Purification: Between the death of Aaron’s two sons and the Day of Atonement are the purification laws, distinctions between the clean and the unclean.[1] From foods to childbirth to leprosy to bodily discharge, the LORD revealed how to identify and address these defilements. To an unconverted people, the LORD gave external means by which they might symbolically “be holy, for I am holy” (11:44). More than that, these laws were given to keep them from defiling (symbolically speaking) the tabernacle with the threat of death (15:31). These laws were not an end to themselves but a shadow of the things to come (Col. 2:16-17; cf. also Heb. 10:1). Sinners are already defiled because of their impure hearts (15:31; Mk. 7:20-23). Foods and skin issues were only pictures of spiritual impurity which has polluted all of humanity, except Jesus.[2] He embodied true purity (Col. 2:17) and He purifies sinners to make them God’s own possession, zealous for good deeds (Tit. 2:14).

Priesthood: Earthly priests were sinful. They had to first bring an offering for themselves, then as forgiven sinners, they could do the same for the people.[3] Aaron was no exception. This high priest also needed atonement for his own sins (16:6, 11, 17, 24). He fell far short of the true mediator (1 Tim. 2:5; Ex. 32:22-24) and advocate of the people (1 Jn. 2:1). Jesus alone is the true high priest, “holy, innocent, undefiled” (Heb. 7:25), who carries our names on His shoulders and over His heart (Ex. 28:12, 29). He purifies and fits sinners to be a priesthood (Ex. 19:6) that serves (1 Pet. 2:5) and proclaims Him (1 Pet. 2:9).

[1] These were already alluded to in the sacrifice section: 5:2, 3; 7:19, 20, 21.

[2] No man has a pure heart except Jesus (Ps. 24:3-4). It’s no wonder that John says, “He is pure” (1 John 3:3).

[3] They offered Sacrifices first for themselves (8:14, 18, 22, 24; 9:2, 7-8), then for the people (9:15; Heb. 7:27).