Leviticus 9:23
Moses and Aaron then entered the Tent of Meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people, and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people.
Moses and Aaron then entered the Tent of Meeting.
This phrase highlights the leadership roles of Moses and Aaron in the Israelite community. The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among the Israelites. It was a portable sanctuary used during the wilderness wanderings. Moses and Aaron entering the Tent signifies their roles as mediators between God and the people. This act also underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and obedience, as the Tent was where God communicated His will. The Tent of Meeting is a precursor to the Temple in Jerusalem and symbolizes the presence of God among His people, foreshadowing the ultimate mediation of Jesus Christ, who is described as the true Tabernacle in John 1:14.

When they came out, they blessed the people,
The blessing of the people by Moses and Aaron signifies the completion of the sacrificial rituals and God's acceptance of the offerings. In the Old Testament, blessings were a way to convey God's favor and presence. This act of blessing is reminiscent of the priestly blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26, which invokes God's protection, grace, and peace. The role of the priest as a mediator who blesses the people points to Jesus Christ, our High Priest, who blesses believers with spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3).

and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people.
The appearance of the glory of the LORD is a theophany, a visible manifestation of God's presence. In the context of Leviticus, this event confirms God's acceptance of the sacrifices and His presence among the Israelites. The glory of the LORD often appeared as a cloud or fire, symbolizing His holiness and power (Exodus 24:16-17). This manifestation reassured the people of God's covenantal relationship with them. The glory of the LORD is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is described as the radiance of God's glory (Hebrews 1:3). The presence of God's glory among the people foreshadows the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, as seen in the New Testament.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to guide them through the wilderness. Moses acts as a mediator between God and the Israelites.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He plays a crucial role in the priestly functions and rituals as outlined in Leviticus.

3. Tent of Meeting
Also known as the Tabernacle, this was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites. It served as the central place of worship and sacrifice.

4. The Blessing
After performing the priestly duties, Moses and Aaron bless the people, signifying God's favor and presence among them.

5. The Glory of the LORD
This refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence, often associated with divine approval and holiness.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
Moses and Aaron's actions demonstrate the importance of following God's instructions precisely. Obedience leads to the manifestation of God's glory.

The Role of Mediation
Just as Moses and Aaron mediated between God and the Israelites, Jesus is our ultimate mediator, bridging the gap between humanity and God.

The Significance of God's Presence
The appearance of God's glory signifies His approval and presence. In our lives, seeking God's presence should be a priority, as it brings guidance and blessing.

The Power of Blessing
The act of blessing the people highlights the power of spoken blessings. As believers, we are called to bless others, invoking God's favor upon them.

Community Worship
The gathering at the Tent of Meeting underscores the importance of communal worship and fellowship in experiencing God's presence.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the obedience of Moses and Aaron in Leviticus 9:23 serve as a model for our own obedience to God's commands today?

2. In what ways does the role of Moses and Aaron as mediators foreshadow the mediating work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can we seek and recognize the presence of God's glory in our daily lives, and what impact does it have on our faith journey?

4. What are some practical ways we can bless others in our community, and how does this reflect the priestly blessing in Leviticus 9:23?

5. How does the concept of communal worship in the Tent of Meeting relate to the importance of gathering together as a church body today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 40
Describes the setting up of the Tabernacle and the glory of the LORD filling it, establishing a parallel to the divine presence in Leviticus 9:23.

Numbers 6
Contains the priestly blessing, which is a formal invocation of God's favor and protection, similar to the blessing given by Moses and Aaron.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the role of the high priest and the significance of the Tabernacle, drawing connections to the priestly functions in Leviticus.
A Sign Expected and ReceivedR.M. Edgar Leviticus 9:1-24
A Solemn BenedictionW. H. Jellie.Leviticus 9:1-24
Aaron in the Duties of His OfficeJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 9:1-24
Advent GloryLeviticus 9:1-24
Blessing the PeopleF. W. Brown.Leviticus 9:1-24
Christ's Priestly BlessingRichard Newton, D. D.Leviticus 9:1-24
God's Acceptance of the SacrificesChas. Simeon, M. A.Leviticus 9:1-24
Gracious FireDean Law.Leviticus 9:1-24
Of the Divers Occasions of the Sending of Miraculous Fire Upon the SacrificesA. Willet, D. D.Leviticus 9:1-24
Sacrificial Preparation for Jehovah a AppearingW. H. Jellie.Leviticus 9:1-24
Subject: God's Glory Manifested in the Blessedness of His PeopleR.A. Redford Leviticus 9:1-24
The Fire in the GospelA. Willet, D. D.Leviticus 9:1-24
The Miraculous FireF. W. Brown.Leviticus 9:1-24
Aaron's First Priestly ServicesJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 9:8-24
The Glory of the LordS.R. Aldridge Leviticus 9:23, 24
The Manifested PresenceW. Clarkson Leviticus 9:23, 24
People
Aaron, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Aaron, Appeared, Appeareth, Bless, Blessed, Blessing, Congregation, Glory, Honour, Meeting, Tabernacle, Tent
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 9:23

     1193   glory, revelation of

Leviticus 9:23-24

     1454   theophany

Library
"Then the Fire of the Lord Fell. " 1 Kings xviii. 38
It was fire that came direct from heaven. It was not the first time it had fallen; we read of it in Leviticus ix. 24 as coming from before the Lord, and consuming the sacrifice. It was God's way of showing His power and his favour, and it was something that could neither be imitated nor produced by anyone else besides Jehovah. I.--THIS FIRE CAME AT A TIME OF APOSTACY. The nation, headed by King Ahab, had gone very far away from God. They needed some signal display of God's power to win them back
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

Section 26-36. That the Son is the Co-Existing Word
Section §26-36. That the Son is the Co-existing Word, argued from the New Testament. Texts from the Old Testament continued; especially Ps. cx. 3. Besides, the Word in Old Testament may be Son in New, as Spirit in Old Testament is Paraclete in New. Objection from Acts x. 36; answered by parallels, such as 1 Cor. i. 5. Lev. ix. 7. &c. Necessity of the Word's taking flesh, viz. to sanctify, yet without destroying, the flesh. 26. But that the Son has no beginning of being, but before He was made
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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