Leviticus 9:20

and placed these on the breasts. Aaron burned the fat portions on the altar,

Study Bible

and placed these on the breasts.
In the context of Leviticus 9, the phrase refers to the specific parts of the sacrificial animal that were set aside during the ordination of Aaron and his sons. The "breasts" were part of the peace offering, which was a communal meal shared between the priests and the offerer, symbolizing fellowship with God. The act of placing these parts on the breasts signifies the separation of portions meant for the priests, as outlined in Leviticus 7:31-34. This practice highlights the provision for the priesthood and the importance of sharing in the sacrificial meal, which prefigures the communal aspect of the Lord's Supper in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).

Aaron burned the fat portions on the altar,
The burning of the fat portions on the altar was a critical part of the sacrificial process. In ancient Israelite culture, the fat was considered the best part of the animal and was reserved for God, symbolizing the offering of the best to the Lord. This act of burning the fat was a pleasing aroma to God, as mentioned in Leviticus 3:16. The altar, located in the Tabernacle, was the central place of worship and sacrifice, representing God's presence among His people. The burning of the fat portions can be seen as a type of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, where He offered Himself wholly to God, fulfilling the sacrificial system and providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to God (Hebrews 10:10-14).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is overseeing the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses, who is being consecrated as the high priest.

3. Aaron's Sons
They are being consecrated alongside Aaron to serve as priests.

4. Israelites
The people of God, witnessing the consecration ceremony and the offerings being made.

5. Tabernacle
The sacred place where the offerings are made, representing God's dwelling among His people.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
The detailed instructions followed by Moses and Aaron emphasize the importance of obedience to God's commands. In our lives, we should strive to follow God's guidance as revealed in Scripture.

Holiness and Consecration
The consecration of Aaron and his sons highlights the need for holiness in those who serve God. As believers, we are called to live lives set apart for God's purposes.

The Role of Sacrifice
The offerings made by Aaron point to the necessity of sacrifice in approaching God. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, reminding us of the cost of our redemption.

God's Presence Among His People
The tabernacle represents God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, through the Holy Spirit, God dwells within us, guiding and empowering us for His service.

Community Witness
The Israelites witnessed the consecration and offerings, reminding us that our faith and actions are a testimony to those around us. We should live in a way that reflects God's glory to others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the obedience of Moses and Aaron in Leviticus 9:20 challenge us in our daily walk with God?

2. In what ways does the consecration of Aaron and his sons relate to our calling as a "royal priesthood" in 1 Peter 2:9?

3. How can we apply the concept of holiness and consecration in our personal and communal lives today?

4. What does the role of sacrifice in Leviticus 9 teach us about the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross?

5. How can we, as a community of believers, better reflect God's presence to those around us, similar to how the Israelites witnessed the events in Leviticus 9?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Hebrews 7
Discusses the priesthood of Jesus, drawing parallels to the Levitical priesthood and highlighting the fulfillment of the Old Testament priestly system in Christ.

1 Peter 2:9
Refers to believers as a "royal priesthood," connecting the priestly role in Leviticus to the spiritual role of believers today.