1 Chronicles 6:49

KJV

But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of the burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, [and were appointed] for all the work of the [place] most holy, and to make an atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Aaron {H175} and his sons {H1121} offered {H6999} upon the altar {H4196} of the burnt offering {H5930}, and on the altar {H4196} of incense {H7004}, and were appointed for all the work {H4399} of the place most {H6944} holy {H6944}, and to make an atonement {H3722} for Israel {H3478}, according to all that Moses {H4872} the servant {H5650} of God {H430} had commanded {H6680}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Aharon and his sons were the ones who offered on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense for all the service of the Especially Holy Place and to make atonement for Isra'el, in keeping with all that Moshe the servant of God had ordered to be done.

Berean Standard Bible

But Aaron and his sons did all the work of the Most Holy Place. They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

American Standard Version

But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of burnt-offering, and upon the altar of incense, for all the work of the most holy place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:49 succinctly encapsulates the divinely ordained and exclusive responsibilities of Aaron and his priestly descendants within the sacred worship life of ancient Israel. This pivotal verse distinguishes their unique role from other Levitical duties, emphasizing their singular authority to minister at the altar of burnt offering and the altar of incense, to perform all sacred service within the Most Holy Place, and crucially, to execute the rites of atonement for the entire nation, all in strict adherence to the explicit commands given by Moses, the servant of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The Chronicler's genealogical record in 1 Chronicles 6 meticulously traces the lineage of Levi, highlighting the various branches and their specific assignments within the Tabernacle and later the Temple service. While earlier verses detail the roles of other Levites—such as the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—who were responsible for music, guarding the sanctuary, or transporting sacred objects, verse 49 serves as a climactic declaration, explicitly setting apart the sons of Aaron for the most sacred and central functions of Israelite worship. This verse acts as a summary statement for the priestly line within the broader Levitical framework, underscoring their unique access to and responsibility for the most holy aspects of God's dwelling. It transitions from the broader Levitical duties to the specific, exclusive, and indispensable role of the high priesthood.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written primarily for the post-exilic community returning to Judah, the book of 1 Chronicles aimed to re-establish a sense of identity, continuity, and divine order after the trauma of exile. The meticulous genealogies, including that of Levi and the priesthood, served to legitimize the returning leadership and reinforce the divinely ordained structures of worship. In a society where the Temple was central to national and spiritual life, the priesthood was paramount. This verse, by affirming the Aaronic line's exclusive right to perform atonement and minister in the Most Holy Place, reminded the community of the legitimacy and necessity of their priestly system. It also served as a theological anchor, assuring them that God's covenant promises and the means of reconciliation were still in place, precisely as commanded by [Moses](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai"), the foundational figure of their covenant. The emphasis on "all that Moses the servant of God had commanded" reinforced the authority and immutability of the Mosaic Law, which governed every aspect of their religious and civic life.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 6:49 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Ordination and Authority of the Priesthood**. The phrase "appointed for all the work" by God Himself, through Moses' commands, highlights that the Aaronic priesthood was not a human invention but a sacred office established by divine decree, thereby imbuing it with unparalleled authority and sanctity. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the indispensable role of **Sacrifice and Atonement**. The primary function of Aaron and his sons was to "make an atonement for Israel," involving the offering of sacrifices on the [altar of burnt offering](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - The Altar of Burnt Offering") for sin and fellowship, and burning incense on the [altar of incense](/exodus/30-1 "Exodus 30:1 - The Altar of Incense"), symbolizing the prayers and devotion of the people. This act of atonement, culminating in the High Priest's annual entry into the [Most Holy Place](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - The Day of Atonement") on Yom Kippur, was crucial for bridging the gap between a holy God and a sinful people. Lastly, the verse highlights the critical theme of **Obedience to God's Law**. The concluding phrase, "according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded," stresses the absolute necessity of strict adherence to God's prescribed ways for worship. Any deviation from these divine instructions, as exemplified by Nadab and Abihu in [Leviticus 10](/leviticus/10 "Leviticus 10 - Nadab and Abihu"), could lead to severe consequences, reinforcing the sanctity and inviolability of God's commands.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Atonement (Hebrew, _kaphar'_):** This pivotal term (כָּפַר) fundamentally means "to cover," "to purge," or "to make reconciliation." In the context of the Old Testament sacrificial system, _kaphar_ refers to the process by which sin is covered or expiated, allowing a holy God to dwell among a sinful people. It signifies the ritual act that restores a right relationship between God and Israel, making propitiation for their transgressions and symbolically cleansing them from defilement. This act was not merely symbolic but was believed to effect a real, though temporary, covering of sin, enabling God's continued presence.
