Leviticus 9:22

Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them. And having made the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offering, he stepped down.

Study Bible

Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them.
In the ancient Near Eastern context, lifting hands was a common gesture of blessing and prayer. Aaron, as the high priest, performed this act to convey God's favor and peace upon the Israelites. This blessing signifies the completion of the sacrificial rituals and the acceptance of the offerings by God. The act of blessing is reminiscent of the priestly blessing found in Numbers 6:22-27, where God instructs Aaron and his sons on how to bless the Israelites. This moment foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest, who intercedes and blesses His people (Hebrews 7:25-26).

And having made the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offering,
These offerings were central to the Levitical sacrificial system. The sin offering was for atonement and purification from sin, highlighting the need for repentance and forgiveness. The burnt offering symbolized complete dedication to God, as the entire animal was consumed by fire. The peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering, represented reconciliation and communion with God. Together, these offerings illustrate the comprehensive nature of atonement and worship in Israelite religion. They prefigure the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills all these offerings through His death and resurrection, providing complete atonement and peace with God (Hebrews 10:10-14).

he stepped down.
This phrase indicates the conclusion of the sacrificial ceremony. Aaron stepping down signifies the completion of his priestly duties at the altar. It also marks the transition from the sacrificial act to the reception of God's presence and blessing. In a broader theological sense, this act can be seen as a type of Christ, who, after offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice, ascended to the Father and now intercedes for believers (Hebrews 9:24). The stepping down also emphasizes the accessibility of God's presence to the people, as the high priest mediates between God and Israel, a role ultimately fulfilled by Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. In this passage, Aaron performs his priestly duties by offering sacrifices and blessing the people.

2. The People of Israel
The congregation of Israelites who are present to witness the offerings and receive the blessing from Aaron.

3. The Tabernacle
The sacred tent of meeting where the Israelites worshiped God and where the sacrifices were made.

4. Sacrifices
The sin offering, burnt offering, and peace offering are significant rituals in the Levitical system, each with its own purpose in atoning for sin, expressing devotion, and establishing fellowship with God.

5. Blessing
Aaron's act of lifting his hands and blessing the people signifies the transmission of God's favor and peace upon them.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
Aaron's actions as a priest foreshadow the ultimate priesthood of Jesus Christ. Just as Aaron mediated between God and the people, Jesus is our mediator who offers a perfect sacrifice for our sins.

The Significance of Sacrifices
The sin, burnt, and peace offerings each represent different aspects of our relationship with God: atonement, dedication, and fellowship. Reflect on how these are fulfilled in Christ's sacrifice.

The Power of Blessing
Aaron's blessing of the people is a reminder of the power of spoken blessings. As believers, we are called to bless others, speaking life and encouragement into their lives.

Obedience to God's Commands
Aaron's obedience in performing the sacrifices as commanded by God is a model for us. We are called to obey God's instructions in our lives, trusting in His wisdom and provision.

Community Worship
The gathering of the Israelites for worship and sacrifice highlights the importance of communal worship. As believers, we are encouraged to gather together to worship and seek God's presence.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Aaron's role as a high priest in Leviticus 9:22 point to the priesthood of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

2. What is the significance of the different types of offerings mentioned in this verse, and how do they relate to our spiritual lives today?

3. In what ways can we incorporate the practice of blessing others into our daily lives, following Aaron's example?

4. How does the concept of obedience to God's commands, as demonstrated by Aaron, apply to our personal walk with God?

5. What lessons can we learn from the communal aspect of worship in this passage, and how can we apply them to our church communities today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 6:22-27
This passage provides the priestly blessing that Aaron and his sons were instructed to use, highlighting the importance of blessings in the priestly role.

Hebrews 7:26-28
This New Testament passage connects the priestly role of Aaron to the ultimate high priest, Jesus Christ, who offers a perfect and eternal sacrifice.

Exodus 29:38-42
Describes the daily offerings that were to be made, providing context for the types of offerings mentioned in Leviticus 9:22.