Verses 1-24

The priests begin their duties (9:1-24)

Immediately after the seven-day ordination period, Aaron and his sons began their duties. Before acting as the representatives of others, they offered a sin offering for their own cleansing and a burnt offering for their own dedication (9:1-14). After this they offered four sacrifices on behalf of Israel: a sin offering, to indicate that the people were cleansed from sin; a burnt offering, to indicate that they were dedicated to God; a cereal offering, to indicate that the people were thankful for his provision; and a peace offering, to indicate that they were in close fellowship with him (15-21).

Moses then took Aaron into the tabernacle, probably to hand over to him the responsibility for the duties to be carried on inside the tent. God showed publicly his approval of the dedication ceremony, and the people responded by showing their humble submission to God (22-24).