The Explanation

Everyone stood by the door of the tent. All the people came together, just to watch. Something big was about to happen.

Moses brought Aaron and his sons to the front. First he washed them with water, clean and ready. Then he dressed Aaron, piece by piece. A tunic, a sash tied tight, a blue robe, and over it the ephod, a beautiful vest held with woven bands. On his chest went the breastplate, with the Urim and Thummim inside it. Last of all, a turban for his head, and on the front a shining gold plate. Aaron must have felt the weight of it all.

Moses did not stop there. He took special oil and poured it on the altar, on the tools, on everything used in God's tent. Then he poured oil on Aaron's head. It ran down, marking him as different, set apart for God.

Now came the animals. A bull was brought for the sin offering, so sins could be dealt with. Aaron and his sons put their hands on its head, right before it was killed. Moses put blood on the horns of the altar, then burned parts of it, and burned the rest outside the camp.

Next, a ram. Again hands on its head, again blood, this time sprinkled all around the altar. The whole ram went up in smoke, "a pleasant aroma" for God.

Then the second ram, called the ram of consecration. This one was different. Moses took its blood and touched it to Aaron's right ear, his right thumb, his right big toe. Then he did the same for Aaron's sons. Imagine that, blood on your ear, your hand, your foot. It meant: your ears must listen to God, your hands must work for God, your feet must walk for God.

Bread was placed in their hands, and they lifted it up before God. That is called a wave offering. Afterward Moses sprinkled them with oil and blood together. Aaron and his sons, and even their clothes, were now holy.

Then Moses gave the last instruction. "Stay at the door of the Tent of Meeting for seven days," he said, "so you don't die." Seven whole days, eating there, sleeping near the entrance, not leaving. Aaron and his sons obeyed. They did everything just as they were told.

What Does This Mean?

This was the day priests were made. Not by choosing themselves, but by being washed, dressed, and marked by blood and oil. God is holy, like a fire too bright to touch carelessly. Nobody could just walk up to Him. Someone had to stand between the people and God, wearing special clothes, carrying blood that dealt with sin. That was the priest's job.

The Common Thread

Later, Israel would need priests again and again, because sin never stopped happening. But the Bible tells us about one greater priest coming, who would not need blood from bulls and rams. Jesus became the priest and the offering together. His own blood opened the way to God, once, for good. Aaron needed washing and holy clothes. We need Jesus to make us clean and to clothe us in Him.

For You

Think about your ears, your hands, your feet, just like Aaron's. Your ears can listen to God's word instead of tuning it out. Your hands can help someone instead of grabbing for yourself. Your feet can walk toward what is right, even when it's hard. Ask God tonight to use your ears, your hands, and your feet for Him tomorrow.

Talk About It

Why do you think Aaron could not just walk into God's presence by himself?

What is one thing your hands could do for God this week?

Praying Together

Dear God, thank You that Jesus opened the way to You. Wash our hearts clean. Use our ears to listen, our hands to help, our feet to follow You. Amen.