“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.”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book in the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah or the Law, which includes the first five books of the Old Testament. Exodus tells the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land.
Exodus 28 is a pivotal chapter in the book, focusing on the instructions for the priesthood, particularly the high priest’s garments. These garments were to be worn by Aaron, the brother of Moses, and his sons, who would serve as priests and mediators between God and the people of Israel.
Importance of the Priesthood:God designated Aaron and his sons to serve as priests, and their role was crucial in the Israelite community. They were responsible for offering sacrifices, performing rituals, and interceding on behalf of the people before God. The priesthood symbolised the people’s connection with the divine, and it emphasised the need for holiness and reverence in their worship.
Divine Appointment:Notice that God Himself appointed Aaron and his sons to the priesthood. This appointment was not based on human choice or merit but on God’s sovereign will. It teaches us that God calls and equips individuals for specific tasks in His service. It is essential to recognise and embrace God’s calling in our lives, seeking to fulfil the purposes for which He has chosen us.
Aaron’s Family:Aaron was the brother of Moses and played a significant role in God’s plan for Israel’s deliverance. God chose him as the high priest, and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, were also included in the priesthood. Throughout the Bible, we see God’s promises and blessings extending to families, and here, we see God establishing a priestly lineage within Aaron’s family.
Ministering unto God:The primary purpose of the priests was to “minister unto me [God] in the priest’s office.” Their ministry was to be directed towards God, serving Him with devotion, obedience, and reverence. This reminds us of the importance of focusing on God in our service and worship, not seeking recognition or applause from others, but desiring to please and honour Him alone.
Application to Christians:As Christians, we are part of a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), called to offer spiritual sacrifices and represent God to the world. While we may not have the same role as the Old Testament priests, our service to God is just as significant. We are called to minister to God through our worship, prayers, and daily living. Like the priests of old, we should strive to live holy lives and be ambassadors of God’s love and grace to those around us.
Conclusion:Exodus 28:1 emphasises the divine appointment of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood and underscores the importance of serving God with reverence and devotion. As we reflect on this passage, may we recognise the privilege and responsibility of our own calling as Christians and seek to minister to God faithfully in all that we do.
