Leviticus Chapter 8 Summary
Consecration of Aaron and sons for the priesthood.
Discussion Questions for Leviticus, Chapter 8
- Leviticus 8 describes the ceremony of consecrating the tabernacle, Aaron, and Aaron's sons. Dictionary.com defines consecration as “to make or declare sacred; set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity.” Why is it important to set aside something or someone for the service of God? How does this demonstrate the holiness of God?
- In Lev. 8:2, God tells Moses to take the garments, in addition to the sacrifices, to the meeting tent for the consecration ceremony of Aaron and his sons. Leviticus 7 explains how the priest is to change clothes before leaving the tent of meeting to dispose of the ashes from the sacrifice. Why is it significant to set the clothing aside for the service to God? How should this affect our walk with the Lord?
- Leviticus 8:10-11 shows Moses anointing all the vessels and utensils in the tabernacle to consecrate them. In Jeremiah 52 and Daniel 5, we see these items had been removed from the temple when it was destroyed by Babylon. The temple is restored when the exiles return to Jerusalem. What do you think happened to these vessels since they touched unclean hands and were used for other purposes, not only for serving God? How do the vessels reflect what happened to the children during the Babylonian exile?
- Leviticus 8:22-25 describes one of the most peculiar ceremonies. Moses took blood from the sacrifice of the ram of ordination and anointed the right ear, thumb, and big toe of Aaron and his sons. Why do you think it was the right side that was anointed? What do you think was the effect of those who are left-handed, and do you believe the effect still exists today?
- Moses sprinkled the blood of the animal sacrifices on Aaron, his sons, and their garments in Leviticus 8:30 to finish consecrating them. How do you think the general public would react to this ceremony in today's society? How would it help or hinder sharing the gospel with a non-believer?
- Leviticus 8:31-32, Moses tells Aaron and his sons to boil the meat from the sacrifice and the bread to eat in the tent of meeting and then burn the remains. They were not to leave the tabernacle for seven days to complete their consecration. What do the people need to do to become pastors at your church? How are they set apart for God's service?
- Aaron and his sons had to remain in the tabernacle for seven days to complete their consecration. The number seven is used to symbolize perfection or completion throughout the scripture. God could make anything perfect instantly in His sovereignty but chooses to take a length of time. Why do you think God chooses to do this? How does this affect our walk as believers?
- Leviticus 8:35 states that the penalty for Aaron and his sons not doing all that God commanded was death. What does this communicate about the holiness of God? What would happen if death were the penalty for disobedience to God's commands today? How should we respond to the grace and mercy of God based on the punishments under the law?
- After viewing the consecration ceremony of the priests and their punishment if they do not do what God commands in Leviticus 8, what do you think the reaction would be if God had the same penalty for pastors found corrupt in today's society? How would it affect the church and its ministry?
- Moses is performing the consecration ceremony in Leviticus 8. There was no one present to perform the consecration ceremony, as Moses is performing it for Aaron and his sons. How was Moses consecrated so he could perform the ceremony and be the leader of Israel? Did Moses have a need to be consecrated? Why or why not?
Key Words/Phrase
Sanctification, v. 12.
Characters
God, Moses, Aaron and sons.
Strong Verse(s)
13, 36.
