At the close of the Book of Exodus, we read that the presence of God, in the form of a cloud, covered the Tent of Meeting, and the Tabernacle was filled with His glory—so much so that even Moses, who spent forty days on the mountain of God, was unable to enter. In their relentless pursuit of satisfying their own desires, Israel had corrupted themselves and could not withstand the presence of God within their camp. If God is to lead them, He has to establish a way to dwell among them without destroying His people.
That was the role the Levites were destined to fulfill—to guide the people back into right standing with God. Aaron and his sons were appointed as intermediaries, entrusted with this responsibility, setting themselves apart and helping the people restore their relationship with God. The Book of Levites, or Leviticus as we know it, is a set of laws that governed the order of the Levites and outlined how they and the people they ministered to could return to ritual purity, enabling them to withstand the presence of God within their camp.
The Levitical Role
God chose the Levites as intermediaries to sanctify His people and bridge the immense gap between Him and a fallen nation. Just as in our office buddy program, where a seasoned veteran helps a newcomer acclimate to their surroundings, the Levites were set apart to guide the people in their relationship with God. Their role was essential because God, in His holiness and majesty, was too great and foreign for the Israelites to fully comprehend without a mediator.
John the Baptist, for example, was also set apart in the wilderness to solely focus on preparing the way of the Messiah. Like the Bible translators who work in isolation until they have completed their task, or juries who are separated until a verdict is reached, the Levites were set apart for a specific purpose—to purify, teach, and guide the people.
Their dedication to God’s commands was evident when they supported Moses instead of participating in revelry, and they continued to guide others toward a deeper relationship with God. The Levites were chosen not to possess land or earthly inheritance, as God Himself was their possession. They were to live among the people but remain distinct, focusing on God’s laws, principles, and ways of living so that they could fulfill their role of sanctifying the people.
The Provision for Restoration
The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying – Leviticus 1:1 (NIV)
Since Moses could not enter the tent, the LORD called to him from within and gave him the sacrificial system He had established for Israel, outlining the various offerings and their purposes. The burnt offering (ch. 1) was a voluntary act of worship and atonement, while the grain offering (ch. 2) symbolized gratitude to God. The fellowship offering (ch. 3) signified peace and communion with God, and the sin offering (ch. 4) was required for unintentional sins.
The guilt offering (ch. 5–6) provided atonement for sins involving dishonesty or impurity, often requiring restitution. God further clarified priestly duties, the proper handling of sacrifices, and the holiness required in worship. Together, these laws emphasized the gravity of sin, the necessity of atonement, and God’s provision for restoring His people’s relationship with Him.
The Ordination of the Priests
God instructs Moses to gather the people at the Tabernacle, where Aaron and his sons are washed, clothed in priestly garments, anointed with oil, and officially set apart for their sacred duties. Moses offers various sacrifices, including a sin offering, a burnt offering, and a peace offering, as part of the consecration process.
Moses slaughtered the ram and took some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot – Leviticus 8:23 (NIV)
The blood of the sacrifices is applied to the priests to symbolize their purification and dedication to God. After the consecration, Aaron and his sons spent seven days at the Tabernacle to complete their sanctification before beginning their ministry. This marked the formal establishment of the priesthood and their role in mediating between God and the people of Israel. Before the ordination, Moses informally acted as a priest. God instituted a ceremony to honor Aaron and his sons, establishing that, like Moses, they deserved respect despite not sharing his equal standing.
The ordination ceremony was required to publicly establish the priests’ authority and role, making it clear to the people who would serve as intermediaries between them and God. Just as transition ceremonies mark important leadership changes, such as the passing of responsibility from one generation to the next, this ceremony signified the formal appointment of Aaron and his sons as priests.
What has been done today was commanded by the Lord to make atonement for you – Leviticus 8:34 (NIV)
The Process of Purification
On the eighth day after their consecration, Aaron offers a series of sacrifices: a sin offering, a burnt offering, and a peace offering, following the specific instructions given by God. The people gather at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting to witness these offerings. After performing the rituals, Aaron blesses the people. As they finish, God’s glory appears to all the Israelites, and fire comes down from the Lord and consumes the offerings on the altar. This demonstration of God’s approval fills the people with awe, and they fall facedown in reverence. After the LORD’s approval, Moses and the Levitical priests finally entered the Tent of Meeting.
Moses and Aaron then went into the tent of meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people – Leviticus 9:23 (NIV)
The purification process was necessary because of the sacred role the priests were chosen for. Though they were set apart for God’s service, they were still sinners, and unlike believers today, they did not have Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for their sins. This process symbolized their need for cleansing before they could mediate between God and the people. Human nature has always been inclined to rely on personal deeds rather than fully depending on God’s grace. Even today, people struggle to accept salvation as a free gift and often feel the need to add their own efforts, through sacrifices, offerings, or fasting, to make themselves worthy. If people today find it difficult to grasp the concept of grace, it would have been even harder for the Israelites to understand.
