Leviticus Chapter 8 — The Consecration of the Priests
Moses performs the public ceremony to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests, following the Lord's instructions for washing, clothing, and sacrifice.
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Notable Verses
Leviticus 8:12
“He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.”
This verse records the specific act of anointing the High Priest, setting him apart for holy service.
Leviticus 8:36
“Aaron and his sons did all the things which the LORD commanded by Moses.”
This concludes the chapter by emphasizing the complete obedience of the new priests to the divine instructions.
Chapter Summary
In Leviticus 8, the Lord instructs Moses to assemble the congregation at the Tent of Meeting for the official ordination of Aaron and his sons. Moses begins by washing the new priests with water and dressing Aaron in his elaborate high priestly garments, including the tunic, ephod, and the breastplate containing the Urim and Thummim. He then anoints the tabernacle, its furnishings, and Aaron himself with sacred oil. The ceremony involves three specific sacrifices: a bull for a sin offering, a ram for a burnt offering, and a second ram for the consecration. Moses applies the blood of the final ram to the right ears, thumbs, and toes of Aaron and his sons, symbolizing their total devotion to God's service. The chapter concludes with the priests receiving portions of the sacrifice to eat and a command to remain at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting for seven days to complete their consecration, ensuring they fulfill the Lord's requirements perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moses washed them, dressed them in priestly garments, and anointed them with oil. He then performed specific animal sacrifices, applying the blood to their bodies and the altar to sanctify them for their new roles.
This symbolic act represented the dedication of the priest's entire being to God. It signified that their ears should hear God's word, their hands should do His work, and their feet should walk in His ways.
While the ritual ceremony was performed in front of the congregation, Aaron and his sons were required to stay at the door of the Tent of Meeting for seven full days and nights to complete their period of consecration.
Study Note
The installation of the priesthood in this chapter follows the exact blueprint provided to Moses in Exodus 29, demonstrating a meticulous transition from command to execution.
Related Chapters
Exodus 28
This chapter provides the original instructions for making the priestly garments described in Leviticus 8.
Exodus 29
This chapter contains the commands from God that Moses carries out during the ceremony in Leviticus 8.
Leviticus 9
The following chapter describes the first time Aaron and his sons offer sacrifices after their seven-day consecration.
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