Leviticus 9:18

Then he slaughtered the ox and the ram as the people's peace offering. His sons brought him the blood, and he sprinkled it on all sides of the altar.

Study Bible

Then he slaughtered
The Hebrew word for "slaughtered" is "שָׁחַט" (shachat), which means to kill or butcher, often in a sacrificial context. This act of slaughtering is a solemn and sacred duty, signifying the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the act of slaughtering an animal was a common practice in religious rituals, symbolizing the transfer of sin from the people to the sacrificial animal.

the ox and the ram
The ox (Hebrew: "פָּר" - par) and the ram (Hebrew: "אַיִל" - ayil) were significant animals in Israelite sacrificial practices. The ox, a symbol of strength and service, and the ram, often associated with leadership and substitution (as seen in the account of Abraham and Isaac), together represent a comprehensive offering to God. These animals were valuable, indicating the costliness of atonement and the importance of the peace offering.

as the people’s peace offering
The Hebrew term for "peace offering" is "שְׁלָמִים" (shelamim), derived from "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom), meaning peace, wholeness, or completeness. This offering was unique in that it symbolized reconciliation and fellowship with God. Unlike other offerings, the peace offering was shared between the altar, the priests, and the offerer, highlighting communal participation in the blessings of God’s covenant.

His sons brought him the blood
The involvement of Aaron’s sons in bringing the blood underscores the communal and familial aspect of priestly duties. The blood, representing life (Leviticus 17:11), was central to the sacrificial system, symbolizing purification and atonement. The act of bringing the blood to Aaron signifies the cooperative nature of worship and the shared responsibility in maintaining holiness.

and he sprinkled it on all sides of the altar
The sprinkling of blood on the altar (Hebrew: "זָרַק" - zaraq) was a ritual act of consecration and purification. The altar, as the focal point of divine-human interaction, required sanctification through the blood. This act signifies the cleansing power of the sacrifice, making the altar a suitable place for God’s presence. The comprehensive sprinkling on all sides indicates the thoroughness of atonement and the all-encompassing nature of God’s grace and forgiveness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The high priest who performs the sacrificial rituals. He is Moses' brother and the first high priest of Israel, responsible for mediating between God and the Israelites.

2. Aaron's Sons
They assist Aaron in the sacrificial process, highlighting the role of the priestly family in the worship practices of Israel.

3. The Altar
The central place of sacrifice in the Tabernacle, where offerings are made to God. It symbolizes God's presence and the means by which the Israelites maintain their covenant relationship with Him.

4. The Peace Offering
A type of sacrifice that signifies fellowship and reconciliation with God. It is a voluntary act of worship, thanksgiving, and communion.

5. The People of Israel
The recipients of the benefits of the peace offering, representing the collective community in covenant with God.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priesthood
The priesthood serves as a mediator between God and His people, emphasizing the need for a representative to facilitate reconciliation and worship.

The Significance of Sacrifice
Sacrifices in the Old Testament foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who provides eternal peace and reconciliation with God.

The Importance of Obedience
Aaron's adherence to God's instructions for the peace offering demonstrates the importance of obedience in worship and maintaining a right relationship with God.

Community and Worship
The peace offering is a communal act, reminding believers of the importance of corporate worship and unity in the body of Christ.

Symbolism of Blood
The sprinkling of blood signifies purification and atonement, pointing to the cleansing power of Christ's blood for believers today.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Aaron as a high priest in Leviticus 9:18 foreshadow the role of Jesus as our High Priest in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the peace offering in Leviticus 9:18 reflect the concept of reconciliation found in Romans 5?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience demonstrated by Aaron in our own worship practices today?

4. What does the communal aspect of the peace offering teach us about the importance of fellowship and unity in the church?

5. How does the symbolism of blood in the Old Testament sacrifices enhance our understanding of the significance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
Describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons, providing background on their priestly duties and the significance of their role in the sacrificial system.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the limitations of the Old Testament sacrifices and how they point to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who fulfills and surpasses the sacrificial system.

Romans 5
Explores the concept of peace with God through Jesus Christ, drawing a parallel to the peace offering as a symbol of reconciliation.