“Thou shalt sanctify him therefore; for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shall be holy unto thee: for I the Lord, which sanctify you, am holy.”
This verse is part of the instructions given by God to Moses concerning the qualifications and responsibilities of the priests within the Israelite community. It specifically addresses the high priest and emphasizes the importance of his sanctification and holiness.
Here are some key points to consider in this Bible study:
- Sanctification and Holiness:The verse begins by emphasizing the need to sanctify the high priest. The term “sanctify” means to set apart or consecrate for a sacred purpose. In this context, it refers to the high priest being consecrated for his role in offering the bread of God and representing the people before God. Sanctification involves a separation from common or ordinary things to a state of purity and dedication to God’s service.
- The Bread of God:The verse mentions that the high priest offers the “bread of God”. This refers to the sacred bread, known as the “showbread” or “bread of the Presence,” which was placed on a table in the Holy Place of the tabernacle (later the temple). The high priest had the responsibility of overseeing the preparation and placement of this bread, which symbolized the continual presence and provision of God among His people.
- Holiness as a Requirement:The verse emphasizes that the high priest must be holy. The holiness of the high priest was vital because he served as the representative and mediator between God and the people. The high priest’s personal holiness was crucial to maintaining the sanctity and integrity of his role. This requirement ensured that the people could approach God through a worthy mediator who reflected God’s character.
- God’s Holiness:The verse concludes by stating that God Himself sanctifies the priests. It highlights that the source of their holiness is God, who is holy. The priests were set apart and consecrated by God for their priestly duties. This reiterates the significance of their role and emphasizes that their sanctification is ultimately derived from the holiness of God.
Overall, Leviticus 21:8 underscores the importance of sanctification and holiness in the role of the high priest. It highlights the need for the priest to be consecrated, set apart, and purified for the service of God. The verse also reminds the priests that their holiness comes from God Himself, reinforcing the idea that their role is sacred and dependent on the character of God.
It is worth noting that while these instructions were specific to the priests in the Old Testament, as Christians, we are called to be a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), and our sanctification and holiness are also important in our relationship with God.
