YOUTH STS LESSON 149 THE BLESSINGS OF THE TRIBES AND DEATH OF MOSES

INSTITUTION OF THE PRIESTHOOD -DEEPER LIFE YOUTH SEARCH

 

We examined Divine Instruction on the pattern of the tabernacle, and today we consider the institution of the priesthood.

Memory Verse: “And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons“(Exodus 28:1).

TEXT: Exodus 28:1-43;29:1-46; 30:1-38;31:1-18

In our previous chapters, God gave full description of the tabernacle, as He wanted Israel to build it. In the chapters under consideration, we shall consider the call of God on Aaron and his family into the office of the priesthood and God’s description of the garments and decorations of the priests. In addition, the study presents instructions on the ceremonial consecration of the priests using various forms of sacrifices. Bezaleel and Aholiab were endowed with wisdom, knowledge and understanding by God to put up all the needed items as God commanded Moses. This lesson reveals the willingness of God to dwell among His people continually as revealed in His word. “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.  And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the LORD their God“(Exodus 25:8;29:45,46).

Question 1: Mention the purpose God commanded Israel to build a tabernacles in the wilderness.

1. THE COMPONENTS OF THE PRIESTS’ GARMENTS 

Exodus 28:1-43;35:18,19;39:12-15,40,41;Leviticus 6:10; Revelation 3:4;16:15;Proverbs 7:1 0

After God had chosen Aaron and his sons as priests, He gave a clear description of the composition of the priestly garments. “And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office. And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a rope, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office” (Exodus 28:3,4). 

Question 2: Name some of the components of Aaron’s garments.

Aaron’s garments consist of:

(1) A breastplate (Exodus 28:4, 5-30). The breastplate is made to cover the chest of the high priest. It was tied to the ephod (apron). The names of the tribes of Israel were engraved on the stone attached to the breastplate. The priest was always to wear the garment into the most holy place. This is symbolic of Jesus, our great high Priest, bearing our burden before God.

(2) An ephod (Exodus 28:4,6-14). This refers to the priest’s apron in lsrael. It is a small cloth worn on a garment. The priest’s breastplate is normally tied to an ephod.

(3) A rope (Exodus 28:4,31-35). A Bible commentary call it the rope of ephod”. It is blue in color. A golden bell and a pomegranate were tied round it. The golden bell was to keep sounding as the priest walked around in the holy place.

(4) A broidered Coat (Exodus 28:4, 39-43). This is a well decorated coat made of fine linen. It is expected to be for glory and beauty. The coat is to cover their nakedness. It was a symbol of holiness. This shows that it is sinful for your nakedness to be exposed especially in the house of God.

(5) A mitre (Exodus 28:4,36-39).The word comes from the root tsanaph, to roll or wrap round, which evidently means the covering of the head most common in the eastern countries and often called turban or turband. Upon the mitre is engraven HOLINESS TO THE LORD“, Holiness is required in the presence of God for “without which no man shall see God” (Hebrews 12:14).

(6) A girdle (Exodus 28:4, 39,40). This is like a belt. It will make the garment smart on the priest. It is noteworthy that if God is so much concerned about the garment a priest should wear into His presence, He is also concerned about the garments or clothes His children wear especially to the place of worship. Do not put on the garments of a harlot (Proverbs 7:10). You will be identified by the type of cloth you wear. Moses was called an Egyptian because of his dressing (Exodus 2:19).

2. THE CONSECRATION OF THE PRIESTS TO GOD

Exodus 29:1-46;Hebrews 4:14,15;7:26-28;9:7-25

The consecration of the priest is basically of three stages. The first stage is the Decoration of the Priest (Exodus 29:1-9). At this stage, the garment, coat, rope of ephod, breastplate, girdle and mitre are put upon the priest. The anointing oil is now put on all the decoration. This symbolizes total consecration of everything unto the Lord. So also the totality of the life of a believer is expected to be consecrated unto the Lord. The second stage is the dressing of animals for sacrifices (Exodus 29:10-37). There are three major items for these sacrifices: the bullock, the ram and the unleavened bread. The blood of the animals used for the burnt offering was sprinkled on the altar as commanded by the Lord. This is done to sanctify them unto the Lord. These are all ceremonial laws. The sanctification of the people of God, today, is already accomplished through the sacrificial work of Jesus on the Cross at Calvary. The price is paid in full (Hebrews 9:7-25). The third stage is the daily burning of offerings (Exodus 29:38). This shall be a continual burnt offering through your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee” (Exodus 29:42). Two lambs are meant for this sacrifice and it will be a continuous sacrifice. This day by day sacrifice will create an avenue for the children of Israel to enjoy continual fellow ship with God. In the same way, God desires His children to always have d fellowship with Him. This is likened today to our daily quiet time (Mark 1:35).

Question 3: How can Christian youths consecrate their lives to God?

Christian youths can consecrate their lives fully to God for His service by living righteous and holy lives; by reading, meditating, and prompt obedience to God’s word and keeping themselves unspotted from the world.

3. THE CALL OF BEZALEEL AND AHOLIAB FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SANCTUARY 

Exodus 30:1-38; 31:1-18; Proverbs 18:16; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Exodus 20:8

God commanded Moses to build the tabernacle. For its construction, He spoke to Moses that He has endowed Bezaleel and Aholiab with the spirit of wisdom, understanding and knowledge to do all manner of workmanship (Exodus 31:1-5). This shows the importance of using our Godgiven gifts and talents. The Christian youths are to use their skills, talents and gifts for the glory of God.

Question 4: What can youths learn from how God endowed Bezaleel and Aholiab with wisdom and understanding for the construction of the tabernacle?

God is the author of wisdom. Any youths who lacks wisdom and understanding can go to Him and ask for it (James 1:5). Moreover, Moses was instructed to make the altar of incense with the shittim wood (Exodus 30:1-10); the laver of brass for hand and leg washing before going into the tabernacle (Exodus 30:17-21 ); the anointing oil (Exodus 30:22-33); and  the incense (Exodus 30:34-38). God also instructed Moses concerning offering for the atonement of souls.

And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of lsrael before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls” (Exodus 30:16). In conclusion, the institution of priesthood in Israel was a means of bringing the children of lsrael closer to God. He brought His tabernacle into their midst so He could have a continuous fellowship with Israel. The tabernacle of the Lord is now in the heart of the believer as long as he maintains a righteous relationship with Him.

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