1 Chronicles 6:49

But Aaron and his sons did all the work of the Most Holy Place. They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

Study Bible

But Aaron and his descendants
This phrase highlights the unique and divinely appointed role of Aaron and his lineage in the priesthood. Aaron, the brother of Moses, was chosen by God to be the first high priest, establishing a hereditary priesthood through his descendants, the Levites. This lineage underscores the importance of divine selection and continuity in spiritual leadership. The Hebrew root for "descendants" (בָּנִים, banim) emphasizes the generational aspect of this priestly duty, signifying a perpetual covenant and responsibility passed down through Aaron's family.

were the ones who presented offerings
The act of presenting offerings was central to the worship and sacrificial system of ancient Israel. The Hebrew word for "offerings" (קָרְבָּנוֹת, korbanot) implies drawing near to God, symbolizing the people's desire for communion with the Divine. Aaron and his descendants were entrusted with this sacred duty, serving as mediators between God and Israel. This role highlights the necessity of a holy and consecrated priesthood to facilitate the people's relationship with God.

on the altar of burnt offering
The altar of burnt offering was a key fixture in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, where sacrifices were made to atone for sin and express devotion to God. The Hebrew term for "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach) is derived from a root meaning "to slaughter," indicating the altar's primary function in sacrificial rites. This altar was a place of transformation, where offerings were consumed by fire, symbolizing purification and the ascent of prayers to heaven.

and on the altar of incense
The altar of incense, located in the Holy Place, was used to burn fragrant incense, representing the prayers of the people ascending to God. The Hebrew word for "incense" (קְטֹרֶת, ketoret) conveys a sense of smoke rising, a metaphor for the spiritual act of prayer. This altar's role in the daily rituals underscores the importance of continual prayer and intercession in maintaining a relationship with God.

to perform all the work of the Most Holy Place
The Most Holy Place, or Holy of Holies, was the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle and Temple, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. Only the high priest could enter this sacred space, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The Hebrew term for "work" (עֲבוֹדָה, avodah) encompasses service and worship, indicating the comprehensive nature of the priestly duties performed in this sacred space. This highlights the reverence and solemnity required in approaching God's presence.

and to make atonement for Israel
Atonement is a central theme in the sacrificial system, signifying reconciliation between God and His people. The Hebrew word for "atonement" (כַּפָּרָה, kippur) is related to the concept of covering or purging sin. Aaron and his descendants were responsible for performing rituals that symbolically cleansed the people of their sins, restoring their covenant relationship with God. This foreshadows the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ, the perfect High Priest, who reconciles humanity to God through His sacrifice.

according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded
Moses, as the servant of God, received the Law and instructions for worship directly from God. The Hebrew word for "commanded" (צִוָּה, tzivah) implies a divine mandate, underscoring the authority and importance of adhering to God's instructions. This phrase emphasizes the continuity and faithfulness required in following God's commands, as established through Moses, ensuring that the worship practices remained true to God's original design.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Aaron's Descendants
The lineage of priests who continued the priestly duties as ordained by God through Moses.

3. Altar of Burnt Offering
A sacred place where sacrifices were made to God, symbolizing atonement and dedication.

4. Altar of Incense
Located in the Holy Place, where incense was burned as a symbol of prayers ascending to God.

5. Most Holy Place
The innermost part of the tabernacle/temple, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept and where the high priest entered once a year on the Day of Atonement.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priesthood
The priesthood was established by God to mediate between Him and the people, highlighting the need for a mediator in our relationship with God.

Symbolism of Sacrifices
The sacrifices on the altar of burnt offering symbolize the need for atonement and the seriousness of sin, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Prayer and Intercession
The altar of incense represents the prayers of the people, reminding us of the importance of prayer and intercession in our spiritual lives.

Holiness and Access to God
The Most Holy Place signifies the holiness of God and the separation caused by sin, which is bridged by Christ, our high priest.

Obedience to God's Commands
Aaron and his descendants followed the commands given through Moses, illustrating the importance of obedience to God's Word in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Aaron and his descendants as priests relate to the role of Jesus as our high priest?

2. In what ways can the symbolism of the altar of burnt offering and the altar of incense be applied to our personal worship practices today?

3. How does the concept of the Most Holy Place in the Old Testament enhance our understanding of access to God through Christ?

4. What lessons can we learn from the obedience of Aaron and his descendants to God's commands, and how can we apply these lessons in our daily walk with God?

5. How do the responsibilities of the Old Testament priesthood inform our understanding of the priesthood of all believers as described in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 28-29
Details the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, establishing the priestly lineage and duties.

Leviticus 16
Describes the Day of Atonement, highlighting the role of the high priest in making atonement for the people.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the role of Christ as the ultimate high priest, drawing parallels to the Old Testament priesthood and the Most Holy Place.

Numbers 18
Outlines the responsibilities and privileges of the priests and Levites, emphasizing their role in the sacrificial system.