And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: “Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, the anointing oil, a bull as the sin offering, two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread; and gather all the congregation together at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.” (vv.1-3)
Here in chapter 8 we’ve come to the moment when Aaron and his sons are consecrated for their priestly work. As they would be charged with maintaining the tabernacle, offering the sacrifices brought by the people for expressions of atonement, thanksgiving, obedience, and worship – they themselves must be cleansed, consecrated before the LORD.
Moses presented the offerings on their behalf, as blood must be spilled for the sins they had committed and would yet commit, for the good they had already failed to do and would yet neglect. For seven days Aaron and his sons, newly consecrated by the blood and oil, waited together in the Holy Place. They were prohibited from going beyond the door, but fed on the consecrated food till the eighth day summoned them to begin their priestly duties. Wiersbe writes concerning the seven days: "Had they disobeyed and left the tabernacle, they would have died. It was a serious thing to be one of God’s priests. Disobedience put the priests in danger of death.”
That Aaron should be appointed High Priest is a clear example of God's amazing grace. For it was Aaron who was a central player in the making of a golden calf in Exodus 32:1-5, even building an altar to worship the idol! The application here is, God's grace and forgiveness are such that even a sinner like Aaron may be used in His service and for His Church. However, obedience to His Word is paramount.
The Truth: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1Peter 2:9)
