God’s mediators were expected to exemplify His holiness and grace.

“You shall sanctify him, for he offers the bread of your God. He shall be holy to you, for I, the LORD, who sanctify you, am holy.” Leviticus 21.8

God established a unique system for putting in place the mediators Israel required in order to know Him and experience His grace more fully. On the civil side of Israel’s life, each community was responsible to appoint elders to rule in the gates of the city. These were to be men of judgment and ability who would be able to understand and teach the Law, applying it to all the circumstances of life in an Israelite community (cf. Ex. 18.19-23; Num. 11.16-30).

In the case of priests and Levites, it pleased the Lord to reserve these offices to descendants of the tribe of Levi. Within that tribe one household – Aaron’s, through Zadok – would serve as priests, and all others would serve alongside the priests in assisting roles. The Levites and priests were set apart for the service of the Lord by tribal descent and by special ceremonies designed to highlight their unique callings as mediators of God’s grace to His people. They were not to own property among the people but would be dispersed throughout all the towns and cities and supported by the tithes and offerings of the local people.

Thus, while many from the tribes of Israel might aspire to serve as mediators of everyday justice to the people of God, only members of the tribe of Levi, those specially chosen, called, prepared, and set aside by God, could function as mediators in performing the duties of the ceremonial laws.

In the Church today all believers are called to be mediators of God’s grace – to serve as judges and priests – to one another (Jn. 7.37-39; 1 Pet. 2.9, 10). Nevertheless, the need still exists to set aside certain ones to serve as judges and rulers and others to manage the teaching and administering of sacraments for mediating the grace of Lord Jesus Christ to His people. The lesson of the ceremonial laws is that we must not try to do without such offices, as they are essential to ensure the flow of God’s grace to His people. At the same time, we must have clear standards and procedures for those who aspire to such offices which are in keeping with the purposes of God in mediating His grace to His people.

For a fuller study of the pattern of worship revealed in Scripture, order the book, The Highest Thing, by T. M. Moore, from our online store. These studies and brief essays will help you to see how the pattern of sound worship, which began in the Law of God, comes to complete expression in the rest of Scripture. Pastors, we’re getting ready to start the next season of The Pastors’ Fellowship. Write to me today at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information about how you join in these online discussions. Our theme for the coming series is “The Worldview of God’s Law.” There is no charge for participation, but you must reserve a place for these monthly gatherings. Subscribe to Crosfigell, the devotional newsletter of The Fellowship of Ailbe.