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Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 8:14–30.
The covenant of priesthood must be made by sacrifice, as well as other covenants, Psa 50:5. And thus Christ was consecrated by the sacrifice of himself, once for all. Sacrifices of each kind must be offered for the priests, that they might with the more tenderness and concern offer the gifts and sacrifices of the people, with compassion on the ignorant, and on those that were out of the way, not insulting over those for whom sacrifices were offered, remembering that they themselves had had sacrifices offered for them, being compassed with infirmity. 1. A bullock, the largest sacrifice, was offered for a sin-offering (Lev 8:14), that hereby atonement might be made, and they might not bring any of the guilt of the sins of their former state into the new character they were now to put on. When Isaiah was sent to be a prophet, he was told to his comfort, Thy iniquity is taken away, Isa 6:7. Ministers, that are to declare the remission of sins to others, should give diligence to get it made sure to themselves in the first place that their own sins are pardoned. Those to whom is committed the ministry of reconciliation must first be reconciled to God themselves, that they may deal for the souls of others as for their own. 2. A ram was offered for a burnt-offering, Lev 8:18-21. By this they gave to God the glory of this great honour which was now put upon them, and returned him praise for it, as Paul thanked Christ Jesus for putting him into the ministry, Ti1 1:12. They also signified the devoting of themselves and all their services to the honour of God. 3. Another ram, called the ram of consecration, was offered for a peace-offering, Lev 8:22, etc. The blood of it was part put on the priests, on their ears, thumbs, and toes, and part sprinkled upon the altar; and thus he did (as it were) marry them to the altar, upon which they must all their days give attendance. All the ceremonies about this offering, as those before, were appointed by the express command of God; and, if we compare this chapter with Ex. 29, we shall find that the performance of the solemnity exactly agrees with the precept there, and in nothing varies. Here, therefore, as in the account we had of the tabernacle and its vessels, it is again and again repeated, As the Lord commanded Moses. And thus Christ, when he sanctified himself with his own blood, had an eye to his Father's will in it. As the Father gave me commandment so I do, Joh 14:31; Joh 10:18; Joh 6:38.
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Summary
Leviticus 8:19 details a critical moment in the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, specifically the execution of the burnt offering. Following the presentation of the ram for this offering, the verse describes Moses' pivotal act of ritual slaughter and the subsequent application of the ram's blood to the altar. This act was essential for the sanctification and consecration of the altar, setting it apart as a holy space fit for the sacred worship and service commanded by God, underscoring the divine meticulousness required for priestly service.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is embedded within Leviticus 8, which meticulously records the seven-day ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons, as commanded by God in Exodus 29. Immediately preceding verse 19, Leviticus 8:18 describes Moses bringing the ram for the burnt offering before the Tabernacle. Following the actions of verse 19, the chapter continues with the details of the ram of ordination, its blood application, and the anointing of Aaron and his sons, culminating in their full consecration for priestly service. The entire chapter underscores the divine institution and meticulous nature of the Levitical priesthood, highlighting the foundational acts necessary for the Tabernacle's operation.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israel, the Tabernacle served as the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God among His people. Access to God was strictly regulated through a divinely appointed priesthood and a system of sacrifices. The burnt offering (olah) was unique among sacrifices because the entire animal (except for the skin) was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication, devotion, and propitiation to God. Blood was universally understood in the ancient Near East as the life force, but in Israel, it held a unique theological significance as the primary means of atonement and purification, explicitly stated in Leviticus 17:11. Moses, acting as God's mediator, personally performs these rituals, emphasizing the divine authority behind the establishment of the priestly system and the sacredness of the acts. This initial consecration by Moses ensured the altar's holiness before the newly ordained priests began their service.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive throughout Leviticus. Foremost is the theme of Holiness, emphasizing God's absolute purity and the necessity for His people, their leaders, and their worship spaces to be consecrated and set apart. The meticulous ritual of blood application underscores the theme of Atonement and Purification, revealing that sin requires a costly substitute and that cleansing is achieved through divinely appointed means. Furthermore, the verse highlights Divine Authority and Mediation, as Moses, acting under God's direct command, performs these critical acts, establishing the foundational order for worship. This entire ordination process, including the specific actions in Leviticus 8:19, meticulously sets forth the Requirements for Approaching God, demonstrating that access to the Holy One is not casual but strictly regulated by His own gracious design.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (H7819) denotes a ritualistic or cultic slaughter, specifically for sacrificial purposes. It implies a precise, prescribed method of taking life, emphasizing the sacred and intentional nature of the act within the context of worship and atonement, rather than a mere act of killing. This term is consistently used for animals designated for offerings, highlighting the solemnity of the sacrifice.
Unlike a gentle dab or smear, zâraq (H2236) implies a forceful throwing or casting of the blood. This vigorous application highlights the potent, decisive, and comprehensive nature of the act of purification and dedication. It signifies a thorough and effective cleansing and consecration, ensuring the altar was fully set apart and made holy for its sacred function.
In the Old Covenant, dâm (H1818) was understood as the essence of life and was divinely appointed as the primary means for making atonement (Leviticus 17:11). Its application in rituals like this was not merely symbolic but was the tangible medium through which purification, consecration, and reconciliation with a holy God were effected, making possible the dwelling of God among His people.
