Leviticus 8:21

He washed the entrails and legs with water and burned the entire ram on the altar as a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Study Bible

He washed
The act of washing in the Hebrew context often symbolizes purification and preparation for holiness. In the Hebrew root, "rachats" implies a thorough cleansing, which is essential for anything that is to be offered to God. This act of washing signifies the need for purity before approaching the divine, reflecting the broader biblical theme that God desires a clean heart and pure intentions from His people.

the entrails and the legs
These parts of the animal, the "qereb" (entrails) and "kera" (legs), represent the inner and outer aspects of life. The entrails, being the innermost parts, symbolize the inner life and thoughts, while the legs, which enable movement, symbolize one's actions and walk in life. The washing of these parts before offering them to God underscores the necessity of both inner purity and righteous actions in the life of a believer.

and burned them
The Hebrew word "qatar" for burning here is not just about destruction by fire but about transformation and offering. The burning of the entrails and legs on the altar signifies the complete dedication and surrender of one's inner thoughts and outward actions to God. It is a vivid picture of how believers are called to offer their whole selves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).

with the burnt offering
The "olah" or burnt offering is a significant sacrifice in the Old Testament, symbolizing atonement and complete devotion to God. By combining the washing and burning of the entrails and legs with the burnt offering, the text emphasizes the holistic nature of worship and sacrifice. It is not merely about external rituals but about a heart fully devoted to God.

on the altar
The altar, "mizbeach" in Hebrew, is the sacred place where offerings are made to God. It represents the meeting point between the divine and the human. The act of placing the washed and burned parts on the altar signifies the elevation of the offering to God, a reminder that true worship involves lifting our lives to Him, seeking His presence, and acknowledging His sovereignty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and to deliver His laws. In this context, Moses is performing the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests.

2. Aaron and His Sons
The first priests of Israel, being consecrated for their service to God. This event marks the beginning of the Levitical priesthood.

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

4. The Ram
Used as a burnt offering, symbolizing complete dedication and surrender to God. The ram is wholly consumed by fire, representing total consecration.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who commands the offerings and consecrations as part of His covenant with Israel.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
Moses' actions demonstrate the importance of following God's instructions precisely. Our obedience is a form of worship and reverence to God.

Symbolism of the Burnt Offering
The burnt offering represents total dedication to God. In our lives, we are called to surrender completely to His will, offering ourselves as living sacrifices.

The Role of Priests
Aaron and his sons' consecration signifies the role of priests as mediators between God and His people. Today, believers are called to be a "royal priesthood," serving God and others.

The Pleasing Aroma
The offering being a "pleasing aroma" to the LORD signifies God's acceptance of the sacrifice. Our lives, when lived in obedience and dedication, are a pleasing aroma to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the consecration of Aaron and his sons in Leviticus 8 relate to the concept of the priesthood of all believers in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we offer ourselves as "living sacrifices" in our daily lives, as Paul describes in Romans 12:1?

3. What does the complete burning of the ram symbolize about our relationship with God, and how can we apply this symbolism to our spiritual walk?

4. How does the concept of a "pleasing aroma" in sacrifices relate to our actions and attitudes as Christians today?

5. How does the role of Moses in this passage reflect the importance of leadership and obedience in spiritual matters? How can we apply this to our roles in our communities and churches?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
This chapter provides the instructions for the consecration of the priests, which Leviticus 8 is fulfilling. It highlights the continuity of God's commands and the importance of obedience.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the complete dedication seen in the burnt offerings.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and points to Christ as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the law and offering eternal redemption.