Leviticus 8:36

KJV

So Aaron and his sons did all things which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Aaron {H175} and his sons {H1121} did {H6213} all things {H1697} which the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} by the hand {H3027} of Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Aharon and his sons did all the things which ADONAI ordered through Moshe. Suggested readings for Parashah Tzav from the B'rit Hadashah: Mark

Berean Standard Bible

So Aaron and his sons did everything the LORD had commanded through Moses.

American Standard Version

And Aaron and his sons did all the things which Jehovah commanded by Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 8:36 serves as the definitive conclusion to the seven-day consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons, emphatically stating their complete and precise adherence to every instruction the LORD delivered through Moses. This verse powerfully summarizes the meticulous obedience required for sacred service in the Tabernacle, thereby establishing the foundational principle that faithful execution of God's revealed will is paramount in worship and priestly ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 8:36 marks the climactic summary of a crucial narrative section (Leviticus 8:1-36) that meticulously details the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests. The entire chapter describes an elaborate, seven-day ritual of washing, anointing, clothing, and sacrificial offerings (sin offering, burnt offering, ordination offering) performed daily. Each step was divinely prescribed, with the recurring refrain "as the LORD commanded Moses" (e.g., [Leviticus 8:4](/leviticus/8-4 "Leviticus 8:4 - Moses Gathers the Assembly"), [Leviticus 8:9](/leviticus/8-9 "Leviticus 8:9 - Priestly Garments"), [Leviticus 8:13](/leviticus/8-13 "Leviticus 8:13 - Sons Clothed"), [Leviticus 8:17](/leviticus/8-17 "Leviticus 8:17 - Sin Offering Ritual"), [Leviticus 8:21](/leviticus/8-21 "Leviticus 8:21 - Burnt Offering Ritual"), [Leviticus 8:29](/leviticus/8-29 "Leviticus 8:29 - Ordination Offering Ritual")) emphasizing the divine origin and authoritative nature of these instructions. Verse 36 acts as a final, comprehensive affirmation that the entire process, from its inception to its completion, was executed with perfect fidelity to God's explicit directives, thereby setting the stage for the commencement of their active priestly ministry in [Leviticus 9](/leviticus/9 "Leviticus 9 - Aaron's First Offerings").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The consecration of Aaron and his sons was a foundational event in Israel's nascent history, formally establishing the divinely appointed priesthood that would mediate between God and His people for generations. This intricate ceremony took place at the Tabernacle, which had recently been completed and consecrated, symbolizing God's tangible dwelling among His chosen people. The detailed instructions for this elaborate ritual were originally given to Moses on Mount Sinai, as recorded in [Exodus 29](/exodus/29 "Exodus 29 - Consecration of Priests"). While ancient Near Eastern cultures often had priests who wielded significant power and performed various rituals, Israel's priesthood was unique in its divine appointment and the meticulous, divinely revealed nature of its duties. The profound emphasis on strict adherence to God's commands was crucial, not only to ensure the purity and efficacy of their sacred service but also to distinguish YHWH's worship from the often syncretistic and arbitrary practices of surrounding nations. This precise obedience was essential for maintaining the holiness of the Tabernacle and preventing divine judgment, a lesson tragically illustrated later by the unauthorized fire offered by Nadab and Abihu in [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1-3 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire").
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 8:36 underscores several pivotal themes central to the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Holiness**, emphasizing that God is holy and demands holiness from those who serve Him, especially in the sacred space of the Tabernacle. This verse also highlights **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, as all commands originate from the LORD, who dictates the terms of worship and service. The meticulous obedience of Aaron and his sons exemplifies the theme of **Faithful Obedience**, which is presented as the proper response to God's revealed will. Furthermore, the verse contributes to the theme of **Mediation**, as the priests are consecrated to serve as intermediaries between God and Israel, a role that requires their absolute conformity to divine standards. This foundational act of obedience sets the stage for the ongoing sacrificial system and the maintenance of covenant relationship, as detailed throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Leviticus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Did (Hebrew, _ʿāśāh'_):** The Hebrew verb עָשָׂה (H6213, _ʿāśāh_) is a highly versatile term meaning "to do, make, perform, accomplish, observe." In this context, it signifies the comprehensive and diligent execution of the commands. It implies not just a partial or superficial compliance, but a thorough and complete performance of every single instruction, leaving nothing undone or improperly done. This emphasizes the meticulousness and exactitude required in sacred service, reflecting a deep respect for the divine source of the commands.
