TRV
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 8:1–13. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
God had given Moses orders to consecrate Aaron and his sons to the priests' office, when he was with him the first time upon mount Sinai, Ex. 28 and Exo 29:1, where we have also the particular instructions he had how to do it. Now here we have,
I.The orders repeated.
What was there commanded to be done is here commanded to be done now, Lev 8:2, Lev 8:3. The tabernacle was newly set up, which, without the priests, would be as a candlestick without a candle; the law concerning sacrifices was newly given, but could not be observed without priests; for, though Aaron and his sons had been nominated to the office, they could not officiate, till they were consecrated, which yet must not be done till the place of their ministration was prepared, and the ordinances were instituted, that they might apply themselves to work as soon as ever they were consecrated, and might know that they were ordained, not only to the honour and profit, but to the business of the priesthood. Aaron and his sons were near relations to Moses, and therefore he would not consecrate them till he had further orders, lest he should seem too forward to bring honour into his family.
II.The congregation called together, at the door, that is, in the court of the tabernacle, Lev 8:4.
The elders and principal men of the congregation, who represented the body of the people, were summoned to attend; for the court would hold but a few of the many thousands of Israel. It was done thus publicly,
1.Because it was a solemn transaction between God and Israel; the priests were to be ordained for men in things pertaining to God, for the maintaining of a settled correspondence, and the negotiating of all affairs between the people and God; and therefore it was fit that both sides should appear, to own the appointment, at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.
2.The spectators of the solemnity could not but be possessed, by the sight of it, with a great veneration for the priests and their office, which was necessary among a people so wretchedly prone as these were to envy and discontent. It was strange that any of those who were witnesses of what was here done should afterwards say, as some of them did, You take too much upon you, you sons of Levi; but what would they have said if it had been done clandestinely? Note, It is very fit, and of good use, that ministers should be ordained publicly, plebe praesente - in the presence of the common people, according to the usage of the primitive church.
III.The commission read, Lev 8:5.
Moses, who was God's representative in this solemnity, produced his orders before the congregation: This is the thing which the Lord commanded to be done. Though God had crowned him king in Jeshurun, when he made his face to shine in the sight of all Israel, yet he did not institute or appoint any thing in God's worship but what God himself had commanded. The priesthood he delivered to them was that which he had received from the Lord. Note, All that minister about holy things must have an eye to God's command as their rule and warrant; for it is only in the observance of this that they can expect to be owned and accepted of God. Thus we must be able to say, in all acts of religious worship, This is the thing which the Lord commanded to be done.
IV.The ceremony performed according to the divine ritual.
1.Aaron and his sons were washed with water (Lev 8:6), to signify that they ought now to purify themselves from all sinful dispositions and inclinations, and ever after to keep themselves pure. Christ washes those from their sins in his own blood whom he makes to our God kings and priests (Rev 1:5, Rev 1:6); and those that draw near to God must be washed in pure water, Heb 10:22. Though they were ever so clean before and no filth was to be seen upon them, yet they must be washed, to signify their purification from sin, with which their souls were polluted, how clean soever their bodies were.
2.They were clothed with the holy garments, Aaron with his (Lev 8:7-9), which typified the dignity of Christ our great high priest, and his sons with theirs (Lev 8:13), which typified the decency of Christians, who are spiritual priests. Christ wears the breast-plate of judgment and the holy crown; for the church's high priest is her prophet and king. All believers are clothed with the robe of righteousness, and girt with the girdle of truth, resolution, and close application; and their heads are bound, as the word here is, with the bonnet or diadem of beauty, the beauty of holiness.
3.The high priest was anointed, and, it should seem, the holy things were anointed at the same time; some think that they were anointed before, but that the anointing of them is mentioned here because Aaron was anointed with the same oil with which they were anointed; but the manner of relating it here makes it more than probable that it was done at the same time, and that the seven days employed in consecrating the altar were coincident with the seven days of the priests' consecration. The tabernacle, and all its utensils, had some of the anointing oil put upon them with Moses's finger (Lev 8:10), so had the altar (Lev 8:11); these were to sanctify the gold and the gift (Mat 23:17-19), and therefore must themselves be thus sanctified; but he poured it out more plentifully upon the head of Aaron (Lev 8:12), so that it ran down to the skirts of his garments, because his unction was to typify the anointing of Christ with the Spirit, which was not given by measure to him. Yet all believers also have received the anointing, which puts an indelible character upon them, Jo1 2:27.
