Page 66 - Pentateuch

Priests taught the people the difference between clean and
unclean. They offered sacrifices on behalf of the people,
standing between God and everyone else. As with the other
parts of the law, the priesthood was designed to point people
to a greater system, to a greater priest. “Day after day every
priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and
again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take
away sins (Heb. 10:11).” The priestly duties were repeated
over and over without permanent effect. The priests themselves were replaced by another generation of
priests time and again. “Now there have been many of those priests since death prevented them from
continuing in office (Heb. 7:23).” So we have the spiritual lesson before us of an infinite line of priests
carrying out their role day after day after day in infinite succession. And, of course, their role included
offering sacrifice for themselves (Heb. 7:27), communicating clearly the truth of their own sin.

The priests, in this way, pointed to Christ. No one could come to God but through them. Yet their line was
one after another. A faithful Israelite was pushed to look for a better high priest. Surely God did not mean
for this system to go on and on and on. Just like the sacrifices, the priests were inadequate. Better must be
ahead.

Let’s Practice…

1. Why was a burnt offering brought to God?

2. After the animal for the burnt offering was slaughtered, what was done with everything but the hide?

3. Before a person could bring an offering for the sin of stealing, false swearing, or lying about lost property,
what must he do?

4. To consecrate Aaron for the work at the Tabernacle, blood was placed on each man.

5. How did God show his approval of the dedication of the Tabernacle and the priests?

6. What was the response of the people?

7. What happened the next day at the altar?

8. Where were the bodies of Nadab and Abihu taken?

9. What new regulation was given to the priests?

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