* **Most Holy Place (Hebrew, _qodesh haqqodashim'_):** This phrase (קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים) refers to the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, where the Ark of the Covenant resided. It was considered the dwelling place of God's presence on earth, accessible only to the High Priest, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The term itself emphasizes the extreme sanctity and separation of this space, indicating its unparalleled holiness. The Aaronic priests' appointment "for all the work of the place most holy" underscores their unique and exclusive access to the very presence of God, mediating between the divine and the human.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of the burnt offering, and on the altar of incense":** This clause specifies the primary, public, and continuous duties of the Aaronic priesthood. The "altar of burnt offering" (outside the Holy Place) was where daily sacrifices for sin and fellowship were made, symbolizing the constant need for expiation and dedication. The "altar of incense" (inside the Holy Place, before the veil) was where fragrant incense was burned morning and evening, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God and the sweet aroma of their worship. These two altars represent the dual aspects of their ministry: dealing with sin and facilitating communion.
* **"[and were appointed] for all the work of the [place] most holy":** This parenthetical clarification, often supplied in translations for clarity, emphasizes the divine authorization and exclusive privilege of the Aaronic line. "The place most holy" refers to the Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctuary. This indicates their unique access to the very presence of God, particularly on the Day of Atonement, where the High Priest performed the most sacred rites. This work was not a self-chosen task but a divine appointment, setting them apart from all other Levites.
* **"and to make an atonement for Israel":** This is the ultimate purpose and most crucial function of the Aaronic priesthood. "To make atonement" (כָּפַר, _kaphar_) signifies the ritual process by which the sins of the nation were covered or expiated, reconciling them to a holy God. This involved various sacrifices and rituals, ensuring the ongoing covenant relationship between God and His people. It highlights their role as mediators, standing between God's holiness and Israel's sinfulness, providing the prescribed means for forgiveness and purification.
* **"according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded":** This concluding phrase underscores the absolute authority and divine origin of the priestly duties. Their ministry was not based on human innovation or tradition but was precisely prescribed by God through Moses, His chosen mediator. This emphasis on strict adherence to divine command ensured the legitimacy and efficacy of their rituals, reinforcing the covenantal framework within which all Israelite worship operated. It also served as a reminder to the post-exilic community of the unchanging nature of God's requirements for worship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary techniques to underscore its message. **Conciseness** is evident in its ability to summarize the vast and complex duties of the Aaronic priesthood into a single, potent statement. This brevity makes the verse highly memorable and impactful. **Emphasis** is achieved through the explicit listing of the altars and the "Most Holy Place," drawing the reader's attention to the specific, sacred locations of priestly ministry. The phrase "all the work" and "all that Moses... commanded" further uses **Hyperbole** or **Totalization** to convey the comprehensive and exhaustive nature of their divinely assigned responsibilities, leaving no room for human discretion or deviation. The chronicler's choice of language also utilizes **Legal Language** or **Covenantal Language** by reiterating the direct link to Moses' commands, reinforcing the legal and binding nature of these priestly duties within the Mosaic covenant. Finally, the verse functions as a form of **Summary Statement** or **Theological Thesis** within the broader genealogical record, encapsulating the essence of the Aaronic role and its significance for Israel's relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological significance of 1 Chronicles 6:49 extends far beyond a mere historical record of priestly duties. It establishes the foundational principle that access to a holy God requires divine mediation and prescribed means of atonement. The meticulous detail concerning the altars and the Most Holy Place highlights the sanctity of God's presence and the gravity of sin, which necessitated such elaborate rituals for reconciliation. The Aaronic priesthood, therefore, served as a crucial bridge between the transcendent God and His immanent people, facilitating forgiveness, purification, and the maintenance of the covenant relationship. This verse underscores God's initiative in providing a way for humanity to approach Him despite their sinfulness, revealing His character as both holy and merciful. It also foreshadows the ultimate and perfect provision for atonement that would come through a greater priest and a more perfect sacrifice.

