Leviticus 9:11

But he burned up the flesh and the hide outside the camp.

Study Bible

But the flesh and the hide
In the Hebrew text, "flesh" is "בָּשָׂר" (basar) and "hide" is "עוֹר" (or). The flesh and hide refer to the parts of the sacrificial animal that were not consumed on the altar. In the context of Levitical sacrifices, these elements symbolize the aspects of the offering that are not meant for the sacred fire, representing the sin and impurity that must be removed from the presence of God. Theologically, this separation underscores the holiness of God and the need for purification from sin. The flesh and hide, being the external and less noble parts, remind us of the necessity to discard what is unworthy in our spiritual lives.

he burned
The Hebrew word for "burned" is "שָׂרַף" (saraph), which means to consume by fire. This act of burning outside the camp signifies complete destruction and removal from the holy place. In the sacrificial system, burning the remains outside the camp was a way to ensure that what was unclean or unfit for the altar was entirely removed from the community. This act is a powerful symbol of God's judgment against sin and the complete eradication of impurity. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and the lengths to which He goes to maintain the sanctity of His dwelling place among His people.

outside the camp
The phrase "outside the camp" is significant in the context of ancient Israelite society. The camp represented the dwelling place of God's people, and by extension, the presence of God Himself. Anything taken outside the camp was considered unclean or unworthy of being in God's presence. This practice is rooted in the Hebrew word "מִחוּץ" (michuts), meaning "outside" or "beyond." Theologically, this action prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who suffered "outside the gate" (Hebrews 13:12) to sanctify the people through His own blood. It highlights the separation between holiness and sin, and the necessity of removing sin from the community to maintain purity and fellowship with God. This separation also serves as a call for believers to live lives that are set apart, holy, and pleasing to God, continually seeking to remove sin from their midst.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The high priest who performed the sacrifices as instructed by God through Moses. This chapter details his first official acts in the priestly role.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who conveyed God's instructions to Aaron and the people. He played a crucial role in establishing the priestly practices.

3. Israelites
The community of God's chosen people who were witnessing the consecration of Aaron and his sons and the beginning of their priestly duties.

4. Tabernacle
The sacred place where the Israelites worshiped God and where the sacrifices were offered. It was the center of Israelite worship during their wilderness journey.

5. Sacrificial System
The system of offerings and sacrifices instituted by God for the atonement of sins and the maintenance of a relationship with Him. This verse is part of the instructions for the sin offering.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Separation
The burning of the flesh and hide outside the camp symbolizes the removal of sin and impurity from the community. As believers, we are called to separate ourselves from sin and pursue holiness in our lives.

The Seriousness of Sin
The detailed instructions for the sin offering highlight the seriousness with which God views sin. We should approach our own sin with the same gravity, seeking repentance and forgiveness through Christ.

Christ as the Ultimate Sacrifice
The sacrificial system points forward to Jesus, who was crucified outside the city, fulfilling the ultimate sin offering. We can find assurance in His complete atonement for our sins.

Community and Accountability
The communal aspect of the sacrifices reminds us of our responsibility to support and hold each other accountable in our spiritual journeys.

Obedience to God's Commands
Aaron's adherence to God's instructions serves as a model for our own obedience. We are called to follow God's Word faithfully in all aspects of our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the burning of the flesh and hide outside the camp in Leviticus 9:11 reflect the concept of holiness and separation from sin?

2. In what ways does the sacrificial system in Leviticus point forward to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as described in Hebrews 13?

3. How can we apply the principle of community accountability, as seen in the communal nature of the sacrifices, to our modern church context?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we approach our own sin with the seriousness that God requires, as demonstrated in the sin offerings?

5. How does Aaron's obedience to God's commands in Leviticus 9 serve as a model for our own lives, and what areas might we need to improve in our obedience to God's Word?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
This chapter provides the initial instructions for the consecration of the priests, which is being carried out in Leviticus 9.

Hebrews 13
This New Testament passage draws a parallel between the Old Testament sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who suffered outside the city gate.

Leviticus 4
Offers more detailed instructions on the sin offering, including the burning of the flesh and hide outside the camp, emphasizing the removal of sin from the community.