Leviticus 6:10

And the priest shall put on his linen robe and linen undergarments, and he shall remove from the altar the ashes of the burnt offering that the fire has consumed and place them beside it.

Study Bible

The priest
The Hebrew word for "priest" is "kohen," which signifies one who is set apart for sacred duties. In the context of Leviticus, the priest serves as a mediator between God and the people, highlighting the importance of holiness and purity in approaching God. The priest's role is a foreshadowing of Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf.

is to put on
This phrase indicates an action of preparation and sanctification. The act of putting on specific garments symbolizes the priest's readiness to serve and the need for purity in worship. It reflects the New Testament call for believers to "put on" the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24).

his linen robe
The linen robe, or "ketonet" in Hebrew, represents purity and simplicity. Linen, being a natural fiber, was considered clean and appropriate for sacred service. This garment signifies the priest's dedication to God and the need for purity in His presence. Linen's use in priestly garments underscores the call for believers to live lives of purity and righteousness.

and linen undergarments
The Hebrew term "miknese" refers to the undergarments worn by the priest. These garments ensured modesty and further emphasized the need for holiness. The undergarments serve as a reminder that God sees beyond outward appearances and desires purity of heart and mind.

next to his body
This phrase highlights the intimate and personal nature of the priest's service. The garments worn next to the body symbolize the internal purity required of those who serve God. It is a call for believers to maintain purity not only in actions but also in thoughts and intentions.

and he is to remove the ashes
The act of removing ashes signifies the completion of the sacrificial process and the need for continual cleansing. Ashes, the remnants of the burnt offering, represent sin that has been consumed by the fire of God's holiness. This act points to the ongoing need for repentance and renewal in the believer's life.

of the burnt offering
The burnt offering, or "olah" in Hebrew, was a sacrifice of atonement, symbolizing complete surrender to God. It was wholly consumed by fire, representing total dedication and the need for atonement. This offering prefigures Christ's ultimate sacrifice, which fully atones for sin and calls believers to live lives of complete devotion.

that the fire has consumed
Fire in the Bible often symbolizes God's presence and purifying power. The consuming fire of the altar represents God's holiness and His ability to purify and sanctify. This imagery calls believers to allow God's refining fire to purify their lives, removing impurities and drawing them closer to Him.

on the altar
The altar, or "mizbeach" in Hebrew, is a place of sacrifice and encounter with God. It represents the meeting point between the divine and the human. The altar's significance in the Old Testament points to the cross of Christ, where the ultimate sacrifice was made, reconciling humanity to God.

and place them beside it
Placing the ashes beside the altar signifies the completion of the sacrificial process and the readiness for new offerings. It is a reminder of the ongoing nature of worship and the need for continual dedication to God. This act encourages believers to continually offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
The individual responsible for performing the duties described in this verse. In the context of Leviticus, the priest is a mediator between God and the people, performing sacred rituals.

2. Linen Robe and Undergarments
Specific garments worn by the priest, symbolizing purity and holiness. Linen was chosen for its purity and suitability for sacred service.

3. Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice in the Old Testament, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God. The offering was completely consumed by fire, representing total surrender to God.

4. The Altar
The place where sacrifices were made, representing the presence of God and the place of atonement.

5. Ashes
The remains of the burnt offering, which the priest was instructed to remove, signifying the completion of the sacrifice and the need for continual cleansing.

Teaching Points

Holiness in Service
The priest's garments symbolize the need for purity and holiness in serving God. As believers, we are called to live lives set apart for God's purposes.

The Role of the Priest
The priest's duties highlight the importance of mediating between God and humanity. In Christ, we have the ultimate High Priest who intercedes for us.

Symbolism of the Burnt Offering
The burnt offering represents total dedication to God. We are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, fully surrendered to His will.

Continual Cleansing
The removal of ashes signifies the need for ongoing cleansing and renewal in our spiritual lives. We must regularly seek God's forgiveness and purification.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the requirement for the priest to wear specific garments teach us about approaching God in our daily lives?

2. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 6:10 foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

3. In what ways can we apply the concept of the burnt offering to our personal walk with God today?

4. How does the removal of ashes relate to the idea of spiritual renewal and cleansing in the New Testament?

5. Considering 1 Peter 2:9, how can we, as a "royal priesthood," fulfill our role in the world today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 28
Describes the priestly garments in detail, emphasizing the importance of holiness and purity in approaching God.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, connecting the Old Testament sacrifices to the New Covenant.

1 Peter 2:9
Refers to believers as a "royal priesthood," drawing a parallel between the Old Testament priesthood and the role of Christians today.