* **Things (Hebrew, _dābār'_):** The Hebrew noun דָבָר (H1697, _dābār_) means "a word," but by implication, it often refers to "a matter" or "a thing" that has been spoken or commanded. In the phrase "all things," it denotes the totality and specificity of the divine instructions. It encompasses every single detail, every ritual step, and every prescribed action, highlighting that Aaron and his sons did not merely follow the general gist but attended to the minutiae of God's revealed will.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yāḏ'_):** The Hebrew noun יָד (H3027, _yāḏ_) primarily means "hand," but it is frequently used idiomatically to denote agency, power, or instrumentality. In the phrase "by the hand of Moses," it clearly indicates that Moses was the designated medium, the authoritative channel, through whom the LORD's commands were delivered. This idiom underscores the divine origin of the instructions and Moses' unique role as God's chosen prophet and mediator for the Old Covenant. It reinforces that Aaron and his sons were obeying God directly, even though the commands came through Moses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Aaron and his sons did all things":** This opening clause identifies the subjects of the action—Aaron, the newly consecrated high priest, and his sons, the foundation of the future priestly lineage. The phrase "all things" is profoundly significant, emphasizing the totality and comprehensiveness of their obedience. It implies no omissions, no shortcuts, and no deviations from the prescribed rituals. Their compliance was absolute and unwavering, reflecting the seriousness and sacredness of their calling and the divine expectation for perfect adherence in their foundational service.
* **"which the LORD commanded":** This crucial phrase identifies the ultimate source of the instructions: YHWH (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the sovereign God of Israel. It underscores that the entire consecration process was not a human invention, a cultural tradition, or a pragmatic choice, but a direct divine mandate. This divine origin imbues the commands with absolute authority and holiness, making obedience not merely a matter of ritualistic performance but of profound submission to God's holy and perfect will.
* **"by the hand of Moses":** This concluding phrase specifies the authoritative means by which the divine commands were transmitted. Moses (H4872, _Mōsheh_) served as the authoritative intermediary, the one entrusted by God to convey His exact words and instructions to the people and, specifically, to the priests. This reinforces the legitimacy and divine backing of every single detail of the ceremony, ensuring that Aaron and his sons were indeed fulfilling God's explicit will, as communicated through His chosen and trusted prophet.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 8:36 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message of divine authority and human obedience. **Emphasis** is achieved through the culmination of repeated affirmations of divine command and complete obedience throughout Leviticus 8, with this summary statement serving as the definitive seal. The phrase "all things which the LORD commanded" provides a powerful concluding affirmation, leaving no doubt about the meticulous execution of the ritual. The **Idiom** "by the hand of Moses" serves as a concise and potent way to communicate the divine authority behind the commands and Moses' indispensable role as God's trusted agent. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Closure** for the detailed consecration narrative, signaling the successful completion of this vital preparatory phase for the priesthood. It also carries a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the critical importance of precise obedience in all matters of worship and service, setting a standard whose violation would later bring severe consequences, as tragically seen with Nadab and Abihu.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 8:36 encapsulates a foundational theological principle: the absolute necessity of precise and complete obedience to God's commands, especially in matters of worship and sacred service. It underscores God's sovereignty, His meticulousness in establishing the means by which He is to be approached, and the seriousness with which His revealed will must be treated. The consecration of the priesthood was not a human invention but a divine institution, requiring perfect conformity to divine instruction to ensure that the priests could effectively mediate between a holy God and His people. This theme of obedience is central to the Old Covenant, where blessings were contingent upon faithfulness to the Law, and deviation brought severe consequences.
* [Exodus 29:1](/exodus/29-1 "Instructions for Priestly Consecration")
* [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1-3 "Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire")
* [Deuteronomy 12:32](/deuteronomy/12-32 "Do Not Add or Subtract from God's Commands")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 8:36 offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today. While the Old Testament priesthood has been fulfilled in Christ, the principle of complete obedience to God's revealed will remains paramount. Just as Aaron and his sons were called to meticulous adherence in their sacred duties, so too are we, as members of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Royal Priesthood")), called to live lives marked by faithful submission to God's Word. This verse reminds us that true worship and effective service are not based on human innovation, personal preference, or convenience, but on diligent attention to God's commands, complete submission to His authority, and faithful execution of our calling in every sphere of life. It teaches us that God values our diligence and faithfulness in following His instructions, knowing that His ways are perfect and designed for our ultimate good and His supreme glory. Our obedience is an act of worship, a demonstration of trust, and a pathway to experiencing His blessing and participating in His redemptive purposes in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to offer partial or selective obedience to God's commands, rather than "all things"?**
* **How does the meticulousness required of Aaron and his sons challenge my own approach to spiritual disciplines and service within the church and beyond?**
* **What does "doing all things which the LORD commanded" look like in my daily walk as a New Covenant believer, empowered by the Spirit?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater reverence for God's Word and a deeper commitment to obeying it "by the hand" of the Holy Spirit's guidance and illumination?**

