PART II. THE INSTITUTION OF AN HEREDITARY PRIESTHOOD
EXPOSITION
THE CONSECRATION OF AARON AND HIS SONS is the natural sequel of the foregoing division of the book. The sacrificial system, which had now been instituted in its completeness, required a priesthood to administer it. Originally the head of each Hebrew family was priest to his own household, to offer gifts betokening self-surrender and communion with God—burnt sacrifices and sacrifices similar in character to the peace offerings. The first step from hence to the hereditary priesthood was the hallowing the firstborn of the Israelites to God's service, after the Israelitish firstborn had been delivered from the destruction which fell upon the firstborn of Egypt (Numbers 3:13). The second was the substitution of the tribe of Levi for the firstborn (Numbers 3:41-45), on account of the zeal which the Levites exhibited above the other tribes at the time of the idolatry of the golden calf (Exodus 32:26). Now, out of the tribe of Levi is chosen the one family of Aaron, to form an hereditary priesthood, consisting at first of five persons, quickly reduced to three by the death of Nadab and Abihu. This small body would have been sufficient for the needs of the people while they were still in the wilderness, and leading the life of the camp. With the increase of the nation the family of Aaron and his sons increased likewise, until, in the time of David, it was necessary to subdivide it into twenty-four courses for the orderly fulfillment of the functions of the priesthood. As the institution of the priesthood was necessary for carrying out the sacrificial system, so the sacrifices were necessary for the consecration of the priests. By means of the sacrifices the priests are consecrated, Moses performing on the occasion, and for the last time, the priestly functions. Appended to the record of their consecration is an account of the first acts of the newly created priests (Leviticus 9:1-24), and of the death of two of them (Leviticus 10:1-20). This is the only historical section in the book; and the death of the blasphemer (Leviticus 24:1-23.)is the only other historical event recorded in it, if at least we except such passages as, "And he did as the Lord commanded Moses" (Leviticus 16:34; Leviticus 21:24; Leviticus 23:44),