“Therefore shall ye abide at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation day and night seven days, and keep the charge of the Lord, that ye die not: for so I am commanded.”
Context: Leviticus is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, and it specifically deals with the laws and regulations given by God to the people of Israel through Moses. Leviticus 8 describes the consecration and anointing of Aaron and his sons as the priests who would serve before the Lord.
Abiding at the door of the tabernacle: After the priests were anointed, Moses instructed them to remain at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation for seven days. This period of waiting was part of their consecration process, during which they were to keep the charge of the Lord.
Keeping the charge of the Lord: The phrase “keep the charge of the Lord” refers to the responsibility given to the priests to faithfully carry out their duties and fulfill the requirements of their priestly office. They were to obey God’s commandments and perform the rituals and sacrifices according to the prescribed manner. By doing so, they would ensure the proper worship of God and maintain their own spiritual purity.
The significance of the seven-day period: The seven-day period of waiting and keeping the charge of the Lord served as a time of preparation and dedication for the priests. It was a solemn and consecrated time during which they were set apart for their sacred role. This period allowed them to fully commit themselves to God, learn their duties, and demonstrate their obedience and faithfulness.
The consequence of not keeping the charge: The verse emphasizes that failure to keep the charge of the Lord would result in death. This underscores the seriousness of their responsibility and the importance of obedience in carrying out their duties. It also serves as a reminder that God’s instructions were to be followed precisely, as disobedience could have severe consequences.
Application for believers today: While Leviticus 8:35 specifically addresses the consecration of the Aaronic priesthood, there are principles that can be applied to our lives as believers. We are called to be a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:5) and to serve God faithfully in our various roles. Just as the priests were instructed to keep the charge of the Lord, we are also called to live in obedience to God’s Word, faithfully carrying out His will in our lives. We should approach our service to God with dedication, reverence, and a desire to honor Him.
In conclusion, Leviticus 8:35 teaches us the importance of faithfully keeping the charge of the Lord. It reminds us of the significance of obedience, dedication, and preparation in our service to God. As we seek to live in accordance with His commands, we can experience His presence and blessings in our lives.