Verse Breakdown
"And he killed [it];"
This refers to Moses, acting as God's designated officiant, ritually slaughtering the ram of the burnt offering. This act of taking the animal's life was the foundational step in the sacrificial process, releasing the blood—the life force—which was essential for the subsequent acts of atonement and consecration. The "it" points back to the ram presented in Leviticus 8:18, signifying the specific animal chosen for this sacred purpose.
"and Moses sprinkled the blood"
Moses, as the one uniquely chosen by God to mediate the covenant and establish the Tabernacle worship, personally performs this crucial act. The sprinkling of blood was not a mere formality but a divinely commanded action that effected purification and consecration, making the sacred objects and spaces fit for God's holy presence. This direct involvement of Moses underscores the divine authority behind the entire ordination process.
"upon the altar round about."
The application of the blood to all sides of the altar signifies its complete and thorough sanctification. This act consecrated the altar, setting it apart as holy and pure, ready to receive the offerings of the people and to serve as the divinely appointed place of encounter between God and humanity. This comprehensive application ensured the altar's readiness for the newly consecrated priests to begin their sacred duties, emphasizing that no part of the sacred space was left untouched by the purifying power of the blood.
Literary Devices
The verse employs significant Symbolism. The ram itself symbolizes a substitute, an innocent life offered in place of another. The blood is the most potent symbol, representing life, atonement, and purification—the very means by which a holy God could dwell among a sinful people. The altar symbolizes the designated point of encounter between God and humanity, where sin is addressed and communion is facilitated. The act of sprinkling signifies the active application of this life-giving, cleansing power, ensuring comprehensive dedication and a thorough sanctification. The precise, step-by-step description of the ordination ceremony throughout Leviticus 8 also highlights the Ritualistic Language and divine meticulousness, emphasizing that the Israelite priesthood and its sacrificial system were not human inventions but divinely instituted, leaving no room for human improvisation in approaching a holy God.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 8:19 powerfully illustrates the foundational biblical principle that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22). Blood, understood as the essence of life, was given by God as the divinely appointed means of atonement, a covering for sin that allowed a holy God to dwell among an unholy people. The careful sprinkling of blood on the altar consecrated it, transforming it into a sacred space where God's presence could be encountered and where sinful humanity could approach Him through divinely ordained means. This ritual underscores God's meticulous provision for dealing with sin and establishing a pathway for worship and communion, highlighting the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a substitutionary sacrifice for purification and access.
Reflection and Application
Leviticus 8:19, though detailing an ancient ritual, offers profound insights into the nature of God, the gravity of sin, and the cost of reconciliation. The meticulousness of the sacrificial system, particularly the emphasis on blood, serves as a stark reminder that holiness demands a sacrifice, and that access to God is not casual but costly. For us today, this prompts a deep reflection on the reverence with which we should approach God, recognizing that our access is not earned through our own merit but granted through an even greater, perfect sacrifice. It calls us to appreciate the seriousness of sin and the immense, undeserved grace extended through Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all these Old Testament types and shadows. Our worship, then, should be marked by profound gratitude, humility, and a renewed understanding of the depth of the atonement made on our behalf, leading to a life of consecrated service and a profound appreciation for the divine provision for our redemption.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Moses, and not Aaron, performing these sacrifices during the ordination?
Moses acted as God's appointed mediator and the one overseeing the entire ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons. Before Aaron and his sons were fully consecrated and authorized to perform priestly duties themselves, Moses, as the established prophet and leader, was the one designated by God to execute these initial sacred rites. This underscored that the priesthood was divinely instituted, not a self-appointed office, and that its authority flowed directly from God through Moses, as detailed in Exodus 29 and Leviticus 8. Moses' role ensured the divine legitimacy and proper establishment of the Levitical priesthood.
What was the purpose of sprinkling the blood "round about" the altar?
Sprinkling the blood "round about" the altar signified a complete and thorough consecration and purification of the altar. It ensured that every part of the altar was made holy and set apart for sacred use, fit to bear the offerings of the people and to be a place of encounter with God. This comprehensive application emphasized the potency and efficacy of the blood in cleansing and dedicating the sacred space, making it ready for the newly ordained priests to perform their duties without defilement. This act was crucial for establishing the holiness required for the Tabernacle service and for the altar to serve as a pure conduit for worship.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The temporary, repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant, such as the ram's blood sprinkled on the altar in Leviticus 8:19, served as a powerful but imperfect foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The blood of animals, though ceremonially cleansing and consecrating, could never truly take away sin or perfect the worshiper (Hebrews 10:4). Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, offered His own precious blood, not on an earthly altar made with hands, but once for all in the heavenly sanctuary (Hebrews 9:12). His sacrifice perfectly and eternally consecrated us, cleansing our consciences from dead works to serve the living God (Hebrews 9:14). Through His shed blood, we are not merely purified for external ritual, but are made truly holy and given direct, confident access to the Father (Hebrews 10:19-22), fulfilling the very purpose that the Levitical system could only point towards and establishing a new and living way to God.