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The solemn inauguration of Aaron and his sons into their sacred office was to have the utmost possible publicity. This was -

I. A DIVINE INSTRUCTION. The Lord said, "Take Aaron... and gather thou all the congregation together," etc. (verses 1-3). "This is the thing which the Lord commanded to be done" (verse 5).

II. A PROVISION AGAINST POPULAR JEALOUSY. The scene described in Numbers 16 shows only too well how necessary it was to convey to "all the congregation" the truth that Aaron and his sons were divinely appointed to their office. This the more because of the near relationship between Moses and Aaron.

III. A PROVISION FOR POPULAR ESTEEM. It was in the last degree desirable that the people should have an exalted idea of the priesthood, and, more especially, of the high priesthood. Everything which would contribute to this would be of real religious service. It was, therefore, fitting that "all the congregation" should be spectators of the impressive solemnities of the inaugural scene.

IV. A HELPFUL INFLUENCE ON THEIR OWN MINDS. It was of equal importance to the Hebrew commonwealth that the priests themselves should cherish a profound sense of the sacred and elevated character of their work. For any irreverence or neglect of theirs was calculated to involve the community in sin and in disaster (see 1 Samuel 1:17; Malachi 2:8). So solemn and impressive a ceremony as this, in the sight of all the people, would exert a salutary influence on the mind both of father and sons. In ordinary life, piety and publicity are strangers. Devotion shuts itself in the inner chamber (Matthew 6:6), or climbs up into the fold of the mountain (Matthew 14:23). We nourish our holiest thoughts, and form our best resolves, not in the glare of the public gathering, but in the secret place, when alone with God. Nevertheless, there are occasions when we should not shun publicity; when it is not modesty but weakness to do so. When we avow our attachment to our Saviour, and thus "confess him before men" (Matthew 10:32); still more, when we enter upon any responsible office in connection with his Church (e.g., the Christian ministry); and yet more, if we are summoned, as Aaron was, to any post of unusual eminence and responsibility, we do well to take the vows of God upon us before "all the congregation." If not "a thing which the Lord commanded to be done," it is

(1) a Divine suggestion (Acts 6:7; Acts 13:3; 1 Timothy 6:12);

(2) instructive to the people;

(3) helpful to ourselves.

We need all the influences we can gain from every source to incite us to zealous labour, and to strengthen us against temptation. It is right and wise to avail ourselves of all the help we gain from the remembrance that we have confessed Christ our Lord, and pledged ourselves to do his work before "all the congregation," "before many witnesses." - C.

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KJV: And gather thou all the congregation together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

WEB: and assemble all the congregation at the door of the Tent of Meeting."