“And Moses said, This is the thing which the Lord commanded that ye should do: and the glory of the Lord shall appear unto you.”
Leviticus 9:6 takes place during the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests in the tabernacle. In this verse, Moses addresses the people, relaying God’s instructions regarding the process they should follow. The verse emphasizes that by obeying these commands, they will witness the manifestation of the glory of the Lord.
To understand the significance of this verse, it’s helpful to provide some context. The book of Leviticus primarily focuses on the religious laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Leviticus covers various aspects of religious life, including sacrifices, purification rituals, and moral codes, with the aim of establishing a holy and righteous nation.
In Leviticus 8, we read about the seven-day consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests. This ceremony involved offering sacrifices and anointing them with oil. After the completion of this process, the people gathered together to witness the culmination of these events, which leads us to Leviticus 9.
In Leviticus 9:6, Moses informs the people that he is about to carry out the commands of the Lord regarding the consecration process. Moses assures them that if they adhere to God’s instructions, the glory of the Lord will appear before them. This statement emphasizes the importance of obedience and highlights the direct connection between following God’s commands and experiencing His presence.
The appearance of the glory of the Lord is a significant event throughout the Bible, representing God’s visible manifestation and divine presence. In this context, it signifies the acceptance and approval of the consecration ceremony, indicating that God has chosen Aaron and his sons to serve as priests on behalf of the people.
Leviticus 9 continues to describe the events following Moses’ address. Moses and Aaron carry out the prescribed rituals, offering sacrifices and performing various priestly duties. As they do so, the glory of the Lord appears to the people, consuming the burnt offering on the altar with fire and leading to their worship and awe of God’s presence.
Overall, Leviticus 9:6 serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s commands. It demonstrates that when the people faithfully follow God’s instructions, they are rewarded with His glorious presence. While the rituals and practices described in Leviticus may not directly apply to modern believers, the underlying principle of obedience and experiencing the presence of God remains relevant. It encourages us to seek God’s guidance, follow His instructions, and cultivate a relationship with Him, knowing that He promises to reveal Himself to those who earnestly seek Him.