### FAQ
**Why was such strict obedience necessary for the priests?**

Answer: Strict obedience was necessary for several critical reasons. First, it underscored the absolute holiness of God and the sacredness of the Tabernacle where His presence dwelt. Any deviation, even seemingly minor, could profane God's presence and bring severe judgment, as tragically seen later with Nadab and Abihu ([Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1-3 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire")). Second, it ensured the efficacy of the rituals for atonement and purification, which depended entirely on God's prescribed method, not human ingenuity or preference. Third, it set a precedent for the entire nation of Israel, demonstrating the paramount importance of following God's Law in all aspects of life, especially worship. Finally, it established and maintained the divine authority and legitimacy of the priesthood, ensuring that their service was truly God-ordained and not merely a human institution.

**What is the significance of the phrase "by the hand of Moses"?**

Answer: The phrase "by the hand of Moses" emphasizes that Moses was God's chosen, authoritative, and trustworthy messenger. It signifies that the commands were not Moses' own ideas, interpretations, or inventions, but direct divine revelation communicated precisely through him. This reinforced the legitimacy and binding nature of the instructions for Aaron and his sons, and for all Israel. It underscored Moses' unique and indispensable role as the mediator of the Old Covenant, through whom God established His laws, covenants, and the very structure of worship with His people, as seen throughout [Exodus](/exodus/1 "Exodus - The Book of Exodus") and [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Leviticus"). It highlights the divine origin of the Law, even as it was delivered through a human agent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 8:36, with its profound emphasis on perfect and complete obedience in the priestly consecration, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect High Priest, Jesus Christ. Unlike Aaron and his sons, who, despite their best efforts, were still imperfect men needing to offer sacrifices for their own sins before they could intercede for others ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")), Jesus perfectly fulfilled all that the Father commanded. He was consecrated not by ritual washings and animal sacrifices, but by His own inherent holiness, His sinless nature, and His unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Jesus declared, "I always do what pleases him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")), demonstrating the complete and flawless obedience that Aaron and his sons could only aspire to. As our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Christ Our Great High Priest"), Christ's self-sacrifice was the ultimate "doing all things which the LORD commanded," establishing a new and better covenant based on His perfect work, providing eternal redemption and access to God for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). His perfect obedience fulfills the Levitical pattern, providing the true and lasting means of reconciliation.

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

Deuteronomy 12:32

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Deuteronomy 4:2

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Exodus 39:43

And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.

1 Samuel 15:22

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

Exodus 40:16

¶ Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.