Leviticus 9:16

He presented the burnt offering and offered it according to the ordinance.

Study Bible

He presented
The act of presentation in the Hebrew context is deeply rooted in the idea of bringing something before God as an act of worship and obedience. The Hebrew word used here is "qarab," which means to draw near or approach. This signifies the priest's role as a mediator between God and the people, highlighting the importance of approaching God with reverence and humility. In the broader scriptural context, this act of presenting offerings is a precursor to the ultimate presentation of Christ as the perfect sacrifice, drawing believers near to God.

the burnt offering
The burnt offering, or "olah" in Hebrew, is one of the oldest and most significant offerings in the Old Testament. It symbolizes complete surrender and dedication to God, as the entire offering is consumed by fire. This offering foreshadows the total sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself wholly for the atonement of sin. Historically, the burnt offering was a daily ritual, emphasizing the need for continual dedication and purification before God.

and offered it
The act of offering, "asah" in Hebrew, implies not just the physical act of sacrifice but also the intention and heart behind it. This word encompasses the idea of doing or making, suggesting that the offering is not merely a ritualistic act but a deliberate and meaningful expression of worship. In the New Testament, believers are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices, echoing this principle of intentional devotion.

according to the ordinance
The phrase "according to the ordinance" underscores the importance of following God's specific instructions. The Hebrew word "mishpat" refers to a judgment or decree, indicating that the offerings were to be made in strict adherence to God's commands. This reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience to God's law as a demonstration of faith and trust in His wisdom. In a historical context, these ordinances were given to set the Israelites apart as God's chosen people, and they point forward to the new covenant established through Christ, where the law is written on believers' hearts.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. In this chapter, Aaron is performing his priestly duties for the first time after being consecrated.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the Law from God on Mount Sinai. He plays a supervisory role in ensuring that Aaron and his sons perform the sacrifices correctly.

3. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites. It is the central place of worship and sacrifice during the wilderness period.

4. The Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice in which the entire animal is consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God.

5. The Israelites
The people of God who are witnessing the inauguration of the priestly ministry and the sacrificial system that will mediate their relationship with God.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Ordinance
Aaron's offering of the burnt sacrifice "according to the ordinance" highlights the importance of following God's instructions precisely. In our lives, we are called to obey God's Word and His commands with the same diligence.

Symbolism of Total Dedication
The burnt offering represents total dedication to God. As believers, we are called to live lives fully surrendered to God, holding nothing back.

Role of the Mediator
Aaron's role as a mediator between God and the Israelites points to the necessity of a mediator in our relationship with God. Jesus Christ is our ultimate High Priest and mediator, bridging the gap between humanity and God.

The Presence of God
The Tabernacle as the dwelling place of God among His people reminds us of the importance of God's presence in our lives. We are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, and God's presence dwells within us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Aaron's obedience in offering the burnt sacrifice according to God's ordinance challenge us in our daily walk with God?

2. In what ways can we offer ourselves as "living sacrifices" in our current context, as Paul describes in Romans 12:1?

3. How does the role of Aaron as a mediator foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

4. What can we learn from the Israelites' experience of God's presence in the Tabernacle about valuing and seeking God's presence in our lives today?

5. How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice as described in Hebrews 10?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
This chapter provides the instructions for the consecration of Aaron and his sons, which is the background for the events in Leviticus 9.

Hebrews 10
This New Testament passage discusses the insufficiency of Old Testament sacrifices and points to Christ as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the sacrificial system.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the complete dedication symbolized by the burnt offering.