27 - THE PRIESTHOOD - Service of the Priests

THE HIGH PRIEST. In His Robes of Glory and Beauty.

{Graphics not available in e-Sword format} THE PRIESTHOOD. THE SERVICE OF THE PRIESTS THE Tabernacle and its vessels, the Priesthood, and the various ministrations connected therewith, form but one subject; although divided for the sake of more distinctly contemplating each portion. The tabernacle would have been useless without its vessels: and the tabernacle with its vessels, would have been of no service, but for a living family of priests, constantly engaged in various active ministrations within the holy places, and about the various holy vessels. So closely connected is each part of this subject with the other, that in the directions contained in Exodus, there is no break; but the command for making the holy garments, and consecrating the priesthood, (Exod. 28 and 29) comes between the enumeration of some of the holy vessels, and the various parts of the tabernacle. Indeed properly speaking, the 27th chapter should end at verse 19 (Exodus 27:19), where "thou shalt command the children of Israel" begins a new subject, viz: directions concerning the oil for the light of the sanctuary. The 28th chapter follows on with the words "and take thou unto thee, etc." and the 29th chapter continues with ordering the sacrifices, etc. for the day of priestly consecration. The 30th again carries on the subject connected with the priesthood, by giving the description of the incense-altar: and the whole closes with the sabbath, at the end of the 31st chapter.

Again; when all the various parts of the work had been completed, ending with the garments of the priesthood, (Exodus Chapters 36:1 - Exodus 39:31,) the following verse is added: "Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished; and the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so did they." Here, therefore, the priestly garments were considered part of the work of the tabernacle. And if we turn to Hebrews 8, we find that "the priests, that offered gifts according to the law, served unto the example and shadow of heavenly things; as Moses was admonished of God, when he was about to make the tabernacle: for. See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount." Hebrews 8:4-5. The service of the priests, in offering gifts and sacrifices, is thus connected with the commandments given to Moses in the mount, respecting the making of the tabernacle. The words "See that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed thee in the mount," as recorded in Exodus, were spoken to Moses respecting the holy vessels; (see Exodus 25:40,) but are in Hebrews 8, quoted to prove that the priests and their ministrations were examples and shadows of heavenly things. The whole subject is therefore much blended. But as far as possible it is the object of the present exposition, to consider by themselves the Aaronic priesthood, the garments, consecration, and ordinary service.