin has been removed and the individual’s life is devoted to God, communion with Him is made possible.
Moses had spoken with great faith when he declared that after the Lord’s commands were obeyed His glory would appear (9:6). Indeed, when everything had been done in obedience to God, and after Moses and Aaron had blessed the people, God’s glory was manifested by holy fire descending and consuming the offerings, showing His presence, acceptance, and pleasure. The fire of God will not fall unless all is done in obedience to Him. This has implications in the life of believers today, as well as for the church.
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