The purification process served as a constant reminder that they needed God’s intervention to be made clean. God made it clear that the process of purification, necessary for anyone to approach His presence, should not be taken lightly. Moses himself set himself apart whenever approaching the mountain of God, and the same was required of everyone. However, the sons of Aaron did not fully grasp the gravity of this process and tragically lost their lives as a result.
Consequences of Disobedience
Despite the careful and detailed instructions and warnings not to be taken lightly, Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, offered “unauthorized fire” before the LORD, going against His command. They took their censers, placed fire in them, and added incense, presenting it before God in an improper manner. As a result, fire came from the Lord’s presence and consumed them, leading to their immediate death.
Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke of when he said: ‘Among those who approach me I will be proved holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.’” Aaron remained silent – Leviticus 10:3 (NIV)
Aaron and his family could not mourn the deaths of Nadab and Abihu because their primary duty was to remain in God’s presence and uphold His commands. Mourning, in this context, would have signified stepping away from God’s verdict, as if questioning His judgment. Since it was still the early days of the priesthood, they had to set a clear example of obedience and remain blameless in their calling.
God’s instructions took precedence over personal grief, emphasizing that their consecration to Him was above all else. This principle is reflected in Jesus’ rebuke of the man who wanted to first bury his father before following Him (Luke 9:60), showing that God’s calling comes before earthly concerns. Additionally, the Lord’s anointing oil was upon Aaron and his sons, signifying their sacred duty. As priests, they were not to defile themselves with mourning but to remain wholly dedicated to their service in the Tabernacle. This command reinforced the seriousness of their role and the absolute holiness required of those who minister before God.
Moses instructs Mishael and Elzaphan, sons of Aaron’s uncle Uzziel, to carry the bodies of Nadab and Abihu outside the camp, as commanded. Moses then gives specific instructions to Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, telling them not to mourn publicly by disheveling their hair or tearing their clothes, as this would bring death and anger from God. While the rest of the Israelites could mourn the loss of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron and his sons must remain at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill their priestly duties, as the Lord’s anointing oil was upon them. They obeyed Moses’ commands, but instead of eating the sin offering in the sanctuary area, they burned it, which angered Moses.
Aaron replied to Moses, “Today they sacrificed their sin offering and their burnt offering before the Lord, but such things as this have happened to me. If I had eaten the sin offering today, would the Lord have been pleased?” Moses heard this and thought it was good – Leviticus 10:19-20 (NIV)
Nadab and Abihu died because they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, an act of disobedience that demonstrated a lack of reverence for God’s specific instructions regarding worship. Their careless approach to God’s holiness led to immediate judgment, serving as a sign and warning to the rest of Israel about the seriousness of obeying God’s commands.
However, when Eleazar and Ithamar failed to eat the sin offering as required, they were not put to death. While Moses was initially angry, questioning why they had not followed the law, Aaron’s heartfelt response made him relent. Aaron explained that, given the tragic loss of his other two sons, his remaining sons were not in the right state to partake in the offering. His response acknowledged God’s justice while also expressing the grief and burden they bore.
Unlike Nadab and Abihu, who directly dishonored God’s holiness through their actions, Eleazar and Ithamar’s disobedience came from a place of mourning and reverence rather than rebellion. This distinction explains why God did not punish them as He did their brothers, even though Moses initially wanted to impose the law strictly.
Implications for Us
The Book of Leviticus was God’s provision for Israel, a way for His presence to dwell among them without destroying them. It established the Levitical priesthood, sacrificial system, and laws of holiness, all of which served as a bridge between a holy God and a sinful people. The Levites played a crucial role in mediating this relationship, ensuring that the Israelites followed God’s commands and remained in His favor.
However, these strict laws and rituals were only temporary measures, pointing forward to the ultimate solution—Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, the gap between God and humanity was permanently bridged. Unlike the repeated sacrifices required in Leviticus, Jesus’ atonement was once and for all, providing direct access to God without the need for earthly intermediaries.
Today, believers no longer need to adhere to the strict laws of purification and sacrifice, as Jesus has fulfilled the requirements of the Law. His grace has replaced the burden of ritual, allowing us to approach God freely and confidently. What the Levites temporarily upheld, Christ has eternally secured, making a way for all to dwell in God’s presence without fear.
Discussion Questions
- Why did God appoint the Levites as intermediaries for the purification of His people?
- What was the purpose of the ordination ceremony for the priests?
- Why was the purification process necessary for the priests and the people of Israel?
- Why were Aaron and his family prohibited from mourning the deaths of Nadab and Abihu?
- What specific disobedience led to the deaths of Nadab and Abihu, and why was a similar consequence not imposed on Eleazar and Ithamar?
The Jordan Valley 
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