Leviticus 8:16

And he took all the fat that [was] upon the inwards, and the caul [above] the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and Moses burned [it] upon the altar.

And he took {H3947} all the fat {H2459} that was upon the inwards {H7130}, and the caul {H3508} above the liver {H3516}, and the two {H8147} kidneys {H3629}, and their fat {H2459}, and Moses {H4872} burned {H6999} it upon the altar {H4196}.

Moshe took all the fat on the inner organs, the covering of the liver, the two kidneys and their fat, and made it go up in smoke on the altar.

Moses also took all the fat that was on the entrails, the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys and their fat, and burned it all on the altar.

And he took all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul of the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat; and Moses burned it upon the altar.

Commentary

Commentary on Leviticus 8:16 (KJV)

Leviticus 8:16 is a precise instruction within the detailed account of the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, a pivotal moment in ancient Israelite worship. This verse describes a specific action taken by Moses during the consecration ceremony, highlighting the meticulous nature of the sacrificial system established by God.

Context

This verse is part of Leviticus chapter 8, which meticulously details the seven-day ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons, as commanded by God in Exodus 29. Moses, acting as God's appointed agent, performs all the rituals. The ceremony involves various sacrifices: a sin offering, a burnt offering, and the ram of consecration. Leviticus 8:16 specifically refers to the handling of the ram of consecration, which followed the sin offering and burnt offering, emphasizing the dedication of the priests to God's service.

Key Themes

  • Consecration and Holiness: The detailed burning of specific parts of the animal underscores the sanctity of the ordination process and the holiness required of those who serve God. Every step was designed to set Aaron and his sons apart for sacred duties.
  • Total Dedication: The burning of the fat, particularly the fat on the inwards, the caul above the liver, and the kidneys, symbolizes giving the choicest and richest parts of the sacrifice entirely to the Lord. In Israelite sacrificial law, the fat was considered the best and belonged exclusively to God, signifying a complete surrender and dedication (see Leviticus 3:16).
  • Obedience to Divine Command: Moses faithfully executes every instruction precisely as God commanded. This highlights the importance of strict obedience in all aspects of worship and service to God, reflecting the divine authority behind these rituals.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fat" here is chelev (ื—ึตืœึถื‘), which consistently refers to the richest, choicest parts of an animal, which were always reserved for God in sacrifices. This wasn't merely waste but the most valued portion, symbolizing the giving of one's very best to the Divine. The "caul above the liver" (ื™ึนืชึถืจึถืช ื”ึทื›ึผึธื‘ึตื“ - yoteret hakaved) and the kidneys were specific organs rich in fat, making them particularly significant for this offering.

Practical Application

While the specific rituals of the Old Testament sacrificial system are fulfilled in Christ's perfect sacrifice, the principles behind them remain timeless. Leviticus 8:16 reminds us of the importance of:

  • Giving Our Best to God: Just as the choicest fat was offered to God, we are called to dedicate our best time, talents, resources, and efforts to His service.
  • Wholehearted Devotion: The burning of the fat signifies a complete and unreserved dedication. Our worship and service should be characterized by wholehearted devotion, holding nothing back from the One who gave His all for us.
  • Obedience in Worship: The meticulous adherence to God's commands by Moses serves as a model for our own obedience in following God's revealed will in our lives and worship.

This verse, though specific to an ancient ritual, powerfully communicates the enduring truth that God desires our complete and consecrated dedication.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

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 4:9

    And the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them, which [is] by the flanks, and the caul above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away,

  • Leviticus 3:3

    And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,

  • Leviticus 3:5

    And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which [is] upon the wood that [is] on the fire: [it is] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
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