Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:The event where Moses summons Aaron and his sons is a significant moment in the biblical narrative, marking the consecration of the priesthood in Israel. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Leviticus, which details the laws and rituals that would govern the Israelites' worship and religious practices. The consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests is a pivotal moment in establishing the Levitical priesthood, which plays a crucial role in mediating between God and the people of Israel. Biblical Context: The account of Moses summoning Aaron and his sons is found in Leviticus 8. This chapter describes the ordination ceremony that God commanded Moses to perform, as outlined in the earlier instructions given in Exodus 28 and 29. The ceremony is a fulfillment of God's command to set apart Aaron and his sons for the priestly office, a role that would be hereditary and central to the religious life of Israel. Scriptural Account: In Leviticus 8:1-3 , the LORD speaks to Moses, instructing him to take Aaron and his sons, along with the garments, the anointing oil, the bull for the sin offering, the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread, and to assemble the entire congregation at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. This public gathering underscores the communal aspect of the priesthood and its importance to the entire nation. Moses then proceeds with the ordination ceremony as commanded by the LORD. He washes Aaron and his sons with water, dresses Aaron in the priestly garments, and anoints him with oil, signifying his consecration to the LORD (Leviticus 8:6-12). The anointing oil represents the Holy Spirit's empowerment and the setting apart of Aaron for sacred service. The Role of Aaron and His Sons: Aaron and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, are appointed to serve as priests, with Aaron as the high priest. Their primary responsibilities include offering sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and teaching the Israelites God's laws. The priesthood is a vital institution for maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people, serving as intermediaries who facilitate worship and atonement. Theological Significance: The consecration of Aaron and his sons highlights several theological themes. First, it emphasizes the holiness required of those who serve in God's presence. The elaborate rituals and garments signify the purity and dedication expected of the priests. Second, it underscores the necessity of mediation between a holy God and sinful humanity, a role that the priests fulfill through the sacrificial system. Furthermore, the priesthood established through Aaron foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who offers a perfect and final sacrifice for sin. The New Testament book of Hebrews elaborates on this typology, presenting Christ as the fulfillment of the Levitical priesthood. Conclusion: The summoning of Aaron and his sons by Moses marks a foundational moment in the religious life of Israel. It establishes the priesthood as a divinely ordained institution, essential for maintaining the covenant and facilitating the worship of God. Through this event, the Israelites are reminded of the holiness of God and the need for consecrated individuals to serve as mediators between God and His people. Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Moses Moses is a Herdsman for Jethro in the Desert of Horeb Moses with Aaron Assembles the Leaders of Israel Moses with his Wife and Sons, he Leaves Jethro to Perform his Mission in Egypt Moses: A Levite and Son of Amram Moses: Appoints Joshua As his Successor Moses: Benedictions of Last Benediction Upon the Twelve Tribes Moses: Benedictions of Upon the People Moses: Character of Called the Man of God Moses: Character of Complainings of Moses: Character of God Spoke To, As a Man to his Friend Moses: Character of Impatience of Moses: Character of Magnanimity of, Toward Eldad and Medad Moses: Character of Magnified of God Moses: Character of Meekness of Moses: Character of Obedience of Moses: Character of Respected and Feared Moses: Character of Unaspiring Moses: Commissioned As Leader of the Israelites Moses: Composes a Song for the People of Israel on Their Deliverance from Pharaoh Moses: Crosses the Red Sea; Pharaoh and his Army are Destroyed Moses: Discovered and Adopted by the Daughter of Pharaoh Moses: Has the Vision of the Burning Bush Moses: Hidden in a Small Basket Moses: His Controversy With his Wife on Account of Circumcision Moses: His Loyalty to his Race Moses: His Rod Miraculously Turned Into a Serpent, and his Hand Was Made Leprous, and Then Restored Moses: Institutes a System of Government Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward Moses: Joined by his Family in the Wilderness Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt Moses: Meets Aaron in the Wilderness Moses: Mourning For, Thirty Days in the Plains of Moab Moses: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan, But Views the Land from Atop Mount Pisgah Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron Moses: Present With Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration Moses: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses: Receives Comfort and Assurance from the Lord Moses: Rejected by Pharaoh; Hardships of the Israelites Increased Moses: Renews his Appeal to Pharaoh Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Irregularity in the offerings Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Making the Golden Calf Moses: Secures the Deliverance of the People and Leads Them out of Egypt Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Moses: Under Divine Direction Brings Plagues Upon the Land of Egypt Mutiny: Israelites Against Moses Related Terms |