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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 8:21 concludes the meticulous account of the burnt offering for the consecration of Aaron and his sons, detailing the final steps of purification and complete consumption of the ram on the altar. This verse underscores the absolute necessity of ritual purity, total dedication, and precise obedience to divine commands for worship to be acceptable to the LORD. It highlights the offering's divine acceptance, signified by its ascent as "a sweet savour," thereby establishing foundational principles for the newly instituted priesthood and Israel's covenant relationship with God.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 8:21 is a pivotal moment within the broader narrative of Aaron and his sons' consecration, which occupies the entirety of Leviticus chapter 8. This chapter meticulously records Moses's execution of the divine instructions for priestly ordination first outlined in Exodus 29. The ritual sequence begins with the sin offering (Leviticus 8:14-17), which atoned for the priests' sin, making them ceremonially clean to approach God. Following this, the burnt offering, presented in verses Leviticus 8:18-21, symbolizes complete dedication and devotion, distinct from atonement for specific sin. This progression—from cleansing to dedication—establishes the proper order for drawing near to a holy God. The verse immediately precedes the offering of the "ram of ordination" (Leviticus 8:22-29), which further consecrated their hands for priestly service. The recurring refrain "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout the chapter, particularly evident here, functions as a powerful literary device emphasizing the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of these sacred rites.
Historical & Cultural Context
The consecration ceremony of Aaron and his sons, detailed in Leviticus 8, marked the formal establishment of the Levitical priesthood, a foundational institution for Israel's covenant relationship with God. This event transitioned Israel from a more informal worship structure to a divinely ordained system designed to facilitate their approach to the holy God dwelling among them in the Tabernacle. While animal sacrifice was common in the ancient Near East, Israelite sacrifices, especially the burnt offering (olah), were uniquely defined by their theological meaning and precise requirements. The washing of the animal's internal organs and legs before burning was a specific and significant requirement for the burnt offering, symbolizing internal and external purity. This ritualistic cleansing was not merely hygienic but carried profound symbolic weight, emphasizing the holiness required in approaching God. The complete burning of the ram symbolized total surrender and dedication, with nothing reserved for human consumption. This act was understood as a "sweet savour" to the LORD, indicating divine acceptance and pleasure in the offering, provided it was performed in precise obedience to His commands. This entire ceremony served to set apart Aaron and his sons as mediators between God and Israel, underscoring the gravity and sanctity of their priestly office.
Key Themes
Leviticus 8:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Holiness and Purity, emphasizing that a holy God demands purity from those who approach Him, whether priests or offerings. The meticulous washing of the ram's inwards and legs underscores the need for both internal and external cleansing. Another key theme is Obedience to Divine Command, powerfully reinforced by the repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses." This highlights that the efficacy and acceptability of worship are predicated not on human ingenuity but on strict adherence to God's revealed will. The verse also speaks to Total Dedication and Consecration, as the burnt offering was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing unreserved surrender to God. Finally, the concept of Divine Acceptance is central, conveyed by the "sweet savour" (Hebrew: reah nichoach), indicating God's pleasure and satisfaction in the perfectly offered sacrifice. These themes are foundational to understanding Israel's covenant relationship with God and the nature of true worship, echoing principles found throughout the Old Testament, such as in Deuteronomy 12 regarding proper worship, and foreshadowing ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb signifies a thorough cleansing, typically with water, to remove impurity. In the context of sacrifices, it emphasizes the necessity of ritual purity for the animal itself, mirroring the internal and external purity required of the offerer and, by extension, the priests being consecrated. It highlights the meticulousness and sanctity required in approaching a holy God.
This primitive root means "to smoke" or "to turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)." It refers to the act of burning an offering on the altar, causing the smoke to ascend to God. This term is distinct from verbs meaning "to consume by fire" and emphasizes the act of offering itself, where the entire animal is transformed into an ascending aroma, symbolizing total dedication and communion with the divine.
This word means "restful" or "pleasant," and abstractly, "delight." When combined with "savour" (H7381, rêyach, meaning "odor"), the phrase "sweet savour" (or "soothing aroma") is a common expression in the Pentateuch used to describe sacrifices that are acceptable and pleasing to God. It signifies divine acceptance and pleasure in the offering, indicating that the sacrifice, performed in obedience and with the proper heart, has achieved its intended purpose.
Verse Breakdown
"And he washed the inwards and the legs in water"
This initial action signifies the purification of the sacrificial animal, both internally and externally. The "inwards" (H7130, qereb), representing the core and hidden aspects, and the "legs" (H3767, kârâʻ), representing one's walk and outward actions, both needed to be cleansed. This symbolically conveyed the need for complete purity—of thought, motive, and deed—in the presence of God, reflecting the holiness required of the priests being consecrated.
"and Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar"
Moses, acting as the divinely appointed mediator, performs the burning. The "whole ram" (H352, ʼayil) being entirely consumed by fire on the "altar" (H4196, mizbêach) is characteristic of the burnt offering (H5930, ʻôlâh), meaning "that which goes up." This symbolized complete and unreserved dedication, with nothing held back from God. It represented total surrender and devotion of the one offering it, or in this context, the priests being consecrated.
"it [was] a burnt sacrifice for a sweet savour, [and] an offering made by fire unto the LORD"
This clause defines the nature and purpose of the offering. It was a "burnt sacrifice" (olah), entirely consumed by fire, and it ascended to God as a "sweet savour" (H5207, nîychôwach and H7381, rêyach). This "sweet savour" indicates God's acceptance and pleasure in the offering, signifying that the sacrifice, performed according to His command, was pleasing to Him and achieved its intended purpose of communion and dedication. The phrase "offering made by fire" (H801, ʼishshâh) further emphasizes its nature as a sacred offering consumed by fire for God.
"as the LORD commanded Moses"
This concluding phrase, a recurring motif in Leviticus chapter 8, underscores the absolute necessity of precise obedience (H6680, tsâvâh) to divine revelation (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh) in matters of worship and service. It highlights that the efficacy and acceptability of the offering were not based on human ingenuity or preference, but solely on strict adherence to God's explicit instructions. This obedience was foundational for the legitimacy of the newly established priesthood and Tabernacle worship.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Leviticus 8:21, and indeed throughout Leviticus chapter 8, is Repetition. The phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" serves as a powerful refrain, appearing multiple times within the chapter (e.g., Leviticus 8:4, Leviticus 8:9, Leviticus 8:13, Leviticus 8:17, Leviticus 8:29, and Leviticus 8:36). This insistent repetition emphasizes the divine authority behind the rituals and the paramount importance of strict obedience in all aspects of worship and priestly service. Furthermore, Symbolism is pervasive. The act of "washing the inwards and the legs" symbolizes the necessity of internal and external purity before God. The "burning the whole ram" symbolizes complete and unreserved dedication, a total surrender of the worshipper's life to God. Finally, the "sweet savour" symbolizes God's gracious acceptance and pleasure in the perfectly offered sacrifice, indicating that the offering has achieved its desired effect in His sight.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 8:21 profoundly illustrates several enduring theological principles: the absolute necessity of holiness and purity in approaching God