Leviticus 6:9

KJV

Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This [is] the law of the burnt offering: It [is] the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Command {H6680} Aaron {H175} and his sons {H1121}, saying {H559}, This is the law {H8451} of the burnt offering {H5930}: It is the burnt offering {H5930}, because of the burning {H4169} upon the altar {H4196} all night {H3915} unto the morning {H1242}, and the fire {H784} of the altar {H4196} shall be burning {H3344} in it.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Give this order to Aharon and his sons: 'This is the law for the burnt offering [Hebrew: 'olah]: it is what goes up [Hebrew: 'olah] on its firewood upon the altar all night long, until morning; in this way the fire of the altar will be kept burning.

Berean Standard Bible

“Command Aaron and his sons that this is the law of the burnt offering: The burnt offering is to remain on the hearth of the altar all night, until morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar.

American Standard Version

Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law of the burnt-offering: the burnt-offering shall be on the hearth upon the altar all night unto the morning; and the fire of the altar shall be kept burning thereon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 6:9 initiates a series of specific instructions given to Aaron and his sons, the priests, concerning the proper handling and maintenance of the burnt offering. This verse particularly emphasizes the perpetual nature of the fire on the altar, stipulating that the burnt offering must remain on the altar throughout the night until morning, ensuring the sacred fire never extinguishes. It underscores the priests' solemn responsibility to maintain this continuous burning, symbolizing an unbroken act of worship and God's enduring presence among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 6:9 inaugurates a new section (Leviticus 6:8–7:38) that provides detailed priestly regulations concerning the various offerings previously introduced in Leviticus 1–5. While the earlier chapters described the offerings primarily from the perspective of the lay worshiper (what they brought and how), this section shifts focus to the priests' duties—how they were to handle the offerings, manage the altar, and what portions were allotted to them. Specifically, Leviticus 6:8-13 elaborates on the burnt offering (`olah`), detailing the priests' responsibility for maintaining the altar fire, removing ashes, and dressing in specific garments for these tasks. This command for the fire to burn all night builds upon the general instructions for the burnt offering found in [Leviticus 1](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Law of the Burnt Offering"), adding crucial operational details for the priestly service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in Leviticus 6:9 is set within the context of the Tabernacle worship, where the altar of burnt offering was central to Israel's communion with God. The perpetual fire on the altar was not merely a practical necessity for continuous sacrifice but held profound symbolic significance. It represented God's holy presence among His people, His acceptance of their offerings, and the ongoing covenant relationship. This perpetual fire also echoed the divine origin of the altar fire, which was initially kindled by God Himself (cf. [Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Leviticus 9:24 - Fire from the LORD consumes the offering")). The priests, as mediators, were charged with the critical duty of maintaining this sacred flame, ensuring it never went out, signifying the unbroken worship and access to God. Their diligence was paramount, as any negligence could imply a disregard for God's holiness or a break in the covenant. This continuous burning also aligns with the command for a daily burnt offering, as detailed in [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering"), which further emphasizes the unceasing nature of Israel's worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _‘olah'_):** Derived from the verb `‘alah` (עָלָה), meaning "to ascend" or "to go up," the `‘olah` was unique among sacrifices because the entire animal (except for the hide, which went to the priest) was completely consumed by fire on the altar. This complete consumption symbolized total dedication, surrender, and atonement, as the offering "ascended" to God as a pleasing aroma. The repetition of "burnt offering" in the verse emphasizes its central role and the specific nature of the law being given.
* **Burning (Hebrew, _moqed'_):** This term (מוֹקֵד) refers to the "burning" or "place of burning" on the altar. It highlights the continuous state of combustion required for the offering. The phrase "because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning" signifies that the very purpose of the law is to ensure this continuous fire, making the altar a constant site of divine consumption and acceptance.
* **Shall be Burning (Hebrew, _toqad'_):** The verb `toqad` (תּוּקַד) is the Hophal imperfect of `yaqad` (יָקַד), meaning "to burn" or "to be kindled." The Hophal stem indicates a passive sense ("it shall be caused to burn" or "it shall be kept burning"), emphasizing that the fire's maintenance is an ongoing, commanded action. The imperfect tense conveys continuous or repeated action, reinforcing the perpetual nature of the flame. This active maintenance by the priests ensures the fire's unceasing presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Command Aaron and his sons, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine authority behind the instruction and specifies the direct recipients: the priestly lineage responsible for the sacrificial system. It underscores the importance and solemnity of the following directives, indicating that these are not mere suggestions but binding commands for sacred service.
* **"This [is] the law of the burnt offering:"**: This phrase introduces the specific regulations pertaining to the `‘olah`, distinguishing them from general instructions or laws about other offerings. It signals a shift from the worshiper's perspective (Leviticus 1) to the priest's operational duties, highlighting the procedural aspects necessary for the offering's proper execution.
* **"It [is] the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning,"**: This part explains the core requirement: the burnt offering must remain on the altar and be consumed by fire continuously from evening until morning. This ensures the fire's perpetual state, as the offering itself serves as fuel throughout the night. It signifies uninterrupted worship and the constant availability of the altar for God's acceptance.
* **"and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it."**: This concluding clause reiterates and reinforces the central command: the altar fire must never go out. It emphasizes the active, ongoing responsibility of the priests to maintain this sacred flame. The fire's continuity is paramount, symbolizing God's enduring presence, His readiness to receive worship, and the unbroken covenant relationship with Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 6:9 employs several literary devices to convey its crucial message. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated mention of "burnt offering" and the emphasis on "burning," which serves to underscore the central subject and the continuous nature of the required action. The phrase "burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it" uses **Emphasis** through reiteration to highlight the perpetual nature of the flame. This continuous burning is a powerful **Symbolism**, representing God's unceasing presence among His people, His unwavering acceptance of their worship, and the constant availability of atonement. The fire, initially kindled by God, symbolizes His holy presence and consuming power. The priests' role in maintaining it also symbolizes the human responsibility to actively participate in and preserve the covenant relationship. Furthermore, the instructions function as **Prescription**, laying down precise, non-negotiable rules for sacred duty, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the perpetual nature of the altar fire.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 6:9 profoundly articulates the theme of unceasing devotion and the enduring presence of God. The command for the altar fire to burn continually underscores that worship is not an intermittent act but a perpetual state of being for the covenant community. It signifies God's constant readiness to receive His people and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant. The priests' diligent maintenance of this fire also highlights the vital role of mediation and the human responsibility to preserve the sacred space and practices that facilitate communion with a holy God. This continuous burning symbolizes a constant spiritual readiness and availability before the Divine, reflecting a commitment that transcends specific times or occasions.
* [Psalm 16:8](/psalms/16-8 "Psalm 16:8 - Setting the LORD always before me")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:17](/1_thessalonians/5-17 "1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray without ceasing")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Continual sacrifice of praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient command to keep the altar fire burning offers a profound spiritual metaphor for believers today. While the physical sacrifices are obsolete, the principle of unceasing devotion remains paramount. Our lives are to be a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1), continually offered to God, not just in moments of formal worship but in every thought, word, and deed. This requires a diligent and intentional effort to nurture our spiritual lives, much like the priests tended the fire. It means consistently engaging with God through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking to live in obedience. The perpetual fire reminds us that God is always present, always faithful, and always ready to receive us. Our spiritual "fire" – our passion for Christ, our love for God and neighbor, our commitment to holiness – should never be allowed to dwindle. We are called to cultivate an enduring, vibrant faith that burns brightly, reflecting His light in a dark world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "keeping the fire burning" spiritually mean in your daily life?**
* **In what areas of your life might your "spiritual fire" be dimming, and what steps can you take to rekindle it?**
* **How does the concept of God's unceasing presence, symbolized by the perpetual fire, encourage or challenge your walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for the fire on the altar to burn continuously?**

