Leviticus 8:4

And Moses did as the LORD commanded him; and the assembly was gathered together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

And Moses {H4872} did {H6213} as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} him; and the assembly {H5712} was gathered together {H6950} unto the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}.

Moshe did as ADONAI ordered him, and the community was assembled at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

So Moses did as the LORD had commanded him, and the assembly gathered at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

And Moses did as Jehovah commanded him; and the congregation was assembled at the door of the tent of meeting.

Commentary

Leviticus 8:4 KJV describes a pivotal moment in ancient Israelite history, highlighting Moses' strict obedience to God's instructions and the gathering of the entire community for a significant religious ceremony. This verse sets the stage for the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, a foundational event for Israel's worship system.

Context

Leviticus Chapter 8 details the elaborate ceremony for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests, fulfilling God's direct commands given in Exodus 29. Verse 4 specifically notes Moses' faithful execution of these divine instructions. Following the completion of the Tabernacle's construction and dedication, this gathering signifies the beginning of its operational phase, where the newly appointed priests would facilitate Israel's worship and atonement before God. The assembly's presence underscores the public and communal nature of this sacred event, vital for the entire nation's spiritual life.

Key Themes

  • Divine Obedience: The phrase "Moses did as the LORD commanded him" is central, emphasizing the paramount importance of absolute obedience to God's specific instructions. Moses consistently models this throughout the Pentateuch, demonstrating that faithfulness to God's word is foundational for leadership and spiritual order.
  • Communal Gathering: The assembly being "gathered together unto the door of the tabernacle" highlights the corporate nature of Israelite worship and the significance of the upcoming ordination for the entire community. This was not a private ceremony but a public affirmation of God's chosen ministers and the system He established for His people.
  • Sacred Space: The "door of the tabernacle of the congregation" identifies the specific, holy location where God met with His people and where the most significant rituals were performed. It was the focal point of Israel's spiritual life and the place where the divine presence dwelt among them.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "tabernacle of the congregation" translates from the Hebrew ohel mo'ed (ΧΧ•Χ”Χœ ΧžΧ•Χ’Χ“), which literally means "tent of meeting" or "tent of appointment." This term powerfully conveys the purpose of the Tabernacle: it was the designated place where God appointed to meet with His people, particularly through Moses and later through the priests. The gathering at its "door" (pethach) signifies the threshold of divine encounter and access to God's presence.

Practical Application

Leviticus 8:4 offers timeless principles for believers today. Firstly, it underscores the vital importance of obedience to God's revealed will. Just as Moses meticulously followed divine commands, believers are called to live in submission to God's Word. Secondly, the gathering of the assembly reminds us of the communal aspect of faith and worship. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to gather and witness significant spiritual events, supporting those called to ministry and participating in corporate worship. Finally, the meticulous preparation for the priesthood emphasizes the sanctity and seriousness of ministry; those called to serve God's people should be set apart and equipped according to His design.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 39:21

    And they did bind the breastplate by his rings unto the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Exodus 39:5

    And the curious girdle of his ephod, that [was] upon it, [was] of the same, according to the work thereof; [of] gold, blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Exodus 39:26

    A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister [in]; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Exodus 39:1

    ΒΆ And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy [place], and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Exodus 39:42

    According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.

  • 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.

  • Leviticus 8:13

    And Moses brought Aaron's sons, and put coats upon them, and girded them with girdles, and put bonnets upon them; as the LORD commanded Moses.
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