Leviticus 8:3

And gather thou all the congregation together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

And gather {H6950} thou all the congregation {H5712} together {H6950} unto the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}.

and assemble the entire community at the entrance to the tent of meeting."

and assemble the whole congregation at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.”

and assemble thou all the congregation at the door of the tent of meeting.

Commentary

Leviticus 8:3 KJV is a pivotal verse in the narrative of the Israelite priesthood's establishment, detailing Moses' instruction to gather the entire community for a sacred event.

Context

This verse is part of a larger divine command given to Moses in Leviticus 8:1-2, which outlines the ceremonial consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. The instructions for this elaborate ritual, including the bringing of specific offerings and anointing oil, were given by God to Moses. The "tabernacle of the congregation" (also known as the Tent of Meeting) was the central place of worship and divine presence for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, a sacred space where God communed with Moses (as seen in Exodus 40:34).

The gathering of "all the congregation" signifies the public and communal importance of this event. It was not a private affair but a solemn assembly, ensuring that the entire community witnessed the divine appointment and authorization of their spiritual leaders. This public display underscored the legitimacy and gravity of the priestly office, which would mediate between God and the people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Appointment: The command comes directly from God, executed through Moses, emphasizing that the priesthood was divinely instituted, not a human invention.
  • Community Involvement: The instruction to gather "all the congregation" highlights the collective nature of faith and worship in ancient Israel. The consecration of the priests was an event for the entire nation, signifying their reliance on these mediators for atonement and access to God.
  • Sacred Space: The "door of the tabernacle" serves as the focal point, emphasizing the centrality of the Tabernacle as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people and the designated site for sacred rituals.
  • Order and Ritual: The meticulous instructions in Leviticus underscore the importance of order and proper procedure in approaching a holy God, setting a precedent for future worship practices.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "tabernacle of the congregation" uses the Hebrew word Mo'ed (ΧžΧ•ΦΉΧ’Φ΅Χ“), which means "appointed place" or "appointed time." Therefore, "tent of meeting" or "tent of appointment" is a more precise translation, indicating a place where God had appointed to meet with His people, specifically with Moses and later with the priests. This emphasizes the Tabernacle not just as a dwelling but as a designated rendezvous point for divine interaction.

Practical Application

While the specific rituals of the Old Testament priesthood have been fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest (as described in Hebrews 4:14), this verse still offers valuable lessons:

  • Transparency in Leadership: The public nature of the consecration reminds us of the importance of accountability and transparency in spiritual leadership.
  • Corporate Worship: The gathering of the congregation underscores the significance of communal worship and shared spiritual experiences, where believers come together to acknowledge God's work.
  • Divine Ordination: It reinforces the biblical principle that spiritual authority and service are ultimately from God, not merely human choice or ambition.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 30:13

    ΒΆ And there assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great congregation.

  • Acts 2:1

    ΒΆ And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

  • Numbers 20:8

    Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

  • 2 Chronicles 5:2

    Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which [is] Zion.

  • Psalms 22:25

    My praise [shall be] of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:2

    For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month.

  • 1 Chronicles 13:5

    So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim.
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