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Exodus 19 · a question people ask

Who are "the priests" in 19:22, before Aaron was made a priest?

In the text

The chapter doesn't say. It speaks of "the priests also, who come near to the LORD" (19:22), and the LORD tells Moses, "don’t let the priests and the people break through" (19:24). Aaron and his sons are called "that he may minister to me in the priest’s office" later (28:1). A few chapters on, Moses "sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt offerings" (24:5). The text doesn't say whether those are the same men.

The verses

“Let the priests also, who come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break out on them.””
Exodus 19:22 · World English Bible
“The LORD said to him, “Go down! You shall bring Aaron up with you, but don’t let the priests and the people break through to come up to the LORD, lest he break out against them.””
Exodus 19:24 · World English Bible
“He sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of cattle to the LORD.”
Exodus 24:5 · World English Bible
““Bring Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, near to you from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office: Aaron, with Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.”
Exodus 28:1 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Exodus 19

Exodus 19: On eagles' wings

Before God gave Israel a single command at Sinai, he reminded them he had carried them "on eagles’ wings" to himself (19:4). He called them his "own possession" and "a holy nation" (19:5-6), words Peter uses of those who come to Jesus (1 Peter 2:9). And Hebrews says you have not come to this burning mountain, but "to Jesus" (Hebrews 12:24).

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions