On the eighth dayThe eighth day signifies a new beginning, following the seven days of ordination for Aaron and his sons (
Leviticus 8:33-36). Biblically, the number eight often symbolizes new creation or a new order, as seen in the resurrection of Jesus, which occurred on the first day of the week, the day after the Sabbath (
John 20:1). This day marks the commencement of Aaron's priestly duties, indicating a transition from preparation to active service.
Moses summoned Aaron and his sons
Moses, acting as God's appointed leader and mediator, calls Aaron and his sons to begin their priestly ministry. This highlights the importance of divine calling and preparation for service. Aaron, as the high priest, is a type of Christ, our ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). The summoning also emphasizes the necessity of obedience to God's instructions, as Aaron and his sons had to follow the detailed commands given by God through Moses.
and the elders of Israel
The elders represent the leadership and authority within the Israelite community. Their presence underscores the communal aspect of worship and the importance of accountability and witness in religious practices. This gathering of leaders also reflects the structure of the early church, where elders played a crucial role in governance and spiritual oversight (Acts 14:23,1 Peter 5:1-3). The involvement of the elders ensures that the priestly inauguration is recognized and validated by the community.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to give them His laws. In this context, Moses acts as the mediator between God and the people, instructing Aaron and his sons in their priestly duties.
2.
AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. Aaron is being prepared to begin his priestly ministry, which is a significant event in the establishment of Israel's worship system.
3.
Aaron's SonsThey are being consecrated alongside Aaron to serve as priests. Their role is crucial in maintaining the sacrificial system and mediating between God and the people.
4.
Elders of IsraelRepresentatives of the twelve tribes, they are witnesses to the consecration of Aaron and his sons, signifying the communal aspect of this event.
5.
The Eighth DaySymbolically significant in the Bible, often representing new beginnings or a new order. In this context, it marks the start of the priestly ministry after the seven days of consecration.
Teaching Points
The Importance of ObedienceMoses, Aaron, and his sons demonstrate obedience to God's commands. As believers, we are called to follow God's instructions faithfully, trusting in His wisdom and timing.
The Role of LeadershipMoses and the elders of Israel exemplify godly leadership. Leaders in the church today should guide their congregations with integrity and a commitment to God's Word.
New Beginnings in ChristThe eighth day signifies a new beginning for the priesthood. In Christ, we are offered a new beginning, a fresh start through His grace and redemption.
Community WitnessThe presence of the elders signifies the importance of community in spiritual matters. Our faith journey is not solitary; it involves accountability and support from fellow believers.
Holiness in ServiceThe consecration of Aaron and his sons underscores the need for holiness in service to God. As Christians, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 9:1?
2.How does Leviticus 9:1 demonstrate the importance of following God's instructions precisely?
3.What role does Moses play in guiding Aaron and his sons in Leviticus 9:1?
4.How does Leviticus 9:1 connect to the broader theme of priesthood in Hebrews?
5.How can we apply the obedience shown in Leviticus 9:1 to our lives?
6.What does Leviticus 9:1 teach about preparation before approaching God in worship?
7.What is the significance of the eighth day in Leviticus 9:1?
8.How does Leviticus 9:1 relate to the concept of priesthood?
9.Why were Aaron and his sons chosen for the priestly role in Leviticus 9:1?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 9?
11.Who was Eleazar in the Bible?
12.Psalm 99:6 mentions Moses, Aaron, and Samuel; how can we confirm the historical existence and roles of Moses and Aaron, given limited archaeological evidence?
13.In Leviticus 9:1-4, why would an omniscient God require detailed and repeated animal sacrifices, which clash with modern ethical concerns about animal cruelty?
14.Why did Aaron offer a sin offering for his sons?What Does Leviticus 9:1 Mean
On the eighth day• The literal “eighth day” follows the seven-day ordination of the priests (Leviticus 8:33-35), showing God’s completed preparation and the start of public ministry.
• Scripture often marks an eighth day as a moment of new beginning—after creation’s seven (Genesis 2:2-3), after the flood’s waiting periods (Genesis 8:10-12), and even in temple cleansing under Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:17).
• By placing this event on the eighth day, God signals fresh covenant life and affirms that service flows from prior consecration.
Moses summoned• Moses, God’s appointed mediator (Exodus 3:10;Numbers 12:7-8), acts in obedience, gathering the key leaders exactly when and how the LORD directed (Leviticus 8:36).
• His summons underscores orderly leadership: God speaks, Moses obeys, the people assemble (Exodus 19:7-8).
• This pattern models how divine authority moves through human responsibility, preparing hearts for worship.
Aaron and his sons• Aaron and his sons had just completed a week of being set apart (Exodus 28:1;Hebrews 5:1-4). Now they step into active priestly work, representing Israel before a holy God.
• Their presence confirms the literal priesthood God established—no self-appointed ministry, only divinely appointed servants (Leviticus 16:1-2).
• The scene reminds us that ministry begins after God’s timing and cleansing, not our own schedules.
and the elders of Israel• The elders—recognized heads of the tribes (Exodus 3:16;Deuteronomy 27:1)—stand with the priests, showing that worship involves the whole covenant community, not just clergy.
• Their inclusion provides accountability and witnesses to God’s actions (Leviticus 9:22-24), ensuring the people understand and affirm what is happening.
• This gathering foreshadows the New Testament pattern where church elders shepherd God’s flock alongside appointed ministers (Acts 15:6;1 Peter 5:1-3).
summaryLeviticus 9:1 marks a pivotal, literal moment: after seven days of ordination, the eighth day dawns, and Moses calls Aaron, his sons, and Israel’s elders to inaugurate public priestly service. The verse highlights God’s precise timing, orderly leadership, consecrated ministry, and communal participation. It teaches that true worship begins only when God has prepared His servants and His people to meet Him according to His Word.
IX.
(1)And it came to pass on the eighth day.--That is, the day following the seven days of consecration. (SeeLeviticus 8:33) According to ancient tradition this was the first of the month Nisan, or March.
Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders.--That is, the same elders, the representatives of the people, who were called to attest the imposing ceremony of consecration (seeLeviticus 8:3), are now also summoned to witness how the newly-installed priests entered upon the active duties of their ministrations. Like newly-born children who remain seven days in a state of uncleanness and enter into the covenant privileges of the congregation on the eighth day (seeLeviticus 12:2-3), so the newly-created priests after a purging of seven days commenced their sacred duties and partook of their privileges on this symbolical day.
Verses 1-6. -
On the eighth day. The seven days of consecration being now over, Aaron for the first time offers a sin offering and burnt offering for himself, and a sin offering, a burnt offering, a peace offering, and a meat offering for the congregation. He is still instructed by Moses as to what he is to do, but it is through him that the command is given to the people to present their offerings, and it is he that slays the victims and offers their blood. His own sin offering is a
young calf, or young bull calf, whereas the sin offering commanded for the high priest on ordinary occasions was a young bull, further advanced in age (
Leviticus 4:3); and in presenting the blood he does not take it into the sanctuary according to the regulations in chapter Leviticus 4:6, but uses it as Moses had done in the sin offerings of the previous week, the purpose of the difference being to show that Aaron's full dignity had not yet devolved upon him. This did not take place until he had gone into the tabernacle with Moses (verse 23).
A ram is again taken for the burnt offering, as had been the case in Moses' sacrifice of the previous week. The children of Israel now present a kid, the offering generally made by a prince, that for the congregation being a young bull. In the words
for today the Lord will appear unto you, Moses promises the Divine appearance afterwards vouchsafed (verse 23).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
On the eighthהַשְּׁמִינִ֔י(haš·šə·mî·nî)Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 8066:Eighth (an ordinal number)dayבַּיּ֣וֹם(bay·yō·wm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayMosesמֹשֶׁ֔ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiversummonedקָרָ֣א(qā·rā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readAaronלְאַהֲרֹ֖ן(lə·’a·hă·rōn)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175:Aaron -- an elder brother of Mosesand his sonsוּלְבָנָ֑יו(ū·lə·ḇā·nāw)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A sonand the eldersוּלְזִקְנֵ֖י(ū·lə·ziq·nê)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2205:Oldof Israel.יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc
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OT Law: Leviticus 9:1 It happened on the eighth day that (Le Lv Lev.) 
