Time & Place
- Time: 1491 BC
- Location: Mount Sinai, Wilderness of Sinai
- Setting: Israel encamped at Sinai while the LORD gives instructions for priestly service
Where Are We in the Text?
- Instructions are given for the garments of the high priest and priests (Exod 28).
- Instructions are given for the consecration and ordination of the priesthood (Exod 29).
Where Are We in Time?
- These chapters occur during Moses’ extended stay on Mount Sinai receiving divine instruction (Exod 24:18).
- Israel remains stationary at Sinai following the Exodus and prior to further movement.
Where Are We on the Map?
- Mount Sinai (Horeb): Location where the priestly system is revealed.
- Israel remains encamped in the Wilderness of Sinai.
Where Are We in God’s Program? (Dispensational)
- God establishes the Aaronic priesthood as the mediating system under the Mosaic Covenant.
- Worship, access, and service are ordered according to divine appointment, not human choice.
Why This Matters
- God defines how sinful men may approach a holy God.
- Mediation, sacrifice, and consecration are required within the covenant system.
How This Reading Relates to What Follows
- Further instructions for worship and service will continue (Exod 30–31).
- The priesthood will later be tested by Israel’s disobedience (Exod 32).
Summary Orientation
- God establishes the priesthood and its consecration.
- Worship is regulated and ordered by divine command.
- The Mosaic system of mediation is formally defined.