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Daily Devotions

Exodus

Exodus 
Day 
Day 278

"I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name, for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; for You have magnified Your word above all Your name." Psalm 138:2

Text: Exodus 29 : 29-30

SUCCESSION OF THE HIGH PRIEST

The issue of worship was most carefully discussed. The patriarchal way of worshipping God, by erecting temporary altars would cease. Tabernacle worship would replace the old way.

Never before had such instruction concerning worship been given. There were the elaborate plans for the construction of the Tabernacle. Then there was careful teaching concerning the role of the high priest in Tabernacle worship.

It should come as no surprise that the issue of succession of the high priest should also be broached.

“And the holy garments of Aaron shall be his sons’ after him, to be
anointed in them and to be consecrated in them. That son who
becomes priest in his place shall put them on for seven days, when
he enters the tabernacle of meeting to minister in the holy place.” EXODUS 29: 29-30

1. “The holy garments of Aaron”

These were very elaborate garments indeed! There was no reason for them to be discarded if they were still in good wear! These garments were considered holy and they were to be utilized by the next high priest!

2. “Shall put them on for seven days”

This phrase gives us an idea just how long this consecration service lasted. The consecration of the high priest was to take place over a period of seven days!

3. “The tabernacle of meeting”

It is interesting that the phrase “tabernacle of meeting” should be so frequently used. This was deliberately done to emphasise the significance of the Tabernacle. The following things may be highlighted:-

a) The place
The place where God would meet His people would be at the Tabernacle. People should no longer think of erecting personal altars to offer worship as in the past!
b) The priests
The high priest would play a cardinal role in worship. (Moses was the leading figure for the moment. His role was truly unique. The provision of the high priestly system took into consideration the time when Moses would go the way of the earth)!
c) The provision
God made sure that the statute governing all the priests was so carefully spelt out, there would be little chance of misunderstanding this law!