Bible Commentaries
Leviticus 8

Verses 1-36

At this point the second section of the book commences dealing with the laws of mediation. It opens with a brief historical account of the actual ceremony of the consecration of the priests and Tabernacle and the commencement of worship.

In the sacred rites of consecration it is noticeable that Moses acted. It is an arresting thing to see him thus exercising all the functions of the priestly office, although he was not permanently appointed thereto. The explanation is that he was acting as in the very place of God. God, through His servant, anointed Tabernacle and priests. Thus at the initiation of the order the intermediary between God and the people was a man who, sharing no priestly appointment, was in direct communication with God. The final movements in the sacred rite of the consecration of the priests describes the offering to God, their acceptance through fire, and a fresh anointing of those called to the office of mediation and intercession.

In the fullness of time, the one great Priest did not approach on the basis of sacrifice for Himself, but He did appear as Mediator through sacrifice for the people in the fullness of spiritual power.