Leviticus 8:28

Then Moses took these from their hands and burned them on the altar with the burnt offering. This was an ordination offering, a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD.

Study Bible

Then Moses took them out of their hands
This phrase signifies the transfer of offerings from the priests to Moses, symbolizing the intermediary role Moses played between God and the people. The Hebrew root for "took" is "laqach," which often implies receiving or accepting something of value. This act underscores the importance of obedience and the proper handling of sacred offerings, reflecting the meticulous nature of worship and the reverence required in approaching God.

and burned them on the altar
The act of burning on the altar is central to the sacrificial system, representing the complete surrender and dedication of the offering to God. The Hebrew word for "burned" is "qatar," which means to offer up in smoke. This process transforms the physical into the spiritual, symbolizing purification and the ascent of the offering to God. The altar, a sacred place of meeting between the divine and human, serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the need for atonement.

with the burnt offering
The burnt offering, or "olah" in Hebrew, signifies total devotion and submission to God. It is entirely consumed by fire, indicating the worshiper's complete surrender to the divine will. This offering is foundational in the Levitical system, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who offered Himself wholly for humanity's redemption.

as an ordination offering
The ordination offering, or "millu'im" in Hebrew, is specific to the consecration of priests. It marks the setting apart of individuals for holy service, emphasizing the sanctity and responsibility of the priestly role. This offering highlights the need for purity and dedication in those who serve God, foreshadowing the New Testament concept of believers as a royal priesthood.

a pleasing aroma
The phrase "pleasing aroma" is derived from the Hebrew "reach nichoach," indicating that the offering is acceptable and delightful to God. This concept is repeated throughout the sacrificial laws, symbolizing God's satisfaction with sincere worship and obedience. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose offering was the ultimate pleasing aroma to God, reconciling humanity to Him.

an offering made by fire
The fire represents God's presence and purifying power. In Hebrew, "ishsheh" refers to offerings consumed by fire, signifying purification and divine acceptance. Fire is a recurring symbol of God's holiness and judgment, reminding worshipers of the need for purity and the transformative power of God's presence.

to the LORD
The phrase "to the LORD" emphasizes the direction and purpose of the offering. In Hebrew, "YHWH" is the covenant name of God, signifying His eternal and unchanging nature. This offering is not merely a ritual but an act of worship directed to the one true God, reinforcing the covenant relationship between God and His people. It calls believers to a life of devotion and obedience, recognizing God's sovereignty and grace.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to mediate the covenant at Sinai. In this context, Moses is performing the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons.

2. Aaron and His Sons
The first priests of Israel, chosen by God to serve in the tabernacle. This passage describes part of their ordination process.

3. The Altar
A sacred place where offerings are made to God. In this passage, it is the site of the ordination offering.

4. Ordination Offering
A specific type of sacrifice made during the consecration of priests, symbolizing their dedication to God's service.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, to whom the offerings are made. This highlights the divine approval and acceptance of the ordination.

Teaching Points

The Role of Mediation
Moses acts as a mediator between God and the people, prefiguring Christ's ultimate role as our mediator. This reminds us of the importance of Christ's intercession in our lives.

The Significance of Sacrifice
The ordination offering as a "pleasing aroma" signifies God's acceptance. Our lives, when offered in obedience, can also be a pleasing aroma to God.

Consecration to Service
Just as Aaron and his sons were set apart for service, believers today are called to be set apart for God's purposes, living lives that reflect His holiness.

The Importance of Obedience
The detailed fulfillment of God's commands in the ordination process underscores the importance of obedience in our walk with God.

Symbolism of Fire
Fire in the offering represents purification and dedication. In our spiritual lives, we are called to be purified and wholly dedicated to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Moses in this passage help us understand the role of Christ as our mediator?

2. In what ways can our lives be a "pleasing aroma" to God, similar to the ordination offering?

3. How does the ordination of Aaron and his sons relate to the concept of the priesthood of all believers in the New Testament?

4. What can we learn from the detailed obedience required in the ordination process about our own obedience to God's commands?

5. How does the symbolism of fire in the offerings relate to the refining and purifying work of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
Provides detailed instructions for the ordination of priests, which Leviticus 8 fulfills. This connection shows the continuity of God's commands and their fulfillment.

Hebrews 7
Discusses the priesthood of Jesus Christ, drawing parallels between the Levitical priesthood and the eternal priesthood of Christ, emphasizing the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel between the physical sacrifices of the Old Testament and the spiritual sacrifices of the New Testament.