Leviticus 9:7

Then Moses said to Aaron, "Approach the altar and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering to make atonement for yourself and for the people. And sacrifice the people's offering to make atonement for them, as the LORD has commanded."

Study Bible

Then Moses said to Aaron
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. Moses, acting as God's appointed leader, instructs Aaron, highlighting the transition of priestly duties from Moses to Aaron. Historically, this signifies the establishment of the Aaronic priesthood, a lineage that would serve as mediators between God and Israel. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) implies a command or directive, emphasizing the authority Moses held as God's spokesperson.

Approach the altar
The altar, central to Israelite worship, symbolizes the place where divine and human realms meet. Aaron's approach signifies his role as mediator, bridging the gap between God and the people. The Hebrew word for "approach" (קָרַב, qarab) conveys drawing near with reverence and purpose, underscoring the sacredness of the priestly duties.

and present your sin offering
The sin offering (חַטָּאת, chatat) was a crucial aspect of atonement, addressing unintentional sins and restoring the relationship between the sinner and God. Aaron's presentation of his own sin offering underscores the need for personal purification before interceding for others, a principle that resonates with the Christian understanding of self-examination and repentance.

and your burnt offering
The burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah) represents complete surrender and dedication to God, as the entire offering was consumed by fire. This act of worship signifies total devotion and the desire for reconciliation with God. In the broader biblical narrative, it foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who offered Himself wholly for humanity's redemption.

to make atonement for yourself and the people
Atonement (כָּפַר, kaphar) involves covering or purging sin, restoring the covenant relationship between God and His people. Aaron's dual role in making atonement for himself and the people highlights the priestly function of intercession. This anticipates the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the High Priest who makes atonement once and for all.

present the offering of the people
Aaron's role extends beyond personal atonement to include the collective responsibility for the community's spiritual well-being. The communal aspect of worship and atonement reflects the interconnectedness of the covenant community, emphasizing the importance of corporate worship and accountability.

to make atonement for them
This reiteration of atonement underscores its centrality in the sacrificial system. The priest's role in mediating atonement for the people prefigures Christ's redemptive work, where He becomes the ultimate mediator, reconciling humanity to God through His sacrifice.

as the LORD has commanded
The phrase underscores the divine origin and authority of the sacrificial system. The LORD's commands (יְהוָה, YHWH) are not arbitrary but are rooted in His holiness and desire for a restored relationship with His people. This obedience to divine instruction is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the importance of aligning human actions with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His laws and commandments. In this context, Moses is instructing Aaron on the sacrificial procedures.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He is responsible for performing the sacrifices to atone for his sins and the sins of the people.

3. The Altar
A sacred place where sacrifices are made to God. It symbolizes the place of atonement and reconciliation with God.

4. Sin Offering
A sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins, emphasizing the need for purification and forgiveness.

5. Burnt Offering
A sacrifice that signifies complete surrender to God, symbolizing dedication and worship.

Teaching Points

The Necessity of Atonement
Atonement is essential for reconciliation with God. Just as Aaron needed to make atonement for himself and the people, we need Jesus' atonement for our sins.

The Role of the Mediator
Aaron acted as a mediator between God and the Israelites. Today, Jesus is our mediator, interceding on our behalf before the Father.

Obedience to God's Command
Aaron's actions were in direct obedience to God's command. Our lives should reflect obedience to God's Word, trusting in His instructions.

The Holiness of God
The need for atonement underscores God's holiness and the seriousness of sin. We are called to live holy lives, set apart for God.

The Symbolism of Sacrifice
The sacrifices point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of God's love and the cost of our redemption.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Aaron as a high priest in Leviticus 9:7 foreshadow the role of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways does the concept of atonement in Leviticus 9:7 relate to the New Testament understanding of Jesus' sacrifice?

3. What can we learn from Aaron's obedience to God's command, and how can we apply this to our daily walk with God?

4. How does the requirement for a sin offering and a burnt offering in Leviticus 9:7 highlight the seriousness of sin and the need for holiness?

5. Reflect on the symbolism of the altar in your own spiritual life. How can you create a "sacred space" for meeting with God and offering your life as a living sacrifice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 5:1-3
This passage discusses the role of the high priest, who must offer sacrifices for his own sins and the sins of the people, similar to Aaron's role in Leviticus 9:7.

Exodus 29:10-14
Provides instructions for the consecration of priests, including the sin offering, highlighting the importance of purification before serving God.

Romans 3:25
Speaks of Jesus as the ultimate atonement for sin, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ.