Leviticus 8:7

He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him.

Study Bible

He put the tunic on Aaron
The tunic was a long garment worn next to the skin, symbolizing purity and righteousness. In the context of the priesthood, it represents the need for holiness in those who serve God. The act of dressing Aaron signifies his consecration and readiness to serve as high priest. This parallels the New Testament call for believers to "put on" Christ (Romans 13:14), emphasizing a life of holiness.

tied the sash around him
The sash, or girdle, was used to secure the tunic and represents service and readiness. In biblical times, girding oneself was a sign of preparation for work or battle. This imagery is echoed in Ephesians 6:14, where believers are instructed to gird their loins with truth, highlighting the importance of being prepared and committed to God's service.

clothed him with the robe
The robe was a seamless garment worn over the tunic, signifying the dignity and authority of the high priest. It was often associated with royalty and priesthood, pointing to the honor and responsibility of Aaron's role. This foreshadows Christ, our High Priest, who is clothed in majesty and authority (Hebrews 4:14).

and put the ephod on him
The ephod was a distinctive priestly garment, often associated with seeking God's will. It was made of fine materials and held the breastplate with the Urim and Thummim, used for divine guidance. This highlights the role of the priest as an intermediary between God and the people, a role ultimately fulfilled by Jesus, who intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25).

He tied the woven band of the ephod around him
The woven band, or girdle, of the ephod was intricately designed, symbolizing the beauty and complexity of God's covenant with Israel. It served to secure the ephod, ensuring it stayed in place, much like the faithfulness required in the priestly office. This reflects the steadfastness of Christ's priesthood, which is unchanging and eternal (Hebrews 13:8).

and fastened it to him
The act of fastening the ephod signifies the permanence and commitment of Aaron's role as high priest. It underscores the idea of being bound to one's duty and calling. This is mirrored in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith and calling (1 Corinthians 15:58), just as Christ was faithful to His mission.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He is being consecrated for his priestly duties in this passage.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who is performing the consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons as commanded by God.

3. The Tabernacle
The sacred tent of meeting where the consecration ceremony takes place, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

4. The Ephod
A sacred garment worn by the high priest, symbolizing his role as a mediator between God and the people.

5. Consecration Ceremony
A significant event where Aaron and his sons are set apart for their priestly service, involving specific garments and rituals.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Holiness
The detailed instructions for Aaron's garments highlight the holiness required in approaching God. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes.

Symbolism of the Garments
Each piece of the high priest's attire had symbolic meaning, pointing to the spiritual truths of purity, righteousness, and service. Reflect on how our "spiritual garments" should reflect Christ's righteousness.

Role of the Mediator
Aaron's role as a mediator foreshadows Christ's ultimate mediation between God and humanity. We can approach God with confidence through Jesus, our high priest.

Obedience to God's Commands
Moses' careful adherence to God's instructions for the consecration ceremony underscores the importance of obedience in our walk with God.

Priestly Identity of Believers
As a royal priesthood, believers are called to represent God to the world and intercede for others, following the example set by the Old Testament priests.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the consecration of Aaron as high priest in Leviticus 8:7 relate to the concept of holiness in our lives today?

2. In what ways do the priestly garments symbolize the spiritual qualities God desires in His people?

3. How does Aaron's role as a mediator between God and the Israelites point to the work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

4. What can we learn from Moses' obedience in following God's detailed instructions for the consecration ceremony?

5. How does the concept of believers as a "royal priesthood" in 1 Peter 2:9 challenge us to live out our faith in practical ways?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 28
Provides detailed instructions for the priestly garments, emphasizing their significance and the holiness required for those serving God.

Hebrews 5
Discusses the role of the high priest, drawing parallels between Aaron's priesthood and the ultimate high priesthood of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9
Speaks of believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the Old Testament priesthood to the New Testament calling of all Christians to serve God.