* [Exodus 29:38-46](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-46 - Daily Sacrifices and God's Dwelling Among Israel")
* [Leviticus 16:30-34](/leviticus/16-30 "Leviticus 16:30-34 - The Annual Day of Atonement")
* [Numbers 3:5-10](/numbers/3-5 "Numbers 3:5-10 - The Appointment of Aaron and His Sons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific rituals of the Aaronic priesthood belong to a past covenant, the underlying principles of holiness, atonement, and divine appointment remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to reflect on the immense privilege and solemn responsibility of approaching God. It reminds us that our access to Him is not casual or self-initiated but is entirely dependent on His gracious provision. Understanding the meticulous requirements of the Old Testament priesthood should deepen our appreciation for the radical simplicity and completeness of the new covenant, where direct access to God is granted through Christ. It challenges us to consider the seriousness of sin, which necessitated such a costly system of atonement, and to live lives that honor the holiness of God. Furthermore, it prompts us to recognize the divine order in spiritual leadership and the importance of adhering to God's revealed will in our worship and service, rather than inventing our own ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on the "Most Holy Place" and "atonement for Israel" in this verse shape your understanding of God's holiness and the gravity of sin?**
* **In what ways does the strict adherence to "all that Moses the servant of God had commanded" challenge or inform your approach to obedience in your own spiritual life?**
* **How does understanding the Aaronic priesthood's role as mediators deepen your appreciation for the unique mediation of Jesus Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why does 1 Chronicles 6:49 emphasize the Aaronic priesthood so much when other Levites are also mentioned?**

Answer: 1 Chronicles 6 meticulously details the entire Levitical lineage and their various duties, including musicians, gatekeepers, and those responsible for carrying Tabernacle components. However, verse 49 specifically highlights the Aaronic priests because their role was distinct and paramount: they alone were authorized to perform the sacrificial rites on the [altar of burnt offering](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - The Altar of Burnt Offering") and the [altar of incense](/exodus/30-1 "Exodus 30:1 - The Altar of Incense"), and critically, to enter the [Most Holy Place](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - The Day of Atonement") to "make an atonement for Israel." This distinction underscores their unique mediatorial function and their exclusive access to the most sacred aspects of God's presence, which was vital for the spiritual well-being of the entire nation. The Chronicler emphasizes this to affirm the legitimacy and centrality of the priestly line in the post-exilic community.

**What is the significance of "according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded"?**

Answer: This phrase is crucial as it emphasizes the divine origin and absolute authority of the priestly duties. It signifies that the Aaronic priesthood's functions were not human inventions or traditions, but were precisely prescribed by God through His chosen mediator, Moses, as detailed in books like [Exodus](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments") and [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Burnt Offerings"). This strict adherence ensured the legitimacy, efficacy, and holiness of their rituals. For the post-exilic community, it served as a powerful reminder of the unchanging nature of God's requirements for worship and the importance of faithful obedience to His covenant commands, reinforcing the continuity of their spiritual heritage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Aaronic priesthood, with its meticulous duties of sacrifice and atonement described in 1 Chronicles 6:49, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the author of Hebrews profoundly explains, Jesus is our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), belonging to a superior order, the order of Melchizedek, and serving in a heavenly sanctuary. Unlike the Aaronic priests who offered repeated animal sacrifices that could only temporarily cover sins, Jesus offered Himself as the [perfect, once-for-all sacrifice](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice"). His blood, shed on the cross, truly takes away sin, providing [eternal redemption](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption"). Furthermore, just as the Aaronic High Priest entered the Most Holy Place, Jesus has entered the true, heavenly [Most Holy Place](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Entry into the Heavenly Sanctuary")—God's very presence—not with the blood of animals, but with His own blood, securing our permanent access to God. Thus, the shadow of the earthly priesthood points directly to the substance of Christ, who perfectly accomplished all that the Aaronic priests could only foreshadow, making complete and lasting atonement for all who believe, and serving as our eternal intercessor at the [right hand of God](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession at God's Right Hand").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 4:20

And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering, so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them.

Exodus 27:1

¶ And thou shalt make an altar [of] shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof [shall be] three cubits.

Exodus 27:8

Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make [it].

Exodus 30:10

And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it [is] most holy unto the LORD.

Exodus 30:16

And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.

Exodus 30:1

¶ And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: [of] shittim wood shalt thou make it.

Exodus 30:7

And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.