Leviticus, Pathway to Presence: Priests

Sunday, we continue our study in Leviticus. The book lays out the requirements for God to dwell with his people inside the camp, and for the priests and people to move inside the tent of meeting (Tabernacle). We’ve considered the rituals: both the sacrifices and celebrations tell a story about God and his gracious provision of a pathway to his presence.

This week we’re going to look at the two sections that speak concerning the priests: their ordination and unique rules placed on them as mediators for the people. God explains their role, saying, “You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean, and you are to teach the people of Israel all the statutes that the LORD has spoken to them by Moses,” Lev. 10:10-11.  

When God sent Moses to speak to Pharaoh, he appointed Aaron, his older brother, to be his mouthpiece. When they came out of Egypt, God appointed Aaron and his four sons, and their descendants to be priests for the nation. Their role was to protect the holiness of God, teach the people God’s laws, and assist them in atoning for their sins. The ultimate work occurred on the Day of Atonement when the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies and apply the sacrificial blood to the mercy seat of the ark of God to atone for Israel’s sin. 

The priests mediated Israel’s relationship with God, providing a pathway for them to dwell in God’s presence. But that’s not the end of the story, for we have a better priest -- a high priest -- who has atoned for our sin and intercedes for us today. If you want to prepare for worship, consider reading Hebrews 7.