So Aaron and his sonsAaron and his sons were chosen by God to serve as priests for Israel. This priesthood was established to mediate between God and the people, highlighting the importance of holiness and obedience in worship. Aaron, as the first high priest, represents a type of Christ, who is our ultimate High Priest (
Hebrews 4:14-16). His sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, were also consecrated for this sacred duty, emphasizing the hereditary nature of the Levitical priesthood.
did everything
This phrase underscores the complete obedience required in the priestly service. The meticulous adherence to God's commands reflects the seriousness of their role and the need for purity and precision in worship. This obedience is a precursor to the New Testament call for believers to follow Christ's commands (John 14:15).
the LORD had commanded
The commands given by the LORD were specific and detailed, as seen throughout Leviticus. These instructions were not merely ritualistic but were designed to set Israel apart as a holy nation. The emphasis on divine command highlights God's sovereignty and the necessity of following His will precisely, which is a theme echoed throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 5:32-33).
through Moses
Moses served as the mediator between God and Israel, receiving the law and instructions directly from God. His role as a prophet and leader is a type of Christ, who is the ultimate mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 3:1-6). Moses' faithfulness in conveying God's commands is a model of leadership and obedience for all believers.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AaronThe brother of Moses, appointed as the first high priest of Israel. His role was crucial in mediating between God and the Israelites.
2.
Aaron's SonsThey were appointed as priests to assist Aaron in the priestly duties and to serve in the tabernacle.
3.
MosesThe prophet and leader of the Israelites, who received the law from God and instructed Aaron and his sons in their priestly duties.
4.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, who commanded the establishment of the priesthood and the rituals associated with it.
5.
The TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the priests performed their duties.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's CommandsAaron and his sons exemplified obedience by following God's instructions through Moses. This highlights the importance of adhering to God's word in our lives.
The Role of LeadershipMoses, as a leader, faithfully communicated God's commands. Leaders today are called to guide others in truth and integrity, following God's direction.
The Significance of ConsecrationThe consecration of Aaron and his sons set them apart for holy service. Believers are called to live consecrated lives, dedicated to God's purposes.
The Continuity of God's PlanThe establishment of the priesthood was part of God's unfolding plan for His people, pointing forward to the ultimate high priest, Jesus Christ.
Community and WorshipThe priesthood served the community by facilitating worship and atonement. Believers are encouraged to serve their communities and foster environments of worship.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 8:36?
2.How does Leviticus 8:36 demonstrate obedience to God's commands?
3.What role does Moses play in ensuring Aaron and his sons' obedience?
4.How can we apply the obedience shown in Leviticus 8:36 to our lives?
5.What other biblical examples highlight the importance of following God's instructions?
6.How does this verse reflect the broader theme of holiness in Leviticus?
7.What is the significance of Moses and Aaron's obedience in Leviticus 8:36?
8.How does Leviticus 8:36 reflect the importance of following God's commands?
9.Why is the completion of the ordination process crucial in Leviticus 8:36?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 8?
11.In Leviticus 8:1-13, how historically or archaeologically credible is the elaborate priestly ordination ceremony described?
12.In Leviticus 8:15-17, where does the blood used for the purification truly come from, and how did they handle potential health risks?
13.Leviticus 8:22-29 describes highly specific offerings--are there any historical records confirming such precise sacrificial rituals were regularly practiced?
14.Does the anointing process with oil in Leviticus 8:10-12 reflect any scientifically verifiable practice of that era, or is it purely ritual?What Does Leviticus 8:36 Mean
SoLeviticus 8:36 begins, “So Aaron and his sons did….” That little word “So” links the closing statement to everything that has just unfolded in the ordination narrative (Leviticus 8:1-35).
• It signals completion: the seven-day consecration cycle (Leviticus 8:33-35) has reached its intended outcome, in line withGenesis 2:1-3, where another “so” marks the finish of creation.
• It signals continuity: God’s redemptive plan keeps moving forward, just asExodus 40:16 says, “Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him.”
• It signals certainty: what God initiates, He brings to completion (Philippians 1:6 applies this principle universally).
Aaron and his sonsThe verse specifies, “Aaron and his sons,” the newly appointed priestly family (Exodus 28:1).
• Their unique calling: set apart from the tribe of Levi to serve as mediators (Numbers 18:1-7).
• Their representational role: they stand for the whole nation before a holy God, foreshadowing our Great High Priest, Jesus (Hebrews 5:4-5).
• Their accountability: because of their privileged office, later infractions (Leviticus 10:1-2) show the seriousness of obedience.
did everythingThe text continues, “did everything….” Scripture frequently highlights total obedience:
• Noah “did everything that God commanded” (Genesis 6:22), showing saving faith acts in full compliance.
• The craftsmen of the tabernacle “did all that the LORD had commanded Moses” (Exodus 39:42-43), illustrating worship must align with revelation, not innovation.
• Here, meticulous obedience qualifies Aaron’s family for ministry, pointing to the believer’s call to “be doers of the word” (James 1:22).
the LORD had commandedThe standard is not public opinion or priestly creativity; it is divine command.
• God’s authority: “All the words the LORD has spoken we will do” (Exodus 24:3).
• God’s sufficiency: “You must not add to or subtract from it” (Deuteronomy 12:32), guarding purity in worship and doctrine.
• God’s blessing on obedience: “If you walk in My statutes…I will give you peace” (Leviticus 26:3-6). The favor experienced inLeviticus 9:23-24 (fire from heaven) directly ties back to this obedience.
through MosesFinally, obedience comes “through Moses,” God’s chosen mediator of revelation.
• The pattern: “Then Moses told the Israelites everything the LORD had said” (Exodus 34:32).
• The principle: God uses human instruments without diluting His authority (Acts 7:38 calls Moses the one who “received living words to pass on to us”).
• The progression: “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Moses points forward to the ultimate Mediator, but his role underscores that divine truth is delivered in understandable, historical contexts.
summaryLeviticus 8:36 affirms that the newly ordained priests responded with full, unquestioning obedience to every detail God transmitted through Moses. Their wholehearted compliance closed the consecration ceremony, opened the way for God’s glory to appear in the next chapter, and models for every believer that true worship centers on doing exactly what the Lord commands, no more and no less.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So Aaronאַהֲרֹ֖ן(’a·hă·rōn)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175:Aaron -- an elder brother of Mosesand his sonsוּבָנָ֑יו(ū·ḇā·nāw)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A sondidוַיַּ֥עַשׂ(way·ya·‘aś)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makeeverythingכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe LORDיְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelhad commandedצִוָּ֥ה(ṣiw·wāh)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680:To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, orderthroughבְּיַד־(bə·yaḏ-)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027:A handMoses.מֹשֶֽׁה׃(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver
Links
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OT Law: Leviticus 8:36 Aaron and his sons did all (Le Lv Lev.) 