Answer: The continuous burning of the fire on the altar was crucial for several reasons. Theologically, it symbolized God's unceasing presence among His people and His constant readiness to receive their offerings and provide atonement. It also represented the unbroken covenant relationship between God and Israel. Practically, it ensured that the altar was always ready for sacrifices, signifying that worship and access to God were always available. Furthermore, the fire was initially kindled by God Himself (cf. [Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Leviticus 9:24 - Fire from the LORD consumes the offering")), making its perpetual maintenance a sacred trust and a reminder of its divine origin.

**What were the priests' specific duties related to this continuous fire?**

Answer: The priests had several specific duties. They were responsible for placing the burnt offering on the altar each night to ensure it burned until morning (Leviticus 6:9). They also had to remove the ashes from the altar daily in their priestly garments (Leviticus 6:10-11) and ensure that fresh wood was added to keep the flame alive (Leviticus 6:12). This meticulous care highlighted their role as mediators and stewards of God's holy presence, ensuring the proper functioning of the sacrificial system.

**Does this command have any relevance for Christians today?**

Answer: While Christians no longer offer animal sacrifices, the spiritual principles behind the command in [Leviticus 6:9](/leviticus/6-9 "Leviticus 6:9 - The Law of the Burnt Offering") remain highly relevant. The continuous fire symbolizes unceasing devotion and worship. Believers are called to offer themselves as "living sacrifices" (cf. [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), implying a continuous, wholehearted commitment to God. It also speaks to the need for spiritual diligence in maintaining our relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and obedience, ensuring our "spiritual fire" of faith and passion for Christ never goes out.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 6:9, with its command for the perpetual burning of the altar fire, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The continuous fire and the daily burnt offering in the Old Testament pointed forward to the once-for-all, perfect, and eternally effective sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices, which had to be offered repeatedly because they could not truly take away sins (cf. [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Inadequacy of Old Covenant Sacrifices")), Christ's single offering perfected for all time those who are being sanctified (cf. [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). He is both the ultimate High Priest, who perfectly fulfilled the priestly duty of mediation (cf. [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), and the perfect Lamb of God, whose sacrifice truly takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The perpetual fire on the altar, symbolizing God's enduring presence and acceptance, is now fully realized in Christ, who is "God with us" (cf. [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")), and through whom we have constant access to the Father (cf. [Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father through Christ")). Our spiritual "fire" is now the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, empowering us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, continually devoted to Him (cf. [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), a perpetual worship ignited and sustained by Christ's finished work.

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

Numbers 28:3

And thou shalt say unto them, This [is] the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the LORD; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, [for] a continual burnt offering.

Exodus 29:38

¶ Now this [is that] which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually.

Exodus 29:42

[This shall be] a continual burnt offering throughout your generations [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.

Leviticus 6:12

And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings.

Leviticus 6:13

The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.

Leviticus 1:1

¶ And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,

Leviticus 1:17

And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, [but] shall not divide [it] asunder: and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that [is] upon the fire: it [is] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.