Leviticus 8:5 teaches that genuine worship and spiritual leadership flourish when God’s Word is followed precisely and faithfully.
In this portion of Scripture, we read: “Moses said to the congregation, ‘This is the thing which the LORD has commanded us to do.’” (v.5). At this moment in Israelite history, which took place around the fifteenth century BC, Moses stood before the nation—a people who had been rescued from Egyptian slavery and were now gathered at the foot of Mount Sinai, in what is present-day northwest Saudi Arabia and the Sinai Peninsula region. Moses, born around 1526 BC and passing around 1406 BC, was chosen by God to deliver His commandments and establish a covenantal relationship with this newly formed nation. Leviticus 8 specifically describes the ordination ceremony of Israel’s priests, explaining how each intricate step was handed down by God to Moses. By using the phrase “the LORD has commanded,” Moses highlighted his role as God’s faithful spokesperson, emphasizing this ceremony’s divine origins and ultimate authority.
The ordination of the priests marked a new phase in Israel’s worship, where Aaron (Moses’ brother, living around the same era) and his sons began their priestly duties as mediators between God and the people. In uttering “This is the thing which the LORD has commanded us to do” (v.5), Moses demonstrated unreserved obedience, carefully following the instructions for consecrating both the priests and the tabernacle elements. Like a craftsman following a master plan, he ensured that every article of clothing, every element of the anointing oil, and every aspect of the sacrifice was done in strict accordance with God’s specifications. This faithful adherence is echoed elsewhere in Scripture, such as Jesus’ own obedience to the will of His Father (Philippians 2:8), showing that genuine worshippers submit wholeheartedly to the LORD’s guidance.
Spiritually, Leviticus 8:5 reminds believers of the sincerity and precision required in following God’s ways. The verse shows that, although performing rituals and ceremonies can sometimes seem routine, the act of wholehearted submission to God’s commands is what sets true worship apart. The ancient Israelites here could not rely on their own wisdom to approach God; they required both a God-appointed mediator (Moses, then Aaron) and a God-sanctioned method (the priestly ordination) to be in fellowship with Him. In a New Testament context, Jesus becomes the perfect High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), fulfilling and surpassing the role of Aaron and illustrating that ultimate access to God still requires Divine provision.
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Leviticus 8:5 meaning
In this portion of Scripture, we read: “Moses said to the congregation, ‘This is the thing which the LORD has commanded us to do.’” (v.5). At this moment in Israelite history, which took place around the fifteenth century BC, Moses stood before the nation—a people who had been rescued from Egyptian slavery and were now gathered at the foot of Mount Sinai, in what is present-day northwest Saudi Arabia and the Sinai Peninsula region. Moses, born around 1526 BC and passing around 1406 BC, was chosen by God to deliver His commandments and establish a covenantal relationship with this newly formed nation. Leviticus 8 specifically describes the ordination ceremony of Israel’s priests, explaining how each intricate step was handed down by God to Moses. By using the phrase “the LORD has commanded,” Moses highlighted his role as God’s faithful spokesperson, emphasizing this ceremony’s divine origins and ultimate authority.
The ordination of the priests marked a new phase in Israel’s worship, where Aaron (Moses’ brother, living around the same era) and his sons began their priestly duties as mediators between God and the people. In uttering “This is the thing which the LORD has commanded us to do” (v.5), Moses demonstrated unreserved obedience, carefully following the instructions for consecrating both the priests and the tabernacle elements. Like a craftsman following a master plan, he ensured that every article of clothing, every element of the anointing oil, and every aspect of the sacrifice was done in strict accordance with God’s specifications. This faithful adherence is echoed elsewhere in Scripture, such as Jesus’ own obedience to the will of His Father (Philippians 2:8), showing that genuine worshippers submit wholeheartedly to the LORD’s guidance.
Spiritually, Leviticus 8:5 reminds believers of the sincerity and precision required in following God’s ways. The verse shows that, although performing rituals and ceremonies can sometimes seem routine, the act of wholehearted submission to God’s commands is what sets true worship apart. The ancient Israelites here could not rely on their own wisdom to approach God; they required both a God-appointed mediator (Moses, then Aaron) and a God-sanctioned method (the priestly ordination) to be in fellowship with Him. In a New Testament context, Jesus becomes the perfect High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), fulfilling and surpassing the role of Aaron and illustrating that ultimate access to God still requires Divine provision.