Leviticus 8:31

And Moses said to Aaron and his sons, "Boil the meat at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and eat it there with the bread that is in the basket of ordination offerings, as I commanded, saying, 'Aaron and his sons are to eat it.'

Study Bible

And Moses said
The phrase begins with Moses, the central human figure in the Pentateuch, acting as God's mouthpiece. In Hebrew, "Moses" (מֹשֶׁה, Moshe) is a name that signifies "drawn out," reflecting his miraculous rescue from the Nile. Moses' role as a leader and prophet is crucial, as he conveys God's instructions to the Israelites, emphasizing the divine authority behind the commands.

to Aaron and his sons
Aaron and his sons are the recipients of Moses' instructions, highlighting their role as priests. Aaron, the brother of Moses, is the first high priest, and his sons are to follow in his footsteps. This priestly lineage is significant in Israel's religious life, as they mediate between God and the people. The Hebrew term for "sons" (בָּנִים, banim) also implies descendants, indicating the establishment of a hereditary priesthood.

Boil the meat
The instruction to "boil the meat" refers to the preparation of the sacrificial offerings. The Hebrew word for "boil" (בָּשַׁל, bashal) suggests a specific method of cooking that was part of the ritual. This act of boiling, rather than roasting, signifies a particular type of offering, possibly indicating a communal meal that fosters fellowship and unity among the priests.

at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting" (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, Ohel Moed) is the sacred space where God meets with His people. The entrance is a place of transition between the secular and the sacred, symbolizing access to God's presence. This location underscores the holiness of the act and the need for the priests to be in a state of ritual purity.

and eat it there
The command to "eat it there" emphasizes the importance of consuming the offerings in a designated holy place. Eating in the presence of God signifies communion and acceptance of the covenant. It also reflects the idea of sharing a meal with God, a practice that strengthens the relationship between the divine and the human.

with the bread from the basket of ordination offerings
The "bread from the basket of ordination offerings" refers to the unleavened bread that accompanies the sacrificial meat. In Hebrew, "ordination" (מִלֻּאִים, millu'im) means "filling" or "consecration," indicating the purpose of the offerings to consecrate the priests. The bread symbolizes sustenance and the provision of God, integral to the ordination ceremony.

as I commanded
This phrase underscores the authority of God's command through Moses. The Hebrew word for "commanded" (צִוָּה, tzivah) implies a direct order, reflecting the necessity of obedience to divine instructions. It highlights the importance of following God's will precisely, as deviation could lead to dire consequences.

saying, ‘Aaron and his sons are to eat it.’
The reiteration of the command for Aaron and his sons to eat the offerings reinforces their role in the ritual. It signifies their acceptance of the priestly duties and the responsibilities that come with it. This act of eating is not merely physical nourishment but a spiritual act of dedication and service to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites and God's chosen prophet who is responsible for conveying God's laws and instructions to the people.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses, appointed as the first high priest of Israel, representing the people before God.

3. Aaron's Sons
The descendants of Aaron who are also appointed as priests, serving alongside their father in the priestly duties.

4. Tent of Meeting
The sacred place where God met with Moses and the priests, serving as the center of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites.

5. Ordination Offerings
Sacrifices made during the consecration of Aaron and his sons, symbolizing their dedication and sanctification for priestly service.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The detailed instructions given to Moses, Aaron, and his sons highlight the importance of obedience in worship and service to God. As believers, we are called to follow God's Word with precision and reverence.

The Role of the Priesthood
Aaron and his sons' ordination signifies the importance of the priestly role in mediating between God and the people. Today, believers are called to be a "royal priesthood," serving God and others with dedication.

Sacredness of Worship
The act of eating the ordination offerings at the Tent of Meeting underscores the sacredness of worship and the need to approach God with respect and holiness.

Community and Fellowship
The communal aspect of eating the offerings together signifies the importance of fellowship among believers, encouraging unity and shared purpose in serving God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the ordination of Aaron and his sons teach us about the importance of preparation and dedication in serving God?

2. How can we apply the concept of obedience seen in Leviticus 8:31 to our daily walk with Christ?

3. In what ways does the priesthood of Aaron foreshadow the ultimate priesthood of Jesus Christ, as discussed in the book of Hebrews?

4. How does the communal aspect of the ordination meal relate to the New Testament teachings on fellowship and community among believers?

5. Reflecting on 1 Peter 2:9, how can we live out our calling as a "royal priesthood" in our current context?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
This chapter provides the detailed instructions for the ordination of Aaron and his sons, which Leviticus 8 is fulfilling. It emphasizes the importance of following God's commands precisely.

Hebrews 5
This New Testament passage discusses the role of the high priest, drawing parallels between Aaron's priesthood and the ultimate priesthood of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9
This verse speaks to the priesthood of all believers, connecting the Old Testament priestly roles to the New Testament concept of a spiritual priesthood.