Leviticus 8:21

He washed the entrails and legs with water and burned the entire ram on the altar as a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Study Bible

He washed the entrails and legs with water
In the ancient Israelite sacrificial system, washing the entrails and legs symbolized purification and the removal of impurities. This act reflects the importance of cleanliness and holiness in worship, as seen in Exodus 30:17-21, where priests were required to wash before entering the tent of meeting. The washing signifies the need for internal purity, paralleling the New Testament call for believers to be cleansed from sin (James 4:8).

and burned the entire ram on the altar
The burning of the entire ram signifies total consecration to God. Unlike other offerings where only parts were burned, the whole burnt offering represents complete surrender and dedication. This foreshadows Christ's total sacrifice on the cross, as He offered Himself wholly for humanity's redemption (Hebrews 10:10).

as a burnt offering
The burnt offering, or "olah" in Hebrew, was one of the most common sacrifices, symbolizing atonement and devotion. It was a voluntary act of worship, expressing submission to God's will. This offering is a type of Christ, who is the ultimate burnt offering, fully consumed by the fire of God's judgment for our sins (Ephesians 5:2).

a pleasing aroma
The phrase "a pleasing aroma" indicates God's acceptance of the sacrifice. It is a recurring theme in the Old Testament (Genesis 8:21, Exodus 29:18) and signifies divine satisfaction. In the New Testament, Christ's sacrifice is described similarly, as a fragrant offering to God (Ephesians 5:2), highlighting the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Him.

a food offering to the LORD
The term "food offering" emphasizes the idea of fellowship and communion with God. While God does not need physical sustenance, the offering symbolizes the spiritual nourishment and relationship between God and His people. This concept is fulfilled in the Lord's Supper, where believers partake in communion with Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).

just as the LORD had commanded Moses
This phrase underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions. Moses' adherence to God's commands reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where blessings were contingent upon obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). It also points to Christ's perfect obedience to the Father, fulfilling the law on our behalf (Philippians 2:8).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and to deliver His laws. In this context, Moses is performing the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests.

2. Aaron and His Sons
The first priests of Israel, being consecrated for their service to God. This event marks the beginning of the Levitical priesthood.

3. The Altar
A sacred place where offerings and sacrifices are made to God. It symbolizes the place of atonement and worship.

4. The Ram
Used as a burnt offering, symbolizing complete dedication and surrender to God. The ram is wholly consumed by fire, representing total consecration.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who commands the offerings and consecrations as part of His covenant with Israel.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
Moses' actions demonstrate the importance of following God's instructions precisely. Our obedience is a form of worship and reverence to God.

Symbolism of the Burnt Offering
The burnt offering represents total dedication to God. In our lives, we are called to surrender completely to His will, offering ourselves as living sacrifices.

The Role of Priests
Aaron and his sons' consecration signifies the role of priests as mediators between God and His people. Today, believers are called to be a "royal priesthood," serving God and others.

The Pleasing Aroma
The offering being a "pleasing aroma" to the LORD signifies God's acceptance of the sacrifice. Our lives, when lived in obedience and dedication, are a pleasing aroma to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the consecration of Aaron and his sons in Leviticus 8 relate to the concept of the priesthood of all believers in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we offer ourselves as "living sacrifices" in our daily lives, as Paul describes in Romans 12:1?

3. What does the complete burning of the ram symbolize about our relationship with God, and how can we apply this symbolism to our spiritual walk?

4. How does the concept of a "pleasing aroma" in sacrifices relate to our actions and attitudes as Christians today?

5. How does the role of Moses in this passage reflect the importance of leadership and obedience in spiritual matters? How can we apply this to our roles in our communities and churches?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
This chapter provides the instructions for the consecration of the priests, which Leviticus 8 is fulfilling. It highlights the continuity of God's commands and the importance of obedience.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the complete dedication seen in the burnt offerings.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and points to Christ as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the law and offering eternal redemption.