INSTITUTION OF THE PRIESTHOOD – DCLM ADULTS SEARCH
Last week we examined Divine Instruction on the pattern of the tabernacle, and today we consider the institution of the priesthood.
MEMORY VERSE: “And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office.’’ (Exodus 30:30).
TEXT: Exodus chapters 28 to 31
In the previous chapters, God gave Moses specific instructions on the construction of the tabernacle: The present study focuses on specific instructions to make the priestly garments, the consecration of the priests, construction of the altar of incense, laver for washing, the composition of anointing oil as well as the regulation on the Sabbath. Also, the priests that would minister in it were to be consecrated before receiving regulations that would guide their ministry. The tabernacle must be in place before the priests would minister in it. God sets things in order. “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Similarly, the priests were consecrated before the regulations that would govern their ministry. New Testament believers must first be consecrated to God to make their service acceptable (Romans 12:1,2).
CHOICE OF CLOTHING AND CONSECRATION OF PRIESTS
Exodus 28:1-43; 29:1-46; Numbers 3:10; Zechariah 3:1-4; Hebrews 5:1-10; 9:6,7
God directed Moses to consecrate Aaron and his sons into the priestly office. Aaron’s humility is also praiseworthy. As the priest, he had to function under the leadership of his younger brother (Exodus 7: 1), Moses was also directed to make holy garments for Aaron and his sons. These garments were for glory, beauty, holiness, honour and divine majesty. However, under the New Testament dispensation, believers, as priests, are to go beyond adorning themselves outwardly and put on the garments of salvation and robe of righteousness (1 Peter 2:9,10; 3:3-5; Revelation 1:5).
The clothing of the high priest, as well as his responsibilities were clearly defined. Their dressing must match the office they occupied. Their clothing consisted of the broidered coat, girdle and an ephod a sleeveless garment, made of blue linen. Pomegranates were embroidered on the lower end, alternated with golden bells, which sounded when the high priest moved around in the sanctuary (Exodus 28:31-35; 39:22). Other items of the dressing are the mitre — a crown-like cap for the head having the inscription: “HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD” engraved on it. The purpose of this is to emphasise the necessity of holiness, not only for the high priest but also for the congregation.
An elaborate ceremony took place at the inauguration of the priests with much emphasis placed on purity. The candidates washed themselves, signifying the inner purity that should mark the conduct of the ministers of God. Prophet Isaiah put it thus; “Depart ye, depart ye… be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD” (Isaiah 52: 11). After washing, the priests were clothed and anointed. Significantly, their appointment comes after purification. In God’s order, cleansing comes before anointing, salvation before service and purity before power, The rites of consecration were completed with offering of the prescribed sacrifices.
It is pertinent to observe the weakness of the Levitical priesthood right from inception. The priests had to offer sacrifices for their own sins before they could represent others, thereby acknowledging their own sinfulness and need for pardon. They laid their hands on the head of the sacrificial animal as a mark of transferring their guilt on a substitute. This acts as a precursor to the role played by Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (Isaiah 53:4-6; John 1:29). The Old Testament priests needed to make atonement for their sins, but Jesus, the great High Priest of the new covenant was sinless. He needed no sacrifice for Himself.
Also, the burning of the entire animal at the consecration ceremony signified the priests’ entire dedication to God and His service throughout their lifetime. Another aspect of the consecration service was the application of the blood of the ram of dedication to different parts of the priests’ bodies. All these are pointers to the total consecration and absolute surrender to God characteristic of present-day believers. Details of the consecration of the priests were designed, one, to instil in the people the exalted views of their calling. New Testament saints, as priests of the Holy God, should see their calling as holy, heavenly and high. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light“ (1 Peter 2:9). Two, it was to impress upon the priests themselves the magnitude, profundity and importance of their assignment.
Partaking of the fellowship offering also depicts communion with God. It reminded the priests that God is the Source of their sustenance and strength. Strangers (non-priests) were prohibited from eating of this fellowship offering. The purification rites performed by Aaron and his sons show that holiness is a necessity for anyone who wishes to engage in God’s service.
