Leviticus 1:8

Then Aaron's sons the priests are to arrange the pieces, including the head and the fat, atop the burning wood on the altar.

Study Bible

Then Aaron’s sons the priests
This phrase highlights the role of Aaron's sons, who were designated as priests. The priesthood was established through Aaron, the brother of Moses, and his descendants. This lineage was crucial for maintaining the sanctity and order of worship in Israel. The priesthood was a hereditary office, emphasizing the importance of family and lineage in the religious life of Israel. The priests served as mediators between God and the people, a role that foreshadows the ultimate mediation of Jesus Christ, who is described as our High Priest in the New Testament (Hebrews 4:14-16).

are to arrange the pieces
The act of arranging the pieces of the sacrifice was a meticulous task that required attention to detail and reverence. This process signifies the order and precision required in worship and offerings to God. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God being a God of order, as seen in the creation narrative (Genesis 1) and the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle (Exodus 25-31). The careful arrangement also symbolizes the need for intentionality in worship, pointing to the heart's posture in offering oneself to God.

including the head and the fat
The inclusion of the head and the fat in the offering is significant. The head represents the entirety of the being, while the fat, considered the best part of the animal, symbolizes the offering of the best to God. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, fat was often associated with abundance and blessing. The offering of the best parts underscores the principle of giving God the first and best of what one has, a theme echoed in Proverbs 3:9. This also prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who gave His all for humanity.

atop the burning wood on the altar
The altar was central to Israelite worship, serving as the place where sacrifices were made to atone for sin and express devotion to God. The burning wood signifies the consuming nature of the sacrifice, representing purification and the complete surrender of the offering to God. Fire is often associated with God's presence and holiness (Exodus 3:2, Hebrews 12:29). The altar points to the cross of Christ, where the ultimate sacrifice was made, fulfilling the sacrificial system and providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sons of Aaron
The descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses, who were appointed as priests to serve in the tabernacle and later the temple. They were responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the rituals prescribed by God.

2. The Priest
Refers to the Levitical priests, specifically the sons of Aaron, who were tasked with mediating between God and the people of Israel through sacrifices and offerings.

3. The Altar
A sacred place where sacrifices were made to God. In the context of Leviticus, it was located in the tabernacle, the portable dwelling place for the divine presence during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness.

4. The Sacrifice
The act of offering something valuable to God as an act of worship and atonement for sin. In Leviticus 1, the focus is on burnt offerings, which were completely consumed by fire.

5. The Fire
Symbolizes God's presence and the consuming nature of His holiness. The fire on the altar was to be kept burning continually as a sign of perpetual worship and dedication to God.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priesthood
The priests were mediators between God and the people, highlighting the importance of intercession and spiritual leadership in the community of faith.

The Significance of Sacrifice
Sacrifices were a means of atonement and worship, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Believers are called to live sacrificially, dedicating their lives to God.

The Symbolism of Fire
Fire represents God's holiness and the need for purification. Just as the fire on the altar was never to go out, our devotion and worship should be constant and fervent.

The Order of Worship
The detailed instructions for sacrifices emphasize the importance of order and reverence in worship. Our worship should be intentional and aligned with God's instructions.

Living as a Sacrifice
In light of Christ's sacrifice, believers are called to live lives that are wholly dedicated to God, reflecting His holiness and love in all aspects of life.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the sons of Aaron as priests relate to the concept of the priesthood of all believers in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the sacrificial system in Leviticus point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

3. How can the symbolism of fire in the sacrificial system inform our understanding of God's holiness and our response to it?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our worship is orderly and reverent, as demonstrated in the sacrificial rituals?

5. How can we apply the concept of being a "living sacrifice" in our daily lives, as encouraged in Romans 12?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
Describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, establishing their role in the sacrificial system.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the sacrificial system, making the need for continual animal sacrifices obsolete.

Romans 12
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is a spiritual act of worship.