Leviticus 9:7

Then Moses said to Aaron, "Approach the altar and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering to make atonement for yourself and for the people. And sacrifice the people's offering to make atonement for them, as the LORD has commanded."

Study Bible

Then Moses said to Aaron
Moses, as the leader and prophet of Israel, acts as a mediator between God and the people. Aaron, his brother, is the high priest, a role that requires him to perform sacred duties. This moment marks the beginning of Aaron's priestly ministry, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's instructions.

Approach the altar
The altar is central to the sacrificial system, symbolizing the place where God meets with His people. Approaching the altar signifies entering into God's presence, a privilege and responsibility for the priest. This act foreshadows the ultimate approach to God through Jesus Christ, our High Priest.

and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering
The sin offering is for atonement of specific sins, while the burnt offering represents total dedication to God. These offerings underscore the need for purification and consecration before God. They point to Christ's sacrifice, which fulfills and surpasses these offerings by providing complete atonement and sanctification.

to make atonement for yourself and for the people
Atonement involves reconciliation with God, achieved through the shedding of blood. Aaron must first be cleansed before interceding for the people, illustrating the necessity of holiness in those who serve God. This prefigures Christ, who, though sinless, made atonement for humanity.

And sacrifice the people’s offering
The people's offering includes various sacrifices that express worship, thanksgiving, and atonement. This communal aspect emphasizes the collective responsibility of the Israelites to maintain their covenant relationship with God. It reflects the communal nature of the Church, united in Christ's sacrifice.

to make atonement for them
The repeated emphasis on atonement highlights its centrality in the relationship between God and His people. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for divine forgiveness. This anticipates the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

as the LORD has commanded
Obedience to God's commands is crucial for the Israelites, reflecting their covenant commitment. This obedience is not merely ritualistic but is meant to cultivate a heart aligned with God's will. It points to Christ's perfect obedience, fulfilling the law and enabling believers to live in accordance with God's commands.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His laws and commandments. In this context, Moses is instructing Aaron on the sacrificial procedures.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He is responsible for performing the sacrifices to atone for his sins and the sins of the people.

3. The Altar
A sacred place where sacrifices are made to God. It symbolizes the place of atonement and reconciliation with God.

4. Sin Offering
A sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins, emphasizing the need for purification and forgiveness.

5. Burnt Offering
A sacrifice that signifies complete surrender to God, symbolizing dedication and worship.

Teaching Points

The Necessity of Atonement
Atonement is essential for reconciliation with God. Just as Aaron needed to make atonement for himself and the people, we need Jesus' atonement for our sins.

The Role of the Mediator
Aaron acted as a mediator between God and the Israelites. Today, Jesus is our mediator, interceding on our behalf before the Father.

Obedience to God's Command
Aaron's actions were in direct obedience to God's command. Our lives should reflect obedience to God's Word, trusting in His instructions.

The Holiness of God
The need for atonement underscores God's holiness and the seriousness of sin. We are called to live holy lives, set apart for God.

The Symbolism of Sacrifice
The sacrifices point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of God's love and the cost of our redemption.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Aaron as a high priest in Leviticus 9:7 foreshadow the role of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways does the concept of atonement in Leviticus 9:7 relate to the New Testament understanding of Jesus' sacrifice?

3. What can we learn from Aaron's obedience to God's command, and how can we apply this to our daily walk with God?

4. How does the requirement for a sin offering and a burnt offering in Leviticus 9:7 highlight the seriousness of sin and the need for holiness?

5. Reflect on the symbolism of the altar in your own spiritual life. How can you create a "sacred space" for meeting with God and offering your life as a living sacrifice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 5:1-3
This passage discusses the role of the high priest, who must offer sacrifices for his own sins and the sins of the people, similar to Aaron's role in Leviticus 9:7.

Exodus 29:10-14
Provides instructions for the consecration of priests, including the sin offering, highlighting the importance of purification before serving God.

Romans 3:25
Speaks of Jesus as the ultimate atonement for sin, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ.