Leviticus 8:2

KJV

Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread;

KJV (with Strong's)

Take {H3947} Aaron {H175} and his sons {H1121} with him, and the garments {H899}, and the anointing {H4888} oil {H8081}, and a bullock {H6499} for the sin offering {H2403}, and two {H8147} rams {H352}, and a basket {H5536} of unleavened bread {H4682};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Take Aharon and his sons with him, the garments, the anointing oil, the bull for the sin offering, the two rams and the basket of matzah;

Berean Standard Bible

“Take Aaron and his sons, their garments, the anointing oil, the bull of the sin offering, the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread,

American Standard Version

Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and the bullock of the sin-offering, and the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 8:2 initiates the solemn and meticulously detailed ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons, establishing them as priests in Israel. This pivotal command instructs Moses to gather all the essential components for the consecration: the designated individuals, their sacred vestments, the holy anointing oil, and a precise array of sacrificial animals and offerings. It underscores the divine origin and meticulous preparation required for sacred service, setting the stage for a week-long ritual that would formally establish the Aaronic priesthood as mediators between God and His people, ensuring their fitness to minister in the Tabernacle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 8:2 opens the detailed account of the ordination of Aaron and his sons, a foundational event in Israel's worship life. This chapter meticulously describes the seven-day consecration process, directly fulfilling the divine instructions given earlier in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Ordination of Priests"). Following the completion of the [Tabernacle](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - Completion of the Tabernacle") and its furnishings, as described in the latter chapters of Exodus, the narrative logically shifts to establishing the ministers who would officiate within this sacred space. This verse, therefore, marks the crucial transition from the construction of the sanctuary to its active service, emphasizing that the Tabernacle was not merely a structure but a functional center for divine-human encounter, requiring specially consecrated individuals to facilitate it. The subsequent verses in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons") detail the assembly of the congregation, the washing, robing, anointing, and the specific sacrifices, all building upon the initial command to gather the necessary elements for this profound ritual.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, priestly roles were common, often hereditary or appointed by rulers, with various consecration rituals involving purification, special vestments, and offerings. However, the ordination described in Leviticus 8, initiated by the command in verse 2, stands apart due to its singular divine origin and unparalleled meticulousness. Unlike other cultures where priests might serve multiple deities or political functions, the Aaronic priesthood was exclusively dedicated to Yahweh, the one true God of Israel. The elaborate preparations, including specific garments, the holy anointing oil, and precise animal and grain offerings, underscored the immense holiness of God and the absolute necessity of ritual purity for those who would approach Him on behalf of the people. The "garments" were not mere attire but sacred vestments symbolizing the priests' unique status and functions (as detailed in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments")). The "anointing oil" was a holy compound, symbolizing divine selection and empowerment for sacred office. The various offerings, particularly the "sin offering," highlighted the pervasive reality of sin and the intrinsic need for atonement and purification, even for those called to mediate God's presence. This entire process was designed to set apart Aaron and his sons as holy, mediating figures, distinct from the rest of Israel, yet serving them by facilitating their access to God through prescribed rituals.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 8:2 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully emphasizes **Divine Holiness and Purity**, demonstrating that a holy God can only be approached by those who are consecrated and purified according to His divine standards. The meticulous requirements for the ordination underscore the absolute separation between God's perfect holiness and humanity's inherent sinfulness. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Divine Appointment and Authority**, revealing that the priesthood is not a human invention but a divinely instituted office. God Himself selects and equips His chosen mediators, as seen in the command to "Take Aaron and his sons." Thirdly, it introduces the theme of **Atonement and Mediation**, as the specified sin offering and other sacrifices foreshadow the ongoing need for expiation of sin and the role of the priests as mediators between God and Israel. Finally, the detailed preparation speaks to **Covenant Faithfulness and Obedience**, as Moses's strict adherence to God's instructions in gathering every item signifies the importance of obedience to the divine covenant for the proper functioning of Israel's worship and their relationship with Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_ - H3947):** This verb signifies "to take," "to receive," or "to fetch." In this context, it carries the weight of a divine imperative, a direct command from God to Moses. It emphasizes that the entire ordination process, and indeed the very existence of the priesthood, was not a human invention or initiative but a divinely instituted and commanded act. Moses was not to choose or devise but simply to "take" what God had already specified, highlighting God's sovereign authority and meticulous planning in establishing the means of worship and reconciliation.
* **Anointing (Hebrew, _mishchâh'_ - H4888):** Derived from the verb "to anoint," this term refers specifically to the act or result of unction, often implying a consecratory gift. In this verse, it points to the holy anointing oil, whose precise composition is detailed in [Exodus 30:22-33](/exodus/30-22-33 "Exodus 30:22-33 - The Holy Anointing Oil"). Its application symbolized divine consecration, setting apart, and the impartation of God's Spirit or presence for a particular office or task. For the priests, it signified their divine enablement and the conferral of a unique, holy status necessary to perform their mediatorial duties.
* **Sin Offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_ - H2403):** This word, often translated as "sin offering," encompasses a broader meaning of "purification offering" or "offense." While it certainly addressed specific sins, its primary function in the context of ordination and ritual purity was to cleanse from ritual impurity and to make atonement for the sinfulness inherent in humanity, allowing one to approach a holy God. The inclusion of a "bullock for the sin offering" immediately before the actual service highlights that even the chosen priests, Aaron and his sons, were sinful and required purification and atonement before they could undertake their sacred duties, emphasizing the absolute holiness of God and the pervasive nature of sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take Aaron and his sons with him,"**: This opening clause establishes the primary subjects of the ordination: Aaron, the designated High Priest, and his four sons (Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar). The command to "take" them underscores their divine selection and the non-negotiable nature of their appointment. It signifies that the priesthood was not a self-appointed role but a sacred office established and ordained by God Himself, to be filled by specific individuals from the tribe of Levi, through the lineage of Aaron.
* **"and the garments,"**: This refers to the sacred priestly vestments, meticulously described in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments"). For Aaron, this included the ephod, breastplate, Urim and Thummim, robe, tunic, turban, and sash. For his sons, it included tunics, sashes, and caps. These garments were not merely ceremonial attire but were divinely designed, symbolizing the holiness, glory, and specific functions of the priests, distinguishing them from the common people and enabling them to minister appropriately in the Tabernacle.
* **"and the anointing oil,"**: This refers to the holy anointing oil, a specially compounded and consecrated oil (as described in [Exodus 30:22-33](/exodus/30-22-33 "Exodus 30:22-33 - The Holy Anointing Oil")). It was essential for the ritual of anointing, which would symbolically set apart Aaron and his sons for their sacred office, signifying their divine empowerment and sanctification for service to God.
* **"and a bullock for the sin offering,"**: This specifies the first of the sacrificial animals required. The bullock (a young bull) was a substantial and costly animal, indicating the seriousness and gravity of the sin offering. Its purpose here was to make atonement and purification for Aaron and his sons, acknowledging their own sinfulness and the need for cleansing before they could mediate for the people. This highlights that even those consecrated for holy service required expiation for sin.
* **"and two rams,"**: Two rams are specified, each for a distinct purpose in the subsequent ordination ritual. One ram was for the burnt offering, symbolizing complete dedication and consecration to God, and the other was for the ram of ordination (or "ram of consecration"), which involved specific blood rituals on the priests' bodies and a wave offering, symbolizing their full dedication and enablement for priestly service.
* **"and a basket of unleavened bread;"**: This refers to the grain offerings, specifically unleavened bread, cakes, and wafers, as detailed in [Exodus 29:23](/exodus/29-23 "Exodus 29:23 - Unleavened Bread for Ordination"). Unleavened bread often symbolized purity, haste, and the absence of corruption. These offerings were part of the ordination sacrifices, representing the sustenance and provision for the priests, and were also part of the fellowship meal shared by God, the priests, and Moses, signifying covenant communion.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 8:2 primarily employs **Enumeration** and the **Imperative Mood**. The verse is a precise list of items and individuals that Moses is commanded to gather, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail and the non-negotiable nature of the requirements for sacred service. This **Enumeration** creates a sense of divine order and thoroughness, ensuring that no essential component for the solemn ordination ritual is overlooked. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Take Aaron...") underscores the divine authority behind the entire process; this is not a suggestion but a direct, authoritative instruction from God to Moses, highlighting the divine initiative and establishment of the priesthood. Furthermore, the items themselves function as profound **Symbolism**: the garments symbolize purity and the unique office, the anointing oil symbolizes divine consecration and empowerment, and the various offerings symbolize atonement, dedication, and communion, all pointing to deeper theological realities about access to a holy God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 8:2, by detailing the meticulous preparation for the Aaronic priesthood, profoundly emphasizes God's holiness, His sovereign appointment of mediators, and the absolute necessity of atonement for approaching Him. It underscores that access to God is not arbitrary but divinely ordained, requiring specific consecration and purification. This verse highlights the themes of divine authority, the sacredness of priestly service, and the comprehensive provision God makes for His people to draw near to Him, albeit through a system that constantly points to the need for cleansing from sin. The elaborate nature of the preparations foreshadows a greater need for a perfect mediator and a more complete cleansing, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative, ultimately pointing to the inadequacy of the Old Covenant sacrifices to fully cleanse and the need for a final, perfect sacrifice.

