Leviticus 16:25

And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar.

And the fat {H2459} of the sin offering {H2403} shall he burn {H6999} upon the altar {H4196}.

He is to make the fat of the sin offering go up in smoke on the altar.

He is also to burn the fat of the sin offering on the altar.

And the fat of the sin-offering shall he burn upon the altar.

Commentary

Context

Leviticus 16:25 is part of the detailed instructions for the Day of Atonement (Hebrew: Yom Kippur), the most solemn day in the ancient Israelite calendar. This chapter outlines the elaborate rituals performed by the high priest, Aaron, to atone for the sins of himself, his household, and the entire congregation of Israel. The passage describes specific actions related to the sin offerings, which included a bull for Aaron and a goat for the people. This verse specifically details the burning of the fat of the sin offering on the altar, following its presentation before the Lord. The preceding verses explain the preparation for these sacrifices, including the selection of the two goats (Leviticus 16:7) and the specific rituals performed with their blood in the Most Holy Place (Leviticus 16:15).

Key Themes

  • Dedication and Consecration: The burning of the fat upon the altar signifies the complete dedication of the offering to God. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, fat was often considered the richest and most valuable part of an animal, symbolizing the best being given to the divine.
  • Atonement for Sin: The sin offering itself was central to the process of atonement, ritually cleansing the people from their impurities and transgressions. The burning of the fat was a vital component of this divinely ordained ritual, ensuring the offering was wholly consumed by God's presence.
  • Divine Mandate: This verse underscores the precise and unalterable nature of God's commands for worship and atonement. Every detail of the Day of Atonement ritual was prescribed by God, emphasizing His holiness and the serious nature of sin.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sin offering" comes from the Hebrew word chatta't (Χ—Φ·Χ˜ΦΌΦΈΧΧͺ), which literally means "sin" but is used technically for the sacrifice made to purify from sin and uncleanness. The "fat" is chelev (Χ—Φ΅ΧœΦΆΧ‘), referring to the rich, internal fat around the organs, distinct from the muscle fat. This specific fat was considered God's portion, as seen in other sacrificial laws (e.g., Leviticus 3:16), making its burning on the "altar" (mizbeach) a sacred act of presentation to the Lord.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the Day of Atonement rituals, has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the principles behind Leviticus 16:25 remain profoundly relevant. This verse reminds us of:

  • The Seriousness of Sin: The elaborate and costly rituals of the Day of Atonement highlight the gravity of sin and the high price required for atonement.
  • Christ as the Ultimate Sacrifice: The burning of the fat on the altar, representing the best of the offering, points forward to Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sin offering (Hebrews 9:26). His sacrifice was complete and fully pleasing to God.
  • Giving Our Best to God: Just as the best part of the animal was given to God, believers are called to offer their best to Him in worship, service, and daily living. This is a spiritual application of offering our "fat" – our strength, resources, and devotion – as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 29:13

    And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul [that is] above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them, and burn [them] upon the altar.

  • Leviticus 4:8

    And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bullock for the sin offering; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,

  • Leviticus 4:10

    As it was taken off from the bullock of the sacrifice of peace offerings: and the priest shall burn them upon the altar of the burnt offering.

  • Leviticus 16:6

    And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which [is] for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.

  • Leviticus 4:19

    And he shall take all his fat from him, and burn [it] upon the altar.
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