Leviticus 8:32

Then you must burn up the remainder of the meat and bread.

Study Bible

Then you must burn up
This directive is part of the consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests. The act of burning signifies complete dedication to God, symbolizing that nothing is to be left for personal use. In the ancient Near Eastern context, burning offerings was a common practice to show reverence and total surrender to a deity. This act also prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself wholly for humanity's sins.

the remainder of the meat and bread.
The meat and bread refer to the portions of the sacrificial offerings that were not consumed by the priests. In the context of Leviticus, these were part of the ordination offerings, specifically the ram of ordination and the unleavened bread. The burning of the remainder ensures that the offerings are entirely dedicated to God, leaving no room for misuse. This practice underscores the holiness required in approaching God, a theme echoed in Hebrews 12:28-29, which speaks of worshiping God with reverence and awe. The complete consumption of the offering by fire also points to the totality of Christ's sacrifice, leaving nothing undone in His work of redemption.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
- The leader of the Israelites who is conducting the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons as priests.

2. Aaron and His Sons
- The first priests of Israel, being consecrated for their service in the tabernacle.

3. The Tabernacle
- The sacred place where God dwells among His people and where the priests perform their duties.

4. Ordination Ceremony
- A significant event where Aaron and his sons are set apart for priestly service, involving sacrifices and offerings.

5. Sacrificial Offerings
- The meat and bread mentioned are part of the offerings made during the ordination, symbolizing dedication and consecration to God.

Teaching Points

Complete Dedication to God
The burning of the remainder of the meat and bread signifies total dedication to God. In our lives, we are called to offer everything to God, holding nothing back.

Obedience to God's Commands
The specific instructions for the ordination ceremony highlight the importance of obedience. We must strive to follow God's Word precisely in our daily lives.

The Role of Sacrifice in Worship
Sacrifices were central to the worship of God in the Old Testament. Today, we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices, such as praise, service, and our lives, as acts of worship.

Priestly Identity of Believers
Just as Aaron and his sons were set apart for service, believers are called to live as a royal priesthood, serving God and others with holiness and dedication.

Symbolism of Fire in Purification
The burning of the offerings symbolizes purification and the removal of sin. We are reminded of the refining work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, purifying us for God's service.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the burning of the remainder of the meat and bread in Leviticus 8:32 reflect the concept of total dedication to God, and how can we apply this principle in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests foreshadow the priesthood of all believers as described in 1 Peter 2:9?

3. How can the emphasis on obedience in the ordination ceremony inform our understanding of following God's commands today?

4. What are some practical ways we can offer ourselves as living sacrifices, as encouraged in Romans 12:1, in our current context?

5. How does the symbolism of fire in the purification process relate to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and how can we be more open to this refining process?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
This chapter provides the instructions for the ordination ceremony, which Leviticus 8 describes in action. It highlights the importance of following God's commands precisely.

Hebrews 7
Discusses the priesthood of Jesus Christ, drawing parallels between the Old Testament priesthood and the eternal priesthood of Christ.

1 Peter 2:9
Refers to believers as a "royal priesthood," connecting the consecration of Aaron and his sons to the spiritual consecration of all believers.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the sacrificial system and the complete dedication required of the priests.

Malachi 1:6-14
Warns against offering blemished sacrifices, emphasizing the need for purity and wholehearted devotion in worship.