1 And it came to pass on the eighth day, [that] Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel;
2 And he said unto Aaron, Take thee a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer [them] before the LORD.
3 And unto the children of Israel thou shalt speak, saying, Take ye a kid of the goats for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, [both] of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering;
4 Also a bullock and a ram for peace offerings, to sacrifice before the LORD; and a meat offering mingled with oil: for to day the LORD will appear unto you.
5 And they brought [that] which Moses commanded before the tabernacle of the congregation: and all the congregation drew near and stood before the LORD.
6 And Moses said, This [is] the thing which the LORD commanded that ye should do: and the glory of the LORD shall appear unto you.
7 And Moses said unto Aaron, Go unto the altar, and offer thy sin offering, and thy burnt offering, and make an atonement for thyself, and for the people: and offer the offering of the people, and make an atonement for them; as the LORD commanded.
8 Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin offering, which [was] for himself.
9 And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him: and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar:
10 But the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver of the sin offering, he burnt upon the altar; as the LORD commanded Moses.
11 And the flesh and the hide he burnt with fire without the camp.
12 And he slew the burnt offering; and Aaron’s sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled round about upon the altar.
13 And they presented the burnt offering unto him, with the pieces thereof, and the head: and he burnt [them] upon the altar.
14 And he did wash the inwards and the legs, and burnt [them] upon the burnt offering on the altar.
15 And he brought the people’s offering, and took the goat, which [was] the sin offering for the people, and slew it, and offered it for sin, as the first.
16 And he brought the burnt offering, and offered it according to the manner.
17 And he brought the meat offering, and took an handful thereof, and burnt [it] upon the altar, beside the burnt sacrifice of the morning.
18 He slew also the bullock and the ram [for] a sacrifice of peace offerings, which [was] for the people: and Aaron’s sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled upon the altar round about,
19 And the fat of the bullock and of the ram, the rump, and that which covereth [the inwards], and the kidneys, and the caul [above] the liver:
20 And they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar:
21 And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved [for] a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded.
22 And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings.
23 And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.
24 And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: [which] when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.
Overview of Leviticus Chapter 9
Leviticus Chapter 9 marks a significant moment in the narrative of the Israelites as it describes the inaugural offerings made by Aaron and his sons as priests. This chapter emphasizes the establishment of the priesthood and the importance of proper worship practices in the community of Israel.
Key Themes
- Consecration of the Priesthood: The chapter highlights the formal initiation of Aaron and his sons into their priestly roles.
- Obedience to Divine Instructions: The importance of following God’s commands regarding sacrifices and offerings is underscored.
- Divine Acceptance: The chapter illustrates God’s approval of the offerings through the manifestation of His glory.
Detailed Analysis
1. The Command to Offer Sacrifices (Verses 1-5)
In the opening verses, Moses calls Aaron and his sons to present offerings before the Lord. The specific instructions include:
- Bring a sin offering (a young bull) for atonement.
- Bring a burnt offering (a ram) to signify total dedication to God.
- Prepare a grain offering mixed with oil, symbolizing sustenance and gratitude.
This section emphasizes the necessity of atonement and the multifaceted nature of worship, which includes confession, dedication, and gratitude.
2. The Execution of the Offerings (Verses 6-14)
Moses instructs Aaron on how to perform the sacrifices. The detailed actions taken by Aaron are significant:
- Aaron slaughters the sin offering and presents its blood, symbolizing the purification of the people.
- The burnt offering is laid on the altar, representing total surrender to God.
- The grain offering is offered, highlighting the community’s dependence on God for provision.
The meticulous nature of these actions underscores the seriousness of approaching God and the need for holiness in worship.
3. The Role of Aaron and His Sons (Verses 15-21)
Aaron’s role as the high priest is central in this chapter. He acts as the mediator between God and the people:
- He performs the rituals as instructed, demonstrating obedience.
- His sons assist in the offerings, indicating the continuation of the priestly lineage.
The chapter illustrates the collaborative effort in worship and the communal aspect of approaching God.
4. Divine Approval and Glory (Verses 22-24)
After the sacrifices are made, Aaron raises his hands and blesses the people. The response from God is immediate:
- A fire comes out from the Lord and consumes the offerings on the altar.
- The appearance of God’s glory fills the tabernacle, signifying His acceptance of the offerings.
This powerful moment serves as a confirmation of Aaron’s priesthood and the establishment of the sacrificial system as a means of communion with God.
Conclusion
Leviticus Chapter 9 serves as a pivotal chapter in the establishment of the Israelite worship system. It reflects the seriousness of the priestly role, the necessity of obedience to God’s commands, and the importance of divine acceptance in worship. The chapter sets the tone for the ongoing relationship between God and His people through the priesthood and sacrificial offerings.
