Leviticus 1:7

The sons of Aaron the priest shall put a fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire.

Study Bible

The sons of Aaron the priest
This phrase refers to the descendants of Aaron, who was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. The Aaronic priesthood was established by God to serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple. The role of the priests was to mediate between God and the people, offering sacrifices and maintaining the rituals prescribed in the Law. This priestly lineage is significant as it underscores the hereditary nature of the priesthood in Israel, which was a divine appointment. The New Testament book of Hebrews contrasts this with the priesthood of Jesus, who is a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, not based on lineage but on the power of an indestructible life.

shall put a fire on the altar
The altar referred to here is the bronze altar of burnt offering, located in the courtyard of the tabernacle. The fire on this altar was to be kept burning continually, as commanded in Leviticus 6:13. This perpetual fire symbolized God's eternal presence and the ongoing need for atonement. The act of putting fire on the altar signifies the priests' responsibility to maintain this divine command. In a broader theological context, fire often represents God's holiness and judgment, as seen in the burning bush (Exodus 3) and the tongues of fire at Pentecost (Acts 2).

and arrange wood on the fire
The wood was necessary to sustain the fire for the burnt offerings, which were a central aspect of Israelite worship. The careful arrangement of wood by the priests ensured that the fire would burn steadily and consume the sacrifices completely. This act of arranging wood can be seen as a type of Christ, who was laid upon the wood of the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. The meticulous preparation of the altar reflects the order and precision required in worship, emphasizing that approaching God must be done according to His instructions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The first high priest of Israel, brother of Moses, and a key figure in establishing the priestly line. His sons were appointed to serve as priests.

2. Sons of Aaron
The descendants of Aaron who were designated as priests to serve in the tabernacle, performing sacrifices and maintaining the rituals prescribed by God.

3. The Altar
A sacred place in the tabernacle where sacrifices were offered to God. It symbolizes the place of atonement and worship.

4. The Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness, where God's presence dwelled among His people.

5. The Fire
Represents God's presence and the continuous need for purification and dedication in worship.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priesthood
The priests were responsible for maintaining the fire on the altar, symbolizing the continuous need for atonement and dedication to God. This reflects the importance of spiritual leadership and responsibility in guiding others in worship.

The Significance of Fire
Fire on the altar represents God's presence and the need for purification. In our lives, we must continually seek God's presence and allow His refining fire to purify our hearts.

Continuous Worship
Just as the fire on the altar was to be kept burning, our worship and devotion to God should be constant and unwavering. This calls for a daily commitment to prayer, reading Scripture, and living out our faith.

Symbolism of Wood
The wood arranged on the fire signifies preparation and intentionality in worship. We must be deliberate in our spiritual practices, ensuring that our lives are aligned with God's will.

Priestly Duties and Christian Living
As believers, we are called to be a royal priesthood, serving God and others. This involves living a life of sacrifice, service, and dedication, reflecting Christ's love and grace to the world.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Aaron's sons in maintaining the altar fire relate to our responsibilities as Christians today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that the "fire" of our spiritual life remains burning continuously?

3. How does the symbolism of fire in Leviticus 1:7 connect to the concept of God's presence and purification in other parts of the Bible?

4. What practical steps can we take to prepare and arrange our lives for effective worship and service to God?

5. How does understanding our identity as a "royal priesthood" influence the way we live out our faith in daily life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
Details the consecration of Aaron and his sons, establishing their roles and responsibilities as priests, including maintaining the altar fire.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the New Covenant.

1 Peter 2
Describes believers as a royal priesthood, drawing a parallel between the priestly duties of Aaron's sons and the spiritual responsibilities of Christians today.