Bible Commentaries

Installation of Aaron and his Sons

The ceremonial of consecration is repeated daily for seven days (Leviticus 8:33 see Exodus 29:35). On the eighth day Aaron and his sons formally assume office. Aaron first sacrifices for himself (Leviticus 9:7-14) and then for the people (Leviticus 9:15-21). The solemn blessing of the people follows (Leviticus 9:22-23), after which fire from the Lord descends and consumes the sacrifices upon the altar (Leviticus 9:24).

7. Aaron did not approach the altar till called on by Moses to do so, showing that he did not take this honour to himself, but that it was the call of God by Moses: cp. Hebrews 5:4, Hebrews 5:5. 'No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.'

8. Aaron, having now been consecrated, discharges the priestly duties. During the seven days of his consecration these were performed by Moses: see Leviticus 8:15.

11. The flesh and the hide he burnt] They were wholly burned because the sacrifice was offered by Aaron on behalf of himself: see on Leviticus 4:26.

22. The form of the Benediction is given in Numbers 6:22-27. As Aaron is here said to have come down, the benediction seems to have been pronounced from the top of the altar, or from its ledge: see Exodus 20:26; Exodus 27:5 RV.

23. Moses takes Aaron into the tent of meeting, in order to induct him into the duties connected with it, and to hand over the sacred furniture to his charge. Glory of the Lord] cp. Exodus 40:34, Exodus 40:35.

24. This was not the first kindling of the sacred fire, as there was already fire upon the altar (Leviticus 9:10, etc.). But instead of the sacrifices burning for a long time they were suddenly consumed before the eyes of the people. This was accepted by them as a token that God not only accepted these sacrifices but also approved the consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood: cp. Judges 6:20-21; 1 Kings 18:36, 1 Kings 18:39; 2 Chronicles 7:1-3.