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Summary
Leviticus 8:8 meticulously chronicles a pivotal moment in the seven-day ordination ceremony of Aaron, Israel's first High Priest, as Moses faithfully executes God's precise instructions. This verse details the final placement of the sacred breastplate upon Aaron, and crucially, the insertion of the enigmatic Urim and Thummim within its folds. This act profoundly underscores the High Priest's divinely appointed role as the primary mediator between God and Israel, serving as the designated channel for divine guidance, judgment, and revelation for the entire nation.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 8 initiates the elaborate, divinely commanded seven-day consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons, fulfilling the detailed instructions previously given by God in Exodus 29. Moses, acting as God's faithful agent, meticulously dresses Aaron in each prescribed holy garment, with every piece symbolizing a distinct facet of his unique priestly office and mediating role. Prior to this verse, Aaron has been ritually washed, then clothed with the tunic, sash, robe, ephod, and the ephod band. The placement of the breastplate and the Urim and Thummim in Leviticus 8:8 represents the penultimate step in adorning Aaron with his full priestly regalia, immediately preceding the anointing oil and the crowning with the turban and holy crown, as described in Leviticus 8:9-12. This precise, cumulative sequence emphasizes the progressive nature of the High Priest's preparation, building towards his full investiture with divine authority, sacred responsibility, and the capacity to stand before a holy God on behalf of the people.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, priests often served as crucial intermediaries between the divine and humanity, frequently employing various forms of divination—some legitimate, many pagan—to ascertain the will of their gods. Israel, however, stood distinct; its priesthood and its means of divine communication were uniquely and entirely divinely instituted and controlled, explicitly designed to prevent human manipulation or assimilation of pagan practices. The breastplate, specifically designated as the "breastplate of judgment" in Exodus 28:15, was a visually prominent and striking garment, intricately adorned with twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes of Israel. Its placement over Aaron's heart profoundly signified the High Priest's role as the representative of the entire nation, bearing their names, concerns, and burdens into God's holy presence. The Urim and Thummim, inserted into this breastplate, represented the unique, divinely sanctioned method for the High Priest to seek God's direct and authoritative guidance and judgment on matters of national importance, such as military strategy, tribal movements, or complex legal disputes, as exemplified in Numbers 27:21. This unique mechanism underscored God's direct involvement in the governance of His covenant people and His unwavering commitment to providing clear, authoritative direction through His chosen mediator.
Key Themes
Leviticus 8:8 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Holiness and Consecration, as Aaron is set apart through a meticulous ritual to serve a holy God. The verse highlights Divine Authority and Appointment, emphasizing that the High Priest's office and its functions, including divine communication, are not self-derived but divinely ordained and controlled. It powerfully illustrates the theme of Mediation, as Aaron stands as the designated link between a holy God and an unholy people, bearing their names and seeking God's counsel on their behalf. Furthermore, the Urim and Thummim introduce the theme of Divine Revelation and Guidance, demonstrating God's commitment to actively communicate His will and provide clear direction for His covenant community. This theme is crucial for understanding Israel's reliance on God for national decisions, as seen in instances like Joshua 9:14 (where the absence of consultation leads to error) or Judges 1:1.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term, derived from a root likely meaning "to contain or sparkle," refers specifically to the gorget of the high priest. It was a folded pouch designed to hold the Urim and Thummim, adorned with twelve precious stones. Its name and design emphasize its function as a container for divine revelation and its visual splendor, reflecting the glory of God and the representation of the twelve tribes of Israel.
A plural noun meaning "lights" or "revelations." While their exact physical form remains a mystery, the name itself points to their illuminating quality. The Urim were a means by which God's will was made manifest, providing clarity and divine insight, often understood as conveying a "yes" or "no" answer, or revealing a specific direction, akin to a light dispelling darkness. They were instrumental in bringing divine truth to bear on national matters.
A plural noun meaning "perfections" or "completeness." This term implies the absolute truthfulness, infallibility, and definitive nature of the divine response received through them. Together with Urim, they conveyed the idea of a perfect and complete revelation, free from error or ambiguity, ensuring that the High Priest's counsel to the nation was truly from God, embodying integrity and ultimate truth.
Verse Breakdown
"And he put the breastplate upon him"
This clause describes Moses' precise action of placing the breastplate, a garment of immense symbolic and functional significance, onto Aaron. The breastplate, often called the "breastplate of judgment" (Exodus 28:15), was not merely decorative. It was a square, folded pouch, richly adorned with twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Its placement over Aaron's heart symbolized his profound role as the mediator who carried the concerns, identity, and burdens of the entire nation into God's holy presence, interceding on their behalf. This act was a visible and essential sign of Aaron's investiture with the sacred authority and weighty responsibility of the High Priestly office.
"also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim"
This crucial addition highlights the unique, divinely ordained function of the breastplate as more than just an ornamental garment. The Urim and Thummim were distinct, sacred objects, though their precise nature (whether stones, lots, or some other form) is not explicitly described in Scripture. Their insertion into the breastplate transformed it into a unique instrument of divine revelation and judgment. This act signified that the High Priest was not only to represent the people before God but also to receive God's authoritative guidance and definitive judgment for the people. This was the primary means by which God would communicate His specific will on matters of national significance, ensuring that the decisions made by Israel's leadership were divinely sanctioned, clear, and perfectly aligned with His purposes.
Literary Devices
The passage employs Symbolism extensively, imbuing each element with profound theological meaning. The breastplate itself is a potent symbol, representing the High Priest's role as the bearer of Israel's burdens and identity before God, with the twelve stones signifying the twelve tribes continually brought into God's presence. The Urim and Thummim are also highly symbolic, representing divine illumination (Urim) and perfect truth or completeness (Thummim), functioning as a divinely appointed conduit for God's direct revelation and judgment. The entire act of dressing Aaron is a meticulously prescribed Ritual, a sacred ceremony that formally imbues the High Priest with sacred authority and sets him apart for his unique mediatorial role. The precise, step-by-step description of Moses' actions underscores the Divine Mandate behind Aaron's ordination, emphasizing that his authority is not self-derived but divinely conferred and meticulously ordered according to God's perfect design.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 8:8 profoundly illustrates God's deep desire for intimate communication and authoritative guidance with His people, even as He establishes a necessary system of mediation through a consecrated priesthood. The placement of the Urim and Thummim within the High Priest's breastplate signifies that divine revelation and judgment were not arbitrary or subject to human whim, but were channeled through a divinely appointed and meticulously prepared individual. This highlights the foundational themes of divine authority, the necessity of mediation for a holy God to interact with an unholy people, and God's unwavering commitment to providing clear and infallible direction for His covenant community. It underscores that true leadership within Israel was to be characterized by diligently seeking and humbly submitting to God's revealed will, rather than relying on human wisdom, political expediency, or personal ambition.
Reflection and Application
While the physical Urim and Thummim are no longer in use today, the profound principles behind their function remain profoundly relevant and transformative for believers under the New Covenant. This verse powerfully reminds us of God's unchanging character as a God who actively desires to communicate with and guide His people. Just as ancient Israel relied on the High Priest for divine counsel on matters of national importance, we, as New Covenant believers, are called to diligently seek God's will for our individual lives and for the collective body of the church. This seeking involves diligent and prayerful engagement with God's written Word, which is "a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105), fervent and persistent prayer, and cultivating a sensitive ear to the indwelling Holy Spirit who "will guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13). Furthermore, God often uses the wise counsel of godly community and the spiritual discernment of mature leaders to illuminate His path, echoing the communal aspect of the High Priest bearing the tribes before God. Our ultimate confidence in discerning God's will rests not in external objects or mechanical means, but in our direct access to Him through Christ and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What happened to the Urim and Thummim, and why are they not used today?
The exact fate of the Urim and Thummim is not explicitly recorded in Scripture. They are last mentioned in the post-exilic period in Ezra 2:63 and Nehemiah 7:65, where it is noted that a priest with Urim and Thummim was needed to resolve a dispute over priestly lineage, strongly implying their absence or loss by that time. Jewish tradition generally suggests they were lost or ceased to function with the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Their cessation of use is understood within the broader theological progression of God's revelation. With the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate and perfect High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), God's people now have direct, unhindered access to Him and His comprehensive guidance. The Holy Spirit indwells every believer, illuminating God's written Word and providing discernment, making external, mechanical means of revelation like the Urim and Thummim obsolete for the New Covenant believer.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 8:8, with its meticulous focus on Aaron's investiture as the High Priest and the sacred placement of the Urim and Thummim, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Aaron, as the earthly High Priest, served as a divine type and shadow, pointing forward to the true, eternal, and superior High Priest, Jesus, who perfectly mediates between a holy God and fallen humanity (Hebrews 8:6). Just as Aaron bore the names of Israel's tribes on his heart before God, Jesus, our compassionate and faithful High Priest, continually intercedes for His people, bearing our burdens, our weaknesses, and presenting us faultless before the Father's throne (Hebrews 7:25). Furthermore, the Urim and Thummim, which provided divine revelation and judgment, powerfully foreshadowed Christ who is the very embodiment of God's perfect light and absolute truth. He is the "light of the world" (John 8:12), the complete, final, and most authoritative revelation of God to humanity (Hebrews 1:1-3). In Him, all the "perfections" (Thummim) of God's will, wisdom, and righteousness are fully found, and through Him, we receive clear, infallible guidance and direct access to the Father's heart, far surpassing any physical means of divination. His life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection are the ultimate "judgment" against sin and the ultimate "revelation" of God's saving grace, establishing a new covenant where every believer, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, can directly approach the throne of grace with confidence and receive mercy and grace in their time of need (Hebrews 4:16).