“Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priests—Aaron and Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God's choice of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood isn't just about leadership; it's a deliberate shift from a family-based priestly role to a designated lineage, highlighting the increasing need for specialized service as Israel became a nation centered around God's presence. This also reveals Moses' humility, as he passes up the highest national honor for his own family to faithfully execute God's specific command.
“Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priests—Aaron and Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After God's instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and furnishings, the focus shifts to the sacred office of the priesthood. God directs Moses to set apart his brother Aaron and Aaron's sons for this vital role, signifying a formal establishment of a priestly lineage separate from the rest of Israel. This transition marks the beginning of a more structured system for approaching God and carrying out His worship.
Before this moment, priests were essentially heads of households. But now, God is establishing something new, a national priesthood. What does this shift signify?
Prior to this command, the head of each family served as its priest, offering sacrifices and leading worship. This was the norm for every Israelite household.
However, with the establishment of the Tabernacle and the formation of Israel as a unified nation under God's covenant, a more formal priesthood was needed. God chooses Aaron and his sons, not just to serve their immediate families, but to minister to Him on behalf of the entire nation of Israel. This transition from familial to national service highlights the growing structure and identity of God's chosen people and the increasing specialization of roles within their community.
In a world where titles and positions can be sought after or bought, this verse emphasizes a different path to service. How does God ensure His chosen servants are truly called?
The text clearly states that Aaron and his sons were to be brought 'near' to Moses, signifying a direct divine appointment. This wasn't a position they sought or earned; it was a calling from God Himself.
Commentators emphasize that God's calling is the sole legitimate basis for religious office. Unlike in some other cultures where priests were chosen by popular vote or ambition, God here unequivocally designates the individuals. This principle extends to all spiritual leadership – it must originate from God's initiative, not human aspiration. As Hebrews 5:4 states, 'No one takes this honor upon himself, but only he who is called by God, as Aaron was.'
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Why Aaron and his sons specifically? This wasn't arbitrary; it carried profound meaning for the continuity of God's relationship with His people.
God's choice of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood wasn't based on their merit alone, but established a lineage for this sacred office. This ensured a clear line of succession and a recognizable authority for mediating between God and Israel.
The text names all four of Aaron's sons present: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. While Nadab and Abihu would tragically meet an untimely end (Leviticus 10:1-2), their inclusion here marks them as part of this initial divine appointment. The continuation of the priesthood through Eleazar and Ithamar underscores the importance of God establishing a lasting, hereditary structure for worship and atonement, pointing forward to a greater, eternal High Priest.
Understand the original words
qārab · Hebrew Verb
To bring into a close, covenantal relationship or to summon into the presence of God for a specific purpose or service. It implies a formal setting apart for a duty.
kōhēn · Hebrew Noun
Those chosen by God to act as mediators between Him and the people, responsible for offering sacrifices and performing ritual duties in the sanctuary.
This passage directly quotes that Aaron was called by God to be a priest, just as the text in Exodus states Aaron and his sons were chosen to serve God in that office.
1 Peter 2:9While Exodus 28:1 establishes a specific, human priesthood, 1 Peter 2:9 speaks of believers being a 'royal priesthood,' showing a shift from an exclusive, earthly role to a spiritual one for all followers of Christ.
Leviticus 8:1-13This passage details the actual consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons, showing the practical outworking of the divine command given in Exodus 28:1 to set them apart for priestly duties.
Exodus 24:1-2This earlier chapter mentions Aaron and his sons being present with Moses when God speaks from Sinai, foreshadowing their future elevated status and role in mediating between God and the people which is formalized in Exodus 28.
Exodus 29:1-46Following the selection of Aaron and his sons, this chapter lays out the detailed instructions for their consecration and the sacrifices they are to offer, expanding on the foundational command in Exodus 28:1.
gillExodus 28:1: "And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons."
And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him,.... Moses is bid to fetch or send for Aaron and his sons to him: or "cause" them to "draw near" (n) to him, and stand before him, that he might in the name of the Lord, and by his authority, distingui…
clarkeExodus 28:1: "And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons."
Aaron - and his sons - The priesthood was to be restrained to this family because the public worship was to be confined to one place; and previously to this the eldest in every family officiated as priest, there being no settled place of worship. It has been very pr…
God's choice of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood isn't just about leadership; it's a deliberate shift from a family-based priestly role to a designated lineage, highlighting the increasing need for specialized service as Israel became a nation centered around God's presence. This also reveals Moses' humility, as he passes up the highest national honor for his own family to faithfully execute God's specific command.
After God's instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and furnishings, the focus shifts to the sacred office of the priesthood. God directs Moses to set apart his brother Aaron and Aaron's sons for this vital role, signifying a formal establishment of a priestly lineage separate from the rest of Israel. This transition marks the beginning of a more structured system for approaching God and carrying out His worship.
After God's instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and furnishings, the focus shifts to the sacred office of the priesthood. God directs Moses to set apart his brother Aaron and Aaron's sons for this vital role, signifying a formal establishment of a priestly lineage separate from the rest of Israel. This transition marks the beginning of a more structured system for approaching God and carrying out His worship.
"“Then bring near to you Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the people of Israel, to serve me as priests—Aaron and Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar." — God's choice of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood isn't just about leadership; it's a deliberate shift from a family-based priestly role to a designated lineage, highlighting the increasing need…
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Last reviewed October 2026