Leviticus 9:3
Then speak to the Israelites and say, 'Take a male goat for a sin offering, a calf and a lamb--both a year old and without blemish--for a burnt offering,
Then speak to the Israelites and say,
This directive is given to Moses, emphasizing his role as the mediator between God and the Israelites. The Israelites are the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, and are God's chosen people. This communication underscores the importance of divine instruction and the need for obedience to God's commands.

‘Take a male goat for a sin offering,
The male goat is specified for a sin offering, which is a sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins and to purify the people. The use of a goat is significant in the sacrificial system, as it symbolizes the removal of sin. This offering foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who takes away the sins of the world.

a calf and a lamb—both a year old and without blemish—
The requirement for a calf and a lamb to be a year old and without blemish highlights the need for purity and perfection in offerings to God. This reflects the holiness of God and the need for the Israelites to present their best. The unblemished nature of these animals points to Christ, who is described as the Lamb of God without spot or blemish, fulfilling the sacrificial system.

for a burnt offering,
The burnt offering is a voluntary act of worship, symbolizing the complete surrender and dedication to God. It is entirely consumed by fire, representing the offerer's total commitment. This offering is a type of Christ's complete and willing sacrifice, as He offered Himself wholly to God for the redemption of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is conveying God's instructions to the people.

2. Aaron
The high priest, who is responsible for performing the sacrifices as instructed by God.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are receiving these instructions for worship and atonement.

4. Sin Offering
A sacrificial offering made to atone for sin, symbolizing purification and forgiveness.

5. Burnt Offering
A sacrificial offering that is completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
God’s instructions to the Israelites were specific and required obedience. This teaches us the importance of following God’s commands in our lives.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The sin and burnt offerings symbolize atonement and dedication. In our lives, we are called to live sacrificially, dedicating ourselves wholly to God.

The Role of the Priesthood
Aaron’s role as a mediator between God and the people points to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who intercedes on our behalf.

Purity and Holiness
The requirement for offerings to be without blemish underscores the call to holiness and purity in our walk with God.

Foreshadowing of Christ
The sacrificial system points forward to Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, emphasizing the continuity of God’s redemptive plan.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the requirement for a "male goat for a sin offering" in Leviticus 9:3 reflect the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement?

2. In what ways does the role of Aaron as a high priest in Leviticus 9:3 foreshadow the role of Jesus as our High Priest?

3. How can we apply the principle of offering something "without blemish" in our daily lives and spiritual practices?

4. What are some modern-day practices or attitudes that might parallel the concept of a burnt offering, symbolizing total dedication to God?

5. How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system enhance our appreciation of Christ’s sacrifice as described in the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 29
This chapter provides the initial instructions for the consecration of Aaron and his sons, which is foundational to understanding the priestly role in Leviticus.

Hebrews 10
This New Testament passage discusses the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and points to Christ as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Isaiah 53
This prophetic chapter speaks of the suffering servant, which Christians interpret as a foreshadowing of Christ's atoning sacrifice.
Appearing Together Before GodW. Clarkson Leviticus 9:1-6
The Eighth DayJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 9:1-7
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
People
Aaron, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Blemish, Buck, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Calf, Defect, Goat, Goats, He-goat, Kid, Lamb, Male, Mark, Offering, Ones, Ox, Perfect, Saying, Sin, Sin-offering, Sons, Speak, Yearlings
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 9:3

     4651   goat

Leviticus 9:1-4

     4618   calf

Leviticus 9:1-5

     6636   drawing near to God

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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