Leviticus 9:9

The sons of Aaron brought the blood to him, and he dipped his finger in the blood and applied it to the horns of the altar. And he poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

Study Bible

The sons of Aaron
This phrase refers to the priestly lineage established by God through Aaron, the brother of Moses. In the Hebrew context, the term "sons" (בְּנֵי, b'nei) signifies not only direct offspring but also a continuation of a divinely appointed role. The sons of Aaron were set apart for the sacred duty of priesthood, emphasizing the importance of lineage and obedience in fulfilling God's commands. Historically, this priestly line was crucial for maintaining the spiritual and ritual purity of Israel, serving as mediators between God and His people.

brought the blood to him
The act of bringing the blood signifies the transfer of life, as blood is often equated with life in the Hebrew Bible (Leviticus 17:11). The Hebrew word for blood, דָּם (dam), is central to the sacrificial system, symbolizing atonement and purification. This act underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a blood sacrifice to restore the relationship between God and humanity. The sons of Aaron, acting in obedience, highlight the importance of following divine instructions precisely.

and he dipped his finger in the blood
Dipping the finger in the blood is a ritual act of consecration and purification. The Hebrew verb טָבַל (tabal) means to dip or immerse, indicating a deliberate and careful action. This act symbolizes the priest's role in mediating the covenant between God and Israel. The finger, a small but significant part of the body, represents precision and intentionality in worship. This action foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood would be shed for the atonement of all sin.

and put it on the horns of the altar
The horns of the altar were projections at each corner, symbolizing strength and power. In Hebrew, the word for horn, קֶרֶן (qeren), often represents authority and might. By applying the blood to the horns, the priest consecrates the altar, making it a holy place where God meets His people. This act signifies the transfer of sin from the people to the altar, where it is covered by the blood. It is a powerful reminder of the need for a mediator and the sanctity of the place where God’s presence dwells.

He poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar
Pouring out the blood at the base of the altar completes the sacrificial ritual. The Hebrew verb שָׁפַךְ (shafakh) means to pour out or spill, indicating a total offering to God. This act symbolizes the complete surrender and dedication of the sacrifice to God. The base of the altar, being the foundation, represents the grounding of the covenant relationship. This pouring out prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood was poured out for the redemption of humanity, fulfilling the sacrificial system once and for all.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The first high priest of Israel, brother of Moses, and a central figure in the establishment of the Levitical priesthood.

2. Sons of Aaron
Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, who served as priests under Aaron's leadership.

3. Altar
The altar of burnt offering, located in the Tabernacle, where sacrifices were made to God.

4. Blood
Symbolic of life and atonement, used in sacrificial rituals to cleanse and consecrate.

5. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites, where the altar was located.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priesthood
The priesthood, represented by Aaron and his sons, served as mediators between God and the people. This points to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who mediates the new covenant.

The Significance of Blood
Blood is central to the sacrificial system, symbolizing life and atonement. In the New Testament, Christ's blood fulfills this role, offering eternal redemption.

The Altar as a Place of Atonement
The altar was a sacred place where atonement for sin was made. Today, believers find atonement through faith in Christ's sacrifice.

Obedience to God's Commands
The detailed instructions for sacrifices highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands. Believers are called to live in obedience to God's Word.

The Holiness of God
The sacrificial system underscores God's holiness and the need for purification. Believers are called to pursue holiness in their lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Aaron and his sons as priests foreshadow the priesthood of Jesus Christ?

2. In what ways does the use of blood in Leviticus 9:9 point to the significance of Christ's sacrifice in the New Testament?

3. How can the concept of the altar as a place of atonement be applied to our understanding of forgiveness and reconciliation with God today?

4. What does the detailed obedience required in the sacrificial system teach us about our own obedience to God's commands?

5. How can we pursue holiness in our daily lives, reflecting the holiness of God as demonstrated in the sacrificial system?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
Describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons, providing context for their priestly duties.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the significance of blood in the context of the new covenant, drawing parallels to the sacrificial system in Leviticus.

Leviticus 17
Emphasizes the importance of blood in atonement, reinforcing its sacred role in the sacrificial system.

1 Peter 1
Relates the concept of sacrificial blood to the redemptive work of Christ, highlighting the fulfillment of Old Testament sacrifices.