Numbers 8:3
And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ
did
H6213
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כֵּן֙
H3651
כֵּן֙
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
מוּל֙
thereof over against
H4136
מוּל֙
thereof over against
Strong's:
H4136
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite
פְּנֵ֣י
H6440
פְּנֵ֣י
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הֶֽעֱלָ֖ה
so he lighted
H5927
הֶֽעֱלָ֖ה
so he lighted
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
8 of 14
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
נֵֽרֹתֶ֑יהָ
the lamps
H5216
נֵֽרֹתֶ֑יהָ
the lamps
Strong's:
H5216
Word #:
9 of 14
a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Aaron's obedience stood in contrast to his sons Nadab and Abihu, who offered unauthorized fire and died. This sober reminder made precise obedience essential. The lighting of the lamps according to pattern protected both the priests and the people, ensuring that worship proceeded according to divine will.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Aaron's precise obedience teach about worship leadership and responsibility?
- How does the command-obedience pattern inform our approach to biblical worship?
- In what ways do we face temptation to improve on or modify God's revealed will?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Aaron's obedience—'as the LORD commanded Moses'—demonstrates faithful adherence to divine instruction in worship. He didn't improve on, modify, or neglect God's command but obeyed precisely. This faithful transmission from God to Moses to Aaron to action illustrates the chain of revealed religion. The Reformed regulative principle of worship is exemplified—we worship as God commands, not as we prefer. Obedience to divine instruction honors God; presumptuous innovation dishonors Him.