Leviticus 9:11

But he burned up the flesh and the hide outside the camp.

Study Bible

But he burned up the flesh and the hide
In the Levitical sacrificial system, the burning of the flesh and hide of the sin offering was a significant act. The flesh and hide were not consumed on the altar but were burned outside the camp, signifying the removal of sin from the community. This act symbolizes the complete destruction of sin and impurity, aligning with the broader biblical theme of purification and holiness. The burning outside the camp also prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was crucified outside the city of Jerusalem, bearing the sins of humanity (Hebrews 13:11-12).

outside the camp
The phrase "outside the camp" is crucial in understanding the separation between holiness and impurity. In the Israelite camp, the presence of God dwelled in the tabernacle, and anything unclean or sinful was to be removed from this holy space. This practice underscores the importance of maintaining purity within the community of God's people. Geographically, the camp refers to the encampment of the Israelites during their wilderness journey, a temporary but significant arrangement that emphasized God's presence among them. Historically, this practice set a precedent for the later Jewish understanding of sacred space and the need for atonement. Theologically, it points to the separation that sin causes between humanity and God, and the need for a mediator, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who reconciles us to God by bearing our sins outside the "camp" of God's holy presence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The high priest who performed the sacrifices as instructed by God through Moses. This chapter details his first official acts in the priestly role.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who conveyed God's instructions to Aaron and the people. He played a crucial role in establishing the priestly practices.

3. Israelites
The community of God's chosen people who were witnessing the consecration of Aaron and his sons and the beginning of their priestly duties.

4. Tabernacle
The sacred place where the Israelites worshiped God and where the sacrifices were offered. It was the center of Israelite worship during their wilderness journey.

5. Sacrificial System
The system of offerings and sacrifices instituted by God for the atonement of sins and the maintenance of a relationship with Him. This verse is part of the instructions for the sin offering.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Separation
The burning of the flesh and hide outside the camp symbolizes the removal of sin and impurity from the community. As believers, we are called to separate ourselves from sin and pursue holiness in our lives.

The Seriousness of Sin
The detailed instructions for the sin offering highlight the seriousness with which God views sin. We should approach our own sin with the same gravity, seeking repentance and forgiveness through Christ.

Christ as the Ultimate Sacrifice
The sacrificial system points forward to Jesus, who was crucified outside the city, fulfilling the ultimate sin offering. We can find assurance in His complete atonement for our sins.

Community and Accountability
The communal aspect of the sacrifices reminds us of our responsibility to support and hold each other accountable in our spiritual journeys.

Obedience to God's Commands
Aaron's adherence to God's instructions serves as a model for our own obedience. We are called to follow God's Word faithfully in all aspects of our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the burning of the flesh and hide outside the camp in Leviticus 9:11 reflect the concept of holiness and separation from sin?

2. In what ways does the sacrificial system in Leviticus point forward to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as described in Hebrews 13?

3. How can we apply the principle of community accountability, as seen in the communal nature of the sacrifices, to our modern church context?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we approach our own sin with the seriousness that God requires, as demonstrated in the sin offerings?

5. How does Aaron's obedience to God's commands in Leviticus 9 serve as a model for our own lives, and what areas might we need to improve in our obedience to God's Word?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
This chapter provides the initial instructions for the consecration of the priests, which is being carried out in Leviticus 9.

Hebrews 13
This New Testament passage draws a parallel between the Old Testament sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who suffered outside the city gate.

Leviticus 4
Offers more detailed instructions on the sin offering, including the burning of the flesh and hide outside the camp, emphasizing the removal of sin from the community.