COMMUNION AND COMMUNICATING WITH THE DIVINE POWER
Exodus 37:25-28; 38:24-31; Numbers 1:2-4; Zechariah 13: 1
After the priesthood was instituted, God gave Moses’ instructions to make the altar of incense (Exodus 30:110). It is also called the golden altar because God’s direction was for Moses to “overlay it with pure gold“. The incense represents the devotion of saints whose prayers are set before God daily. Furthermore, Aaron’s burning “therein sweet incense morning and evening” shows that believers must be constant in prayers (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Luke 18:1). The altar of incense placed directly in front of the of the covenant represents the presence of God with believers and His assurance to answer their prayers. The sweet-smelling odour that ascended up from the holy of holiest signifies the prayers of believers ascending to God in heaven.
“When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD…” (Exodus 30:12). We learn here that God requires accountability; therefore, church leaders should be diligent to know the state of affairs among their congregation. Two, every man is to give a ransom. This is tribute paid to God in appreciation for blessings received and the support of divine worship. None was excluded from the payment of the ransom, meaning that everyone is equal regarding the need of redemption. The rich have as much need of Christ as the poor. “The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls” (Exodus 30:15). Furthermore, obedience to God’s instruction takes away plague among His people while disobedience attracts divine wrath and judgment.
God told Moses to make a laver of brass for the priests to wash in and this was to be set near the door of the tabernacle. This was to teach them purity in all their services. Believers today do not need daily literal washing in water before they can render acceptable service to the Lord. Jesus Christ has paid the price both for our salvation and purity. Rather, we appropriate His sacrifice by consecrating ourselves to Him, renewing our minds in the perfect will of God daily and living in nonconformity to the world.
CALL AND COMMENSURATE GIFT FOR SERVICE
Exodus 31:1-18, 1 Kings 7:13, 14; Exodus 20:8-11; Isaiah 56:2-7
God drew towards a conclusion of His sundry instructions to Moses upon the mount where He had been for forty days. He revealed to Moses the detailed description and plan of the tabernacle. Bezaleel and Aholiab were commissioned to take charge of the actual construction. This shows that, one, there is no monopoly of God’s gift, power and wisdom. He gives to everyone according to the measure of grace; two, God does not want His servants to work in isolation no matter how gifted and talented they are. They need the help of others to accomplish His purpose. Three, He chose the persons to do the work so that there would be no contest, envy or carnal comparisons about the preferment.
God is the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17; 2 Peter 1:3). Bezaleel and Aholiab were gifted in the skill of workmanship, Aaron and his sons were called into the priesthood, and Moses was the overall head. We learn therefore, that gifts and callings differ. Whether we are gifted or called or both, there should be no place for pride, but humility and readiness to submit to leadership and work with one another. God “filled [Bezaleel] with the spirit of God“ (Exodus 31:3). Talents and abilities are not enough to thrive in ministry without the Spirit of God. immediately God gave the order that the tabernacle be set up for His service, He reminded the children of Israel of the command for the sanctification of the sabbath. “Speak my thou sabbaths also unto ye shall the children keep: for of Israel, it is a between me and sign know you that throughout I am the LORD your generations; doth sanctify that ye you… may Six days may work be done; that but in the seventh is the sabbath LORD of made rest, heaven holy to and the LORD… for in six days the earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed“ (Exodus 31:13-17).
However, New Testament believers are not to observe the Sabbath (Saturday) but the Lord’s Day (Sunday) for the following reasons: one, Jesus’ resurrection took p ace on the first day of the week. Two, believers in the early Church carne together for worship on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Three, Paul the Apostle commanded early believers to bring their offerings on this day (1 Corinthians 16:2). Therefore, believers are to hallow the Lord’s Day. We must not engage in any personal or secular work on this day, except those on essential duties or whose employment involves emergency services. It is a holy day when we engage in spiritual activities such as worshipping the Lord, evangelism and other good works. We must also ensure we give our body rest and keep the day holy unto the Lord.
“And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God“ (Exodus 31:18). God gave Moses the tables of stone to preserve the record for a long time to come so that future generations of the Israelites can refer to it. Believers are privileged to have the Scriptures, the word of God, which was written “for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope“ (Romans 15:4). Moreover, Christ has atoned for us under the new covenant and the laws of God are written in the heart of those who are converted and are guided by His Spirit.
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest” (Hebrews 8: 10,11).
Questions for review:
1.Why was the tabernacle put in place before the priesthood was instituted?
2.State the significance of the garment of the priests.
3.Point out major weaknesses of the Levitical priesthood.
4, What lessons can believers learn from the altar of incense and ransom?
5.What should be the mindset of believers as they serve in their appointed offices?
6.What is the application of Sabbath day to New Testament believers and can it be observed?
7,Mention some privileges believers enjoy in the new covenant.
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