Leviticus 8:33

You must not go outside the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for seven days, until the days of your ordination are complete; for it will take seven days to ordain you.

Study Bible

You are not to leave
This phrase underscores the importance of obedience and dedication in the service of God. The Hebrew root here is "yatsa," meaning to go out or depart. In the context of the priestly ordination, it signifies a period of consecration and separation from the ordinary world. This command reflects the necessity for the priests to remain focused and committed to their sacred duties, emphasizing the gravity and sanctity of their calling.

the entrance of the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting" is a central place of worship and divine encounter for the Israelites. In Hebrew, it is "Ohel Moed," which translates to "tent of appointment." This was where God communicated with Moses and the priests, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The entrance signifies a threshold between the divine and the mundane, a place of transition where the priests prepare to serve in the presence of God.

for seven days
The number seven in the Bible often represents completeness or perfection, rooted in the Hebrew word "sheva." This period of seven days for ordination reflects a complete cycle of preparation and sanctification. It mirrors the creation week, suggesting that just as God completed creation in seven days, the priests are being made complete and ready for their divine service.

until the days of your ordination are complete
The term "ordination" in Hebrew is "milu'im," which means "filling" or "consecration." This process involves filling the priests with the necessary spiritual and ritual readiness to serve. The completion of these days signifies a full preparation, ensuring that the priests are wholly dedicated and equipped for their sacred duties.

for your ordination will last seven days
Reiterating the duration emphasizes the thoroughness required in preparing for priestly service. The repetition of "seven days" highlights the importance of this period as a time of transformation and dedication. It serves as a reminder that entering into God's service is not to be taken lightly but requires a full and complete commitment, symbolized by the sacred number seven.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites and the one who is conducting the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses, who is being ordained as the high priest.

3. Aaron's Sons
They are being ordained as priests to serve alongside Aaron.

4. Tent of Meeting
The sacred place where God meets with Moses and the priests, and where the ordination ceremony takes place.

5. Ordination Ceremony
A seven-day ritual that consecrates Aaron and his sons for their priestly duties.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Consecration
The seven-day ordination period signifies the importance of being set apart for God's service. As believers, we are called to live consecrated lives, dedicated to God's purposes.

Obedience to God's Commands
The priests were required to follow God's instructions precisely. This teaches us the value of obedience in our walk with God, trusting His wisdom and guidance.

The Role of the Priesthood
The ordination of Aaron and his sons highlights the mediatory role of the priesthood. In the New Testament, all believers are called to be priests, mediating God's presence to the world.

The Significance of the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting was a place of divine encounter. Today, we are invited to meet with God through prayer and worship, experiencing His presence in our lives.

The Fulfillment in Christ
The Old Testament priesthood points to Jesus, our High Priest, who intercedes for us. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of Christ's work on our behalf.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the seven-day ordination period teach us about the process of being set apart for God's service?

2. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in the ordination ceremony to our daily lives?

3. In what ways does the concept of priesthood in Leviticus connect to the New Testament idea of the "royal priesthood" of believers?

4. How does the role of the Tent of Meeting as a place of encounter with God inspire our personal times of prayer and worship?

5. How does understanding the Old Testament priesthood enhance our appreciation of Jesus' role as our High Priest in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
Provides detailed instructions for the ordination ceremony, emphasizing the importance of consecration and holiness.

Hebrews 7
Discusses the priesthood of Jesus Christ, drawing parallels between the Old Testament priesthood and the eternal priesthood of Christ.

1 Peter 2:9
Refers to believers as a "royal priesthood," connecting the concept of priesthood to the New Testament church.

Numbers 18
Outlines the duties and responsibilities of the priests and Levites, highlighting the significance of their role in the community.

Hebrews 10
Explains how Christ's sacrifice fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the role of the priests.