Leviticus 9 1

Leviticus 9:1 kjv

And it came to pass on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel;

Leviticus 9:1 nkjv

It came to pass on the eighth day that Moses called Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel.

Leviticus 9:1 niv

On the eighth day Moses summoned Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel.

Leviticus 9:1 esv

On the eighth day Moses called Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel,

Leviticus 9:1 nlt

After the ordination ceremony, on the eighth day, Moses called together Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel.

Leviticus 9 verses

Leviticus 9 1 Meaning

Leviticus 9:1 describes the commencement of the official priestly ministry on the eighth day following the seven-day ordination period for Aaron and his sons. Moses, acting under divine instruction, assembled Aaron, his sons, and the elders of Israel. This gathering was for the public inauguration of the Levitical sacrificial system, marking the transition from preparation and consecration to the active and practical performance of atonement sacrifices, paving the way for God's glory to appear among His people.

Leviticus 9 1 Context

Leviticus 9:1 marks a crucial transition. It follows seven days of intensive priestly ordination and consecration detailed in Leviticus chapter 8, where Aaron and his sons were ritualistically purified, clothed, anointed, and initiated into their sacred office through various sacrifices. This elaborate process was commanded by God to ensure the priests were ritually prepared to mediate between God and the Israelites. The "eighth day" signals the beginning of their active service—the moment they transition from passive recipients of consecration to active performers of their priestly duties. The entire assembly, including the elders of Israel, were gathered to witness this momentous inauguration of Israel's divinely established worship system. This event was vital for the proper functioning of the Tabernacle and maintaining God's holy presence within the community. It underlined the sanctity of divine service and the absolute necessity of a consecrated priesthood for a sinful people to approach a holy God.

Leviticus 9 1 Word analysis

• And it came to pass (וַיְהִי - vayhi): This opening word, common in Hebrew narratives, serves to introduce a new stage or development. It signifies the commencement of a divinely orchestrated event, often linking back to previous divine commands or narrative flows. It emphasizes that this is not a random occurrence but part of God's unfolding plan.

• on the eighth day (בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי - bayyom hashmini):

  • "eighth day": Highly significant in biblical numerology. While "seven" often represents completion, perfection, and resting (like the Sabbath), "eight" typically signifies a new beginning, a super-completion, a fresh start, or renewal.
  • This day follows the seven-day period of priestly ordination and consecration (Lev 8). It suggests the inauguration of a new spiritual era or phase.
  • It points to themes of resurrection (Christ resurrected on the "first day of the week," often viewed as the "eighth day" after the old week), new creation, circumcision (on the eighth day), and new covenant life.

• that Moses called (וַיִּקְרָא מֹשֶׁה - vayyiqra Moshe):

  • "called" (וַיִּקְרָא - vayyiqra): Denotes a formal summoning, a deliberate action with divine authority. Moses acts as God's mediator and spokesperson, reinforcing that this assembly is commanded by God, not by human initiative.

• Aaron and his sons (אֶל-אַהֲרֹן וְאֶל-בָּנָיו - el-Aharon ve'el-banav):

  • Refers to the newly consecrated priests who have completed their week of intensive preparation and sanctification. This is their public debut in their official roles.
  • Their presence confirms their readiness to assume the demanding responsibilities of priestly mediation and sacrifice.

• and the elders of Israel (וְאֶל-זִקְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל - ve'el-ziqnei Yisra'el):

  • "elders" (זִקְנֵי - ziqnei): Represents the tribal and community leadership, wise and respected figures chosen to represent the entire congregation.
  • Their presence validates the divine ordination and establishment of the priesthood before all Israel. They serve as official witnesses, affirming the legitimacy and public nature of this inauguration. It signifies the whole community's involvement and acceptance of the newly established religious order.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "And it came to pass on the eighth day": This phrase introduces the climax of the ordination period. It's the moment of divine culmination where the prior seven days of separation and purification bear fruit. This moment signifies not just a calendar date but a divinely ordained 'new beginning' for the priestly service. It speaks of moving beyond mere preparation into active duty.
  • "that Moses called Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel": This highlights the deliberate and authoritative assembly. Moses' role as the one who "calls" underscores the divine origin and legitimacy of the entire proceeding. The combination of Aaron and his sons (the direct participants in the new cult) and the elders (representing the entire nation) emphasizes the universal scope and importance of this event for all Israel, establishing the priestly order publicly and officially.

Leviticus 9 1 Bonus section

• The strict adherence to the eight-day timeline demonstrates the principle of divine timing and precise obedience demanded in worship and service to God.
• The transition from a week of separation/consecration to a day of public ministry for Aaron and his sons mirrors spiritual preparation leading to practical application and service within the covenant community.
• The fact that God's glory appears only after the proper consecration and the correct performance of sacrifices (as seen in later verses of the chapter) underscores that divine presence is conditional upon covenant faithfulness and obedience to God's prescribed worship.
• This verse indirectly sets up a contrast with human-invented worship. The specific divine command for this "eighth day" gathering ensures that the inauguration of the Levitical priesthood and its service is sanctioned by Heaven, distinguishing it from pagan cultic practices.

Leviticus 9 1 Commentary

Leviticus 9:1 sets the stage for a pivotal moment in Israel's history—the functional inauguration of the Tabernacle worship. Following the intensive seven-day ordination described in Leviticus 8, the "eighth day" symbolizes a fresh start, a divine "new beginning." This is when Aaron and his sons transition from being sanctified recipients to active practitioners of the sacrificial system. Moses, as God's designated messenger, convenes not just the newly consecrated priests but also the elders of Israel, representing the entire community. This public assembly underscores the divine authority and national importance of establishing proper worship and atonement rituals. The scene anticipates the promised manifestation of God's glory (Lev 9:23-24), signifying divine acceptance of the established covenant relationship and the chosen means of atonement. It reveals God's meticulous care in establishing a system through which a holy God could dwell among His unholy people, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect High Priesthood of Christ, through whom true access and new life are found. The orderly process highlights that acceptable worship is not based on human whim but on divine instruction, ensuring purity and mediation.