* [Exodus 29:1-9](/exodus/29-1-9 "Exodus 29:1-9 - Instructions for Priestly Ordination")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Atonement")
* [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Spiritual House and Holy Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous details of Leviticus 8:2, outlining the divine command to gather specific items for priestly ordination, offer profound lessons for our spiritual lives today. It reminds us that approaching a holy God is never a casual affair, but one that requires divine initiative, careful preparation, and a deep understanding of our need for purification. While we no longer participate in animal sacrifices or wear specific priestly garments in the Old Covenant sense, the principles of divine calling, consecration, and the necessity of cleansing remain timeless. As believers in Christ, we are called a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - The Royal Priesthood")), signifying our privileged access to God through Jesus, our Great High Priest. This verse challenges us to consider the seriousness with which God views our service and worship. Do we approach God with reverence, acknowledging His holiness and our need for His grace? Are we prepared to offer Him our lives as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), consecrated and set apart for His purposes? The comprehensive provision in this verse also assures us that God equips those He calls, providing everything necessary for faithful service and worship, empowering us to live lives that reflect His glory and holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in Leviticus 8:2 inform your understanding of God's character and His expectations for worship?**
* **In what ways do you see yourself as part of a "royal priesthood" today, and how does this verse encourage or challenge your approach to spiritual service?**
* **What "preparations" (spiritual disciplines, heart attitudes, etc.) do you believe are necessary for you to draw near to God in a way that honors His holiness?**

### FAQ
**Why were so many different items needed for the ordination of Aaron and his sons?**

Answer: The extensive list of items in Leviticus 8:2, including specific garments, anointing oil, and various animal and grain offerings, underscores the profound holiness of God and the solemnity of the priestly office. Each item served a specific symbolic and ritualistic purpose, emphasizing different aspects of the consecration. The garments signified the priests' unique status and purity, the anointing oil represented divine empowerment and setting apart, and the various offerings (sin, burnt, and ordination offerings) addressed the need for atonement, complete dedication, and enablement for service. This meticulous detail ensured that the priests were properly purified, consecrated, and equipped to mediate between a holy God and a sinful people, highlighting the gravity and divine origin of their role. It also demonstrated God's thoroughness in establishing the covenant relationship and the means of worship for Israel, as detailed throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus "The Book of Leviticus"), emphasizing that His presence is both glorious and demanding of purity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 8:2, with its meticulous command for the ordination of Aaron and his sons, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly priesthood, with its elaborate preparations, multiple sacrifices, and continuous need for cleansing, constantly pointed to the inadequacy of human mediators and the temporary nature of the Old Covenant system. The "garments" of Aaron, symbolizing his office and purity, are superseded by Christ's inherent sinlessness and perfect righteousness, which serves as His own priestly "garment" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Jesus, Our Holy High Priest")). The "anointing oil" poured upon Aaron foreshadows the anointing of Jesus, not with physical oil, but with the Holy Spirit without measure ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Anointing by the Spirit"); [John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - Jesus Given the Spirit Without Limit")), empowering Him for His perfect high priestly ministry. Most significantly, the "bullock for the sin offering" and the "two rams" for purification and dedication, which had to be repeatedly offered for the priests themselves, are fully and finally satisfied by Christ's singular, perfect, and eternal sacrifice on the cross. He is both the spotless Lamb and the perfect High Priest who offered Himself once for all time ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice"); [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Through His finished work, believers are now granted direct access to God, no longer needing an earthly mediator, for Christ Himself is our [Great High Priest who has passed through the heavens](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), making us a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - The Royal Priesthood")) with boldness to enter the very presence of God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Boldness to Enter the Holy Place")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 28:2

And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.

Exodus 28:4

And these [are] the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

Exodus 28:40

¶ And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.

Exodus 29:4

And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.

Exodus 39:41

The cloths of service to do service in the holy [place], and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons' garments, to minister in the priest's office.

Exodus 40:12

And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.

Exodus 40:15

And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.