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Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 8:31–36.
Moses, having done his part of the ceremony, now leaves Aaron and his sons to do theirs.
I.They must boil the flesh of their peace-offering, and eat it in the court of the tabernacle, and what remained they must burn with fire, Lev 8:31, Lev 8:32. This signified their thankful consent to the consecration: when God gave Ezekiel his commission, he told him to eat the roll, Eze 3:1, Eze 3:2.
II.They must not stir out of the court of the tabernacle for seven days, Lev 8:33.
The priesthood being a good warfare, they must thus learn to endure hardness, and to disentangle themselves from the affairs of this life, Ti2 2:3, Ti2 2:4. Being consecrated to their service, they must give themselves wholly to it, and attend continually to this very thing. Thus Christ's apostles were appointed to wait for the promise of the Father, Act 1:4. During this time appointed for their consecration, they were daily to repeat the same sacrifices which were offered the first day, Lev 8:34. This shows the imperfection of the legal sacrifices, which, because they could not take away sin, were often repeated (Heb 10:1, Heb 10:2), but were here repeated seven times (a number of perfection), because they typified that one offering, which perfected for ever those that were sanctified. The work lasted seven days; for it was a kind of creation: and this time was appointed in honour of the sabbath, which, probably, was the last day of the seven, for which they were to prepare during the six days. Thus the time of our life, like the six days, must be our preparation for the perfection of our consecration to God in the everlasting sabbath: they attended day and night (Lev 8:35), and so constant should we be in our meditation on God's law, Psa 1:2. They attended to keep the charge of the Lord: we have every one of us a charge to keep, an eternal God to glorify, an immortal soul to provide for, needful duty to be done, our generation to serve; and it must be our daily care to keep this charge, for it is the charge of the Lord our Master, who will shortly call us to an account about it, and it is at our utmost peril if we neglect it. Keep it that you die not; it is death, eternal death, to betray the trust we are charged with; by the consideration of this we must be kept in awe. Lastly, We are told (Lev 8:36) that Aaron and his sons did all that was commanded. Thus their consecration was completed; and thus they set an example before the people of an exact obedience to the laws of sacrifices now newly given, and then they could with the better grace teach them. Thus the covenant of peace (Num 25:12), of life and peace (Mal 2:5), was made with Aaron and his sons; but after all the ceremonies that were used in their consecration there was one point of ratification which was reserved to be the honour and establishment of Christ's priesthood, which was this, that they were made priests without an oath, but Christ with an oath (Heb 7:21), for neither such priests nor their priesthood could continue, but Christ's is a perpetual and unchangeable priesthood.
Gospel ministers are compared to those who served at the altar, for they minister about holy things (Co1 9:13), they are God's mouth to the people and the people's to God, the pastors and teachers Christ has appointed to continue in the church to the end of the world: they seem to be meant in that promise which points at gospel times (Isa 66:21), I will take of them for priests and for Levites. No man may take this honour to himself, but he who upon trial is found to be clothed and anointed by the Spirit of God with gifts and graces to qualify him for it, and who with purpose of heart devotes himself entirely to the service, and is then by the word and prayer (for so every thing is sanctified), and the imposition of the hands of those that give themselves to the word and prayer, set apart to the office, and recommended to Christ as a servant and to the church as a steward and guide. And those that are thus solemnly dedicated to God ought not to depart from his service, but faithfully to abide in it all their days; and those that do so, and continue labouring in the word and doctrine, are to be accounted worthy of double honour, double to that of the Old Testament priests.
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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 8:9, Leviticus 8:13, Leviticus 8:17, Leviticus 8:21, Leviticus 8:29) 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.
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. 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.
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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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), 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
FAQ
Why was such strict obedience necessary for the priests?
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). 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"?
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 and 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), 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). Jesus declared, "I always do what pleases him" (John 8:29), demonstrating the complete and flawless obedience that Aaron and his sons could only aspire to. As 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). His perfect obedience fulfills the Levitical pattern, providing the true and lasting means of reconciliation.