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 brought the blood to him
In the Levitical priesthood, Aaron's sons served as priests under his leadership. This phrase highlights the role of the priestly family in the sacrificial system. The act of bringing the blood signifies the transfer of life, as blood represents life in biblical symbolism (Leviticus 17:11). This action foreshadows the New Testament concept of Jesus as the High Priest who offers His own blood for the atonement of humanity (Hebrews 9:12).

and he dipped his finger in the blood
The dipping of the finger in the blood is a ritual act that signifies purification and consecration. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, blood was often used in religious rites to symbolize cleansing and sanctification. This act points to the meticulous nature of the sacrificial system, emphasizing the need for purity and holiness before God. It prefigures the cleansing power of Christ's blood, which purifies believers from sin (1 John 1:7).

and applied it to the horns of the altar
The horns of the altar were projections on each corner of the altar, symbolizing strength and power. Applying blood to the horns signifies the consecration of the altar and the offering to God. This act represents the idea that the sacrifice is acceptable and powerful in atoning for sin. The altar itself is a type of Christ, who is the ultimate altar and sacrifice, providing a place of refuge and atonement for believers (Hebrews 13:10).

And 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, symbolizing the total surrender and offering of life to God. This act underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a complete sacrifice for atonement. It points forward to the complete and final sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood was poured out for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:28). The base of the altar, being the foundation, signifies the foundational nature of Christ's sacrifice in the Christian faith.

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.