Leviticus 9:10

On the altar he burned the fat, the kidneys, and the lobe of the liver from the sin offering, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Study Bible

But the fat
In the Hebrew text, the word for "fat" is "חֵלֶב" (chelev). In the ancient Israelite sacrificial system, the fat was considered the best part of the animal, symbolizing richness and abundance. It was reserved for God, signifying that the best of what we have should be offered to Him. This act of burning the fat on the altar represents the dedication of the choicest portions of our lives to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision.

the kidneys
The Hebrew word for "kidneys" is "כְּלָיוֹת" (kelayot). In biblical times, the kidneys were often associated with the innermost thoughts and emotions, akin to the heart in modern symbolism. Offering the kidneys signifies a surrender of one's deepest emotions and desires to God, trusting Him with our innermost being. It is a call to purity and sincerity in our relationship with the Divine.

and the lobe of the liver
The phrase "lobe of the liver" in Hebrew is "יֹתֶרֶת הַכָּבֵד" (yoteret ha-kaved). The liver was considered a vital organ, essential for life. In the sacrificial context, offering the liver's lobe symbolizes giving God control over our life force and vitality. It is an acknowledgment that our very lives are sustained by His grace and mercy.

from the sin offering
The term "sin offering" is "חַטָּאת" (chatat) in Hebrew. This offering was made to atone for unintentional sins, emphasizing the need for purification and reconciliation with God. It highlights the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and provided eternal redemption.

he burned on the altar
The act of burning on the altar, "וַיָּקְטֵר עַל הַמִּזְבֵּחַ" (vayakter al ha-mizbeach), signifies complete consumption and transformation. The burning process represents the purification and sanctification of the offering, turning it into a pleasing aroma to the Lord. It is a powerful image of how our lives, when surrendered to God, can be transformed and used for His glory.

as the LORD had commanded Moses
This phrase underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands. The Hebrew word for "commanded" is "צִוָּה" (tzivah), indicating a divine directive. Moses, as the mediator of God's covenant, faithfully executed God's instructions, setting an example of obedience and faithfulness. It reminds us that our worship and service must align with God's revealed will, as obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His laws and commandments. In this context, Moses is the one who receives and communicates God's instructions for the sacrificial system.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He performs the sacrifices as instructed by God through Moses.

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

4. The Sin Offering
A specific type of sacrifice in the Levitical system designed to atone for sin and restore the relationship between the Israelites and God.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, who commands the sacrificial practices as a means of maintaining holiness and fellowship with His people.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The detailed instructions for the sacrifices highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands. Just as Aaron followed God's specific instructions, we are called to obey God's Word in our lives.

The Seriousness of Sin
The sin offering underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It reminds us of the cost of sin and the necessity of repentance and forgiveness.

The Role of the Mediator
Aaron's role as the high priest points to the need for a mediator between God and humanity. This foreshadows Christ's role as our ultimate High Priest and mediator.

Holiness and Worship
The sacrificial system was designed to maintain the holiness of the people and their relationship with God. Our worship today should also reflect a commitment to holiness and reverence for God.

Christ as the Fulfillment
The sacrifices in Leviticus point forward to Christ, who fulfills the law and offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice. This encourages us to place our faith in Him for salvation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the obedience of Aaron in performing the sacrifices as commanded by God challenge us in our daily walk with God?

2. In what ways does the sin offering in Leviticus 9:10 help us understand the gravity of sin and the need for atonement?

3. How does the role of Aaron as a mediator between God and the Israelites point to the work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

4. What can we learn from the sacrificial system about the nature of true worship and holiness in our lives today?

5. How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice as described in the book of Hebrews?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
This chapter provides the initial instructions for the consecration of the priests and the offerings, establishing the foundation for the practices described in Leviticus.

Hebrews 10
This New Testament passage discusses the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and points to Christ as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for sin.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the Old Testament sacrificial system and emphasizing spiritual worship.