Leviticus 8:35

You must remain at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting day and night for seven days and keep the LORD's charge so that you will not die, for this is what I have been commanded."

Study Bible

You must remain at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
This command was given to Aaron and his sons during their consecration as priests. The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was the central place of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. It symbolized God's presence among His people. Remaining at the entrance signifies a period of dedication and separation unto God, emphasizing the seriousness of their priestly duties.

day and night for seven days
The seven-day period reflects the completeness and perfection often associated with the number seven in the Bible. This time frame allowed for a full consecration process, mirroring the creation week where God established order. It also foreshadows the complete and perfect work of Christ, who fulfills the role of the ultimate High Priest.

and keep the LORD’s charge
This phrase underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands. The priests were to adhere strictly to the instructions given by God, highlighting the holiness required in their service. This obedience is a precursor to the New Testament teaching where believers are called to live according to God's will, as seen in passages like John 14:15.

so that you will not die
The severity of the command indicates the holiness of God and the serious nature of approaching Him. The priests' lives depended on their adherence to God's instructions, illustrating the concept of divine justice. This is echoed in the New Testament, where the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), but through Christ, believers receive life.

for this is what I have been commanded.”
Moses, as the mediator between God and the Israelites, relays God's direct command. This highlights the authority of God's word and the necessity of following divine instructions. It points to the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's commands and intercedes on behalf of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who is responsible for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests.

2. Aaron and his sons
The first priests of Israel, who are being consecrated for their priestly duties.

3. Tent of Meeting
The sacred place where God meets with Moses and the priests, and where the consecration ceremony takes place.

4. Consecration Ceremony
A seven-day ritual commanded by God to set apart Aaron and his sons for their priestly service.

5. The LORD’s Charge
The divine command given to Aaron and his sons to remain at the Tent of Meeting and fulfill their duties.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God’s Commands
The importance of following God's instructions precisely, as Aaron and his sons were required to do, highlights the seriousness of obedience in our spiritual lives.

The Role of Consecration
Consecration is a setting apart for holy purposes. As believers, we are called to live consecrated lives, dedicated to God’s service.

The Significance of the Priesthood
The priesthood in Leviticus points to the ultimate priesthood of Christ. Understanding this helps us appreciate the role of Jesus as our High Priest.

The Presence of God
Remaining at the Tent of Meeting symbolizes dwelling in God’s presence. We are encouraged to cultivate a continual awareness of God’s presence in our daily lives.

The Seriousness of Sin and Death
The warning of death for disobedience underscores the gravity of sin and the need for atonement, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the command to remain at the Tent of Meeting teach us about the importance of being in God’s presence?

2. How does the consecration of Aaron and his sons relate to our calling as a "royal priesthood" in the New Testament?

3. In what ways can we apply the principle of obedience from this passage to our daily walk with God?

4. How does the role of the Levitical priesthood foreshadow the priesthood of Jesus Christ?

5. What are some practical ways we can consecrate ourselves to God’s service in our current context?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
Provides detailed instructions for the consecration of priests, which is being carried out in Leviticus 8.

Hebrews 7
Discusses the priesthood of Jesus, drawing parallels to the Levitical priesthood and highlighting the fulfillment of the Old Testament priestly system.

1 Peter 2:9
Refers to believers as a "royal priesthood," connecting the concept of priesthood from Leviticus to the New Testament understanding of all believers having a priestly role.