Page 64 - Pentateuch

In these ways, the people of Israel were being taught to
anticipate a greater sacrifice and to put their faith in the
promises of YHWH. “The gifts and sacrifices being offered
were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper
(Heb. 9:9).” They knew very well that “the law requires that
nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the
shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness (9:22).” Yet by
experience, they observed, “the same sacrifices repeated
endlessly year after year (10:1).” They could only anticipate
a time when their “guilty consciences” would be cleansed
(10:22). Fig. 47: Dankoli voodoo sacrifice, Benin, 2014

Moses does not allow us to miss the point of the priestly
system. Priests are the connection between the people and God. Their ordination is carried out “at the
entrance to the tent of meeting” (8:3, 4, 33, 35; 9:5). The actions of ordination are done consciously
“before the Lord” (8:21, 26, 27, 28, 29; 9:2, 4, 5). The ultimate goal is the presence of God, “For today the
LORD will appear to you” (9:4, 6, cf. 23-24). God intends to come closer.

The instructions for the priests underscore the carefulness needed to approach
God. YHWH, after all, is special. He is teaching Israel how to approach the unique
God. The priests must be washed and dressed in the prescribed clothing (8:5-9).
They and the items in the tabernacle are sprinkled with oil (8:10-13). A bull is
presented as a sin offering. Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head. Its
blood is put on the horns of the altar, and the rest of the parts are burned
appropriately (8:14-17). Two rams are also sacrificed. The first is burned on the
altar. The blood of the second is placed on Aaron’s and his sons’ right ear, the
thumb of the right hand, and the big toe of the right foot, with the rest splashed
against the altar (8:22-25). The ceremony continues with wave offerings, an
ordination meal at the entrance of the tent, and other items (8:26-35). All this is to
make atonement for the priests (v. 15, 34). Entering the tabernacle before the
completion of the ordination would bring death (v. 35).
Fig. 48: OT priest
Only after the seven-day ceremony was over could the priests do their work. Their
sins had to be dealt with before they could help the people. Now they could make
atonement for the people (9:3, 7, 15, 18 ). We might read with a certain degree of boredom. The
instructions are lengthy and repeated. The result is anything but boring. “Fire came out from the presence
of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar (9:24).” The nation of Israel
did not find the requirements too burdensome. “When all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell
facedown (9:24).” Apparently, their wilderness experiences and the sight of God at a distance gave them
longing for YHWH’s presence a bit closer. Apparently, they sensed the threat of their sin to their very
existence in the golden calf incident greatly. Apparently, they had learned something about the
preciousness of God’s mercy in not wiping them out. So, this miraculous sign of his presence is much
appreciated. All the efforts in preparation had not been wasted or excessive. Everything is great.

As we read further, God’s miracle is repeated. On the very first day of priestly ministry, “Fire came out from
the presence of the LORD (10:2).” This time it “consumes” two priests, Nadab and Abihu. The contrast is
stunning. We ask immediately, “What went wrong?” These are the sons of Aaron. They had been washed
and dressed (8:6, 13). They had placed their hands on the heads of animals before sacrifice (8:14, 18, 22).
Blood was applied to ears, thumbs, and big toes (8:24). Oil was sprinkled on their clothing (8:30). They had

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