8:2 the garments and the anointing oil Refers to the priestly garments (Exod 28:2–5) and the anointing oil (Exod 30:23–33) prepared when the tabernacle was constructed (compare Exod 40:13–15). The more elaborate garments for Aaron as high priest were described in detail in Exod 28:6–39.

the bull of The sacrifices for the ordination required a bull as a sin offering and two rams as burnt offerings (Exod 29:1). In both cases, Moses’ actions follow the detailed procedures for those offerings described earlier (see Lev 1:3–17; 4:1–12).

the unleavened bread See 6:19–23 and note.

8:6 he washed them with water This cleansing was necessary before they could wear the priestly garments. The washing fulfilled the command of Exod 29:4.

8:7 ephod A priestly garment involved in the practice of seeking God’s will through the use of the Urim and Thummim. See note on Exod 28:4; note on 28:30.

8:8 the Urim and the Thummim Objects that were likely used in casting lots as a way to discern God’s will. See note on Exod 28:30.

8:9 as Yahweh had commanded Moses This phrase occurs at intervals throughout this passage (Lev 8:1–9:24) and serves to connect the Levitical priesthood (priests from the tribes of Levi) and its system of sacrifices directly with Yahweh’s command (e.g., vv. 13, 29; 9:8–10).

8:15 the altar’s horns Ancient Near Eastern altars were often constructed with horns on the corners. Cutting off the horns of an altar made it unusable (Amos 3:14). Placing the blood on the horns purified the altar. See Lev 4:7 and note.

make atonement See note on 4:20. This purification is the initial cleansing of the altar. Prior to this ceremony, the altar was not suitable for worship since it was made with human hands. The altar, the tabernacle, and all the items needed for priestly service had to undergo an initial purification to be acceptable for use in God’s service.

8:21 an appeasing fragrance See note on 1:9.

8:22 the ram of the consecration The reference to the ordination (consecration) offering in 7:37 may have been anticipating this sacrifice.

8:23 on Aaron’s right ear lobe In other sacrifices, the blood was sprinkled all around the altar (3:2, 8, 13). The act of smearing some of the blood on the right ear, right thumb, right toe, and on the clothes of Aaron and his sons (vv. 23–24, 30) purified them and prepared them for service at the tabernacle. Compare Exod 29:20–21.

Types of Offerings in the Old Testament Table

8:24 sprinkled the blood Parallel to what was done in connection with the Sinai covenant (Exod 24:6–8).

8:35 you shall keep the obligation from Yahweh It is unclear whether there was a seven-day waiting period to leave the tabernacle precinct after the ordination rituals were complete or if the rituals described here were repeated over seven days.