Leviticus 21:24
Moses told this to Aaron and his sons and to all the Israelites.
So Moses spoke
The phrase "So Moses spoke" indicates the role of Moses as the intermediary between God and the people of Israel. In Hebrew, the word for "spoke" is "דִּבֶּר" (dibber), which implies not just casual conversation but a formal declaration or command. Moses, as the chosen leader and prophet, is fulfilling his duty to communicate God's laws and instructions. This highlights the importance of obedience and the transmission of divine will through appointed leaders.

to Aaron and his sons
Aaron and his sons were the appointed priests, responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the tabernacle and performing sacrifices. The Hebrew word for "sons" is "בָּנָיו" (banav), which can also mean descendants, emphasizing the hereditary nature of the priesthood. This phrase underscores the special status and responsibilities of the priestly family, who were to be examples of holiness and dedication to God.

and to all the Israelites
The inclusion of "all the Israelites" signifies that the instructions given were not just for the priests but for the entire community. The Hebrew term for Israelites is "יִשְׂרָאֵלִים" (Yisra'elim), referring to the descendants of Jacob, who was renamed Israel. This collective address emphasizes the communal aspect of the covenant and the shared responsibility of the people to uphold God's laws. It reflects the unity and identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people, bound by a common faith and purpose.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, who received the laws from God and communicated them to the people.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, representing the priestly line.

3. Aaron's Sons
The descendants of Aaron, who were appointed as priests to serve in the tabernacle.

4. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were to live according to His laws and commandments.

5. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the priests performed their duties.
Teaching Points
The Role of Leadership
Moses, as a leader, was responsible for communicating God's laws. In our lives, we should respect and pray for our spiritual leaders who guide us in understanding God's Word.

Priestly Responsibilities
Aaron and his sons had specific duties. As believers, we are called to serve God in our unique capacities, recognizing our roles within the body of Christ.

Holiness and Obedience
The Israelites were to live according to God's laws. We are reminded to pursue holiness and obedience in our daily walk with God.

Community of Believers
The instructions were given to all Israelites, emphasizing the communal aspect of faith. We should foster a sense of community and accountability within our church families.

Continuity of God's Plan
The priesthood established in Leviticus points to the ultimate high priest, Jesus Christ. We should see the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of Moses as a leader in Leviticus 21:24 inspire us to support and pray for our church leaders today?

2. In what ways can we, as believers, fulfill our priestly duties in the context of 1 Peter 2:9?

3. How does the communal aspect of the instructions given to the Israelites in Leviticus 21:24 apply to our church communities today?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to pursue holiness and obedience in our daily lives, as exemplified by the priestly standards in Leviticus?

5. How does understanding the priesthood in Leviticus enhance our appreciation of Jesus as our high priest, as described in the book of Hebrews?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 28-29
These chapters provide the background on the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, establishing their roles and responsibilities.

Hebrews 5:1-4
This passage in the New Testament reflects on the role of the high priest, drawing parallels to the priesthood established in Leviticus.

1 Peter 2:9
This verse speaks to the concept of a "royal priesthood," connecting the Old Testament priesthood to the New Testament believers.

Numbers 18:1-7
Details the duties and responsibilities of the priests and Levites, reinforcing the instructions given in Leviticus.

Malachi 2:7
Highlights the role of the priest as a messenger of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of their teaching and conduct.
Blemishes Affect Service, not SonshipC. H. Mackintosh.Leviticus 21:1-24
Holy PriestsS. R. Aldridge, B. A.Leviticus 21:1-24
Law of Holiness for the PriestsR.A. Redford Leviticus 21:1-24
Personal Requirements of the PriestsJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 21:1-24
Priestly QualificationsR.M. Edgar Leviticus 21:1-24
Sacred Relationship Demands Sanctity of LifeW. H. Jellie.Leviticus 21:1-24
The Perfection of the PriesthoodJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 21:1-24
Unblemished ServiceW. Clarkson Leviticus 21:16-24
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Aaron, Israelites, Sons, Spake, Speaketh, Spoke
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 21:10-23

     1065   God, holiness of

Leviticus 21:16-23

     5296   disabilities

Leviticus 21:17-23

     6118   blemish

Leviticus 21:21-23

     4438   eating
     7438   sanctuary

Library
What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined;
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as His anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in Him.'--1 John ii. 20, 27. In the revelation by Moses of God's Holiness and His way of making holy, the priests, and specially the high priests, were the chief expression of God's Holiness in man.
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Brief Directions How to Read the Holy Scriptures once Every Year Over, with Ease, Profit, and Reverence.
But forasmuch, that as faith is the soul, so reading and meditating on the word of God, are the parent's of prayer, therefore, before thou prayest in the morning, first read a chapter in the word of God; then meditate awhile with thyself, how many excellent things thou canst remember out of it. As--First, what good counsels or exhortations to good works and to holy life. Secondly, what threatenings of judgments against such and such a sin; and what fearful examples of God's punishment or vengeance
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters,
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Monks.
In the story of St. Athanasius, monks have been more than once mentioned, and it is now time to give some account of these people and of their ways. The word "monk" properly means one who leads a "lonely" life; and the name was given to persons who professed to withdraw from the world and its business that they might give themselves up to serve God in religious thoughts and exercises. Among the Jews there had been whole classes of people who practised this sort of retirement: some, called "Essenes",
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Sanctification
'For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.' I Thess 4:4. The word sanctification signifies to consecrate and set apart to a holy use: thus they are sanctified persons who are separated from the world, and set apart for God's service. Sanctification has a privative and a positive part. I. A privative part, which lies in the purging out of sin. Sin is compared to leaven, which sours; and to leprosy, which defiles. Sanctification purges out the old leaven.' I Cor 5:5. Though it takes not
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Eleventh Day. The Holy one of Israel.
I am the Lord that brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God; ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. I the Lord which make you holy, am holy.'--Lev. xi. 45, xxi. 8. 'I am the Lord Thy God, the Holy One of Israel, Thy Saviour. Thus saith the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.'--Isa. xliii. 3, 14, 15. In the book of Exodus we found God making provision for the Holiness of His people. In the holy
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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