Leviticus 8:22

And he brought the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.

And he brought {H7126} the other {H8145} ram {H352}, the ram {H352} of consecration {H4394}: and Aaron {H175} and his sons {H1121} laid {H5564} their hands {H3027} upon the head {H7218} of the ram {H352}.

Then the other ram was presented, the ram of consecration; Aharon and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram.

After that, Moses presented the other ram, the ram of ordination, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head.

And he presented the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.

Commentary

Leviticus 8:22 describes a pivotal moment in the ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons as priests in ancient Israel. This verse focuses on the "ram of consecration," a specific offering that symbolized their investiture into sacred service.

Context

This verse is part of Leviticus Chapter 8, which meticulously details the seven-day ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons as commanded by God through Moses. Prior to this verse, Moses had already presented a sin offering (Leviticus 8:14) and a burnt offering (Leviticus 8:18) for the priests. These initial sacrifices cleansed them from sin and dedicated them wholly to God. The "ram of consecration" (also known as the ram of ordination) is the third and final animal sacrifice in this elaborate ritual, specifically preparing them for their mediatorial role in the Tabernacle. This entire ceremony fulfills the instructions given earlier in Exodus 29, establishing the foundational priesthood for the nation of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Consecration and Ordination: The central theme is the setting apart of Aaron and his sons for a holy purpose. The "ram of consecration" was integral to their official appointment and empowerment for priestly duties. This act was not merely symbolic but conveyed a divine authorization for their unique role as mediators between God and the people.
  • Identification and Dedication: The act of "Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram" signifies identification with the sacrifice. In this context, it represents their dedication of themselves to God's service through the ram, acknowledging that their new office required a complete surrender and a life set apart. This gesture is similar to other instances in the Old Testament where laying on of hands transferred sin or dedicated an offering, but here it emphasizes the priests' commitment.
  • Divine Authority and Appointment: The entire ceremony underscores that the priesthood was not a human invention but a divine institution. God Himself ordained these rituals and appointed these men, emphasizing the sanctity and seriousness of their office.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "ram of consecration" translates the Hebrew *'รชl hammillu'im* (ืึตื™ืœ ื”ึทืžึดึผืœึปึผืึดื™ื). The term *millu'im* literally means "filling" or "fullness," and it refers to the "filling of the hands." This is a crucial expression for ordination, as the priests' hands were symbolically "filled" with their authority and duties. It signifies their investiture and the complete enablement for their sacred office, empowering them to perform the rituals and sacrifices required of them. This "filling of the hands" was a tangible sign of their new vocational identity.

Related Scriptures

The laying on of hands is a recurring biblical motif. While here it signifies dedication and investiture into priestly service, it is also seen in other contexts, such as the commissioning of Joshua by Moses, or in the New Testament, for setting apart deacons in Acts 6:6. The meticulous nature of the Old Testament priesthood points forward to the perfect high priesthood of Jesus Christ, who consecrated Himself once for all.

Practical Application

While we no longer have the Levitical priesthood, this passage holds profound significance for believers today. As Christians, we are called a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), set apart by God for His service. This verse reminds us that true service to God requires:

  1. Divine Appointment: Our ability to serve comes from God's calling and empowerment, not merely human effort.
  2. Dedication: Like Aaron and his sons, we are called to dedicate ourselves fully to God, surrendering our lives for His purposes.
  3. Purity and Consecration: Just as the priests needed cleansing and consecration, believers are made holy through Christ's sacrifice, enabling them to offer "spiritual sacrifices" (1 Peter 2:5) acceptable to God.

The ram of consecration in Leviticus 8:22 serves as a timeless reminder of the seriousness and sacredness of being set apart for God's work, whether in specific ministry roles or in the daily walk of faith.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 8:2 (5 votes)

    Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread;

  • Exodus 29:19 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt take the other ram; and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram.

  • Exodus 29:31 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt take the ram of the consecration, and seethe his flesh in the holy place.

  • Revelation 1:5 (2 votes)

    And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

  • Revelation 1:6 (2 votes)

    And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

  • Ephesians 5:27 (2 votes)

    That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

  • Leviticus 7:37 (2 votes)

    This [is] the law of the burnt offering, of the meat offering, and of the sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and of the consecrations, and of the sacrifice of the peace offerings;