Leviticus 8:14

Moses then brought the bull near for the sin offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head.

Study Bible

Then Moses brought the bull near
The act of bringing the bull near signifies the beginning of a sacred ritual. In Hebrew, the word for "brought" is "qarab," which means to approach or draw near. This action symbolizes the approach to God, acknowledging His holiness and the need for atonement. The bull, a significant and valuable animal, represents the seriousness of sin and the costliness of atonement. Historically, bulls were often used in ancient Near Eastern cultures for sacrifices, emphasizing the importance of this offering in the Israelite community.

for the sin offering
The Hebrew term for "sin offering" is "chattat," which denotes purification from sin. This offering was essential for atonement, highlighting the gravity of sin and the necessity of cleansing before God. The sin offering was a crucial part of the Levitical sacrificial system, underscoring the need for repentance and the restoration of the relationship between God and His people. It points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became the perfect sin offering for humanity.

and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head
The laying on of hands, "samach" in Hebrew, is a symbolic act of identification and transference. By placing their hands on the bull's head, Aaron and his sons were identifying with the animal, symbolically transferring their sins onto it. This act signifies the substitutionary nature of the sacrifice, where the bull bears the penalty of sin on behalf of the priests. It foreshadows the substitutionary atonement of Christ, who bore the sins of the world. This ritual also emphasizes the role of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people, a role ultimately fulfilled by Jesus, our High Priest.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to mediate the covenant at Sinai. In this context, Moses acts as the officiant of the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses, appointed as the first high priest of Israel. This passage marks the beginning of his priestly ministry.

3. Aaron's Sons
They are being consecrated alongside Aaron to serve as priests. Their role is crucial in maintaining the sacrificial system and leading the people in worship.

4. The Bull
Used as a sin offering, symbolizing atonement and purification. The laying of hands on the bull signifies the transfer of sin from the priests to the sacrificial animal.

5. Sin Offering
A sacrificial ritual intended to atone for sin and cleanse the people or priests, allowing them to approach God with purity.

Teaching Points

The Role of Mediation
Just as Moses mediated the ordination of Aaron and his sons, Jesus is our mediator, bridging the gap between God and humanity.

The Significance of Atonement
The sin offering underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who atones for our sins.

The Importance of Obedience
The detailed instructions followed by Moses and Aaron highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands in worship and daily life.

The Transfer of Sin
The laying of hands on the bull symbolizes the transfer of sin, reminding us of the need to confess and repent, trusting in Christ's sacrifice for our cleansing.

Priestly Responsibility
Aaron and his sons' consecration reminds us of our call to be a "royal priesthood," living lives that reflect God's holiness and serving others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Moses in this passage reflect the role of Jesus as our mediator today?

2. In what ways does the sin offering in Leviticus 8:14 foreshadow the sacrifice of Christ on the cross?

3. What can we learn from the obedience of Moses and Aaron in following God's instructions for the ordination ceremony?

4. How does the concept of laying hands on the bull to transfer sin apply to our understanding of confession and repentance?

5. As believers called to be a "royal priesthood," how can we live out our priestly responsibilities in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
This chapter provides the instructions for the ordination of priests, which Leviticus 8 is fulfilling. It highlights the continuity of God's commands and the importance of obedience in worship.

Hebrews 7-10
These chapters discuss the priesthood of Christ, contrasting it with the Levitical priesthood. They emphasize that Jesus is the ultimate High Priest, offering a once-for-all sacrifice.

Isaiah 53
The concept of laying hands on the sacrificial animal connects to the prophecy of the Suffering Servant, who bears the iniquities of others.