Leviticus 9:14
He washed the entrails and the legs and burned them atop the burnt offering on the altar.
He washed the entrails and the legs
This phrase highlights the meticulous care and attention to detail required in the sacrificial system. The Hebrew word for "washed" is "רָחַץ" (rachatz), which implies a thorough cleansing. This act of washing symbolizes purification and the removal of impurity, reflecting the holiness required in approaching God. The entrails and legs, representing the innermost and outermost parts of the animal, signify the need for both internal and external purity in worship. Historically, this practice underscores the Israelites' understanding of cleanliness as a prerequisite for holiness, a concept deeply embedded in the Levitical laws.

and burned them atop the burnt offering on the altar
The act of burning the entrails and legs "atop the burnt offering" signifies the complete dedication of the sacrifice to God. The Hebrew word for "burned" is "קָטַר" (qatar), which means to offer up in smoke, indicating a transformation from the physical to the spiritual realm. This burning on the altar represents the total surrender and consecration of the offering, symbolizing the worshiper's desire to be wholly consumed by devotion to God. The altar, a central element in Israelite worship, serves as a meeting point between the divine and human, where sacrifices are made to atone for sin and express gratitude. This practice reflects the historical and theological significance of the sacrificial system as a means of maintaining a covenant relationship with God, emphasizing the need for atonement and reconciliation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The high priest who performs the sacrificial rituals as instructed by God through Moses. This chapter marks the beginning of his priestly duties.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who conveys God's instructions to Aaron and the people. He plays a supervisory role in the consecration of Aaron and his sons.

3. The Altar
A sacred place where sacrifices are offered to God. It symbolizes the presence of God and the means by which the Israelites maintain their covenant relationship with Him.

4. The Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among His people, where the altar is located. It serves as the central place of worship and sacrifice.

5. The Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice that is completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication and atonement for sin.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
Aaron's actions demonstrate the importance of following God's instructions precisely. Obedience to God's commands is crucial in maintaining a right relationship with Him.

Symbolism of Purity
The washing of the entrails and legs signifies the need for purity and cleanliness before God. Believers are called to live lives that are pure and holy.

Total Dedication to God
The burnt offering represents complete surrender to God. Christians are encouraged to dedicate every aspect of their lives to God's service.

The Role of the Mediator
Aaron's role as a mediator between God and the people foreshadows the ultimate mediation of Christ. Jesus is our high priest who intercedes on our behalf.

The Significance of Sacrifice
Sacrifices in the Old Testament point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Understanding this helps believers appreciate the depth of Christ's atonement.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Aaron's obedience in performing the sacrifices as instructed by God challenge us in our daily walk with God?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our lives are "washed" and pure before God, similar to the washing of the entrails and legs?

3. How does the concept of a burnt offering as total dedication to God apply to our lives today, especially in light of Romans 12:1?

4. What can we learn from Aaron's role as a mediator that helps us understand the significance of Jesus' priestly role in the New Testament?

5. How does understanding the sacrificial system in Leviticus enhance our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus as described in Hebrews 10?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 29
This chapter provides the initial instructions for the consecration of Aaron and his sons, which is being fulfilled in Leviticus 9.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system through Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice once for all.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the complete dedication symbolized by the burnt offering.
A Sign Expected and ReceivedR.M. Edgar Leviticus 9:1-24
A Solemn BenedictionW. H. Jellie.Leviticus 9:1-24
Aaron in the Duties of His OfficeJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 9:1-24
Advent GloryLeviticus 9:1-24
Blessing the PeopleF. W. Brown.Leviticus 9:1-24
Christ's Priestly BlessingRichard Newton, D. D.Leviticus 9:1-24
God's Acceptance of the SacrificesChas. Simeon, M. A.Leviticus 9:1-24
Gracious FireDean Law.Leviticus 9:1-24
Of the Divers Occasions of the Sending of Miraculous Fire Upon the SacrificesA. Willet, D. D.Leviticus 9:1-24
Sacrificial Preparation for Jehovah a AppearingW. H. Jellie.Leviticus 9:1-24
Subject: God's Glory Manifested in the Blessedness of His PeopleR.A. Redford Leviticus 9:1-24
The Fire in the GospelA. Willet, D. D.Leviticus 9:1-24
The Miraculous FireF. W. Brown.Leviticus 9:1-24
The Priest At the AltarW. Clarkson Leviticus 9:8-21
Aaron's First Priestly ServicesJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 9:8-24
People
Aaron, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Altar, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Entrails, Innards, Inner, Inside, Inwards, Legs, Maketh, Offered, Offering, Perfume, Smoke, Wash, Washed, Washeth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 9:8-14

     7316   blood, OT sacrifices

Leviticus 9:13-14

     5163   legs

Library
"Then the Fire of the Lord Fell. " 1 Kings xviii. 38
It was fire that came direct from heaven. It was not the first time it had fallen; we read of it in Leviticus ix. 24 as coming from before the Lord, and consuming the sacrifice. It was God's way of showing His power and his favour, and it was something that could neither be imitated nor produced by anyone else besides Jehovah. I.--THIS FIRE CAME AT A TIME OF APOSTACY. The nation, headed by King Ahab, had gone very far away from God. They needed some signal display of God's power to win them back
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

Section 26-36. That the Son is the Co-Existing Word
Section §26-36. That the Son is the Co-existing Word, argued from the New Testament. Texts from the Old Testament continued; especially Ps. cx. 3. Besides, the Word in Old Testament may be Son in New, as Spirit in Old Testament is Paraclete in New. Objection from Acts x. 36; answered by parallels, such as 1 Cor. i. 5. Lev. ix. 7. &c. Necessity of the Word's taking flesh, viz. to sanctify, yet without destroying, the flesh. 26. But that the Son has no beginning of being, but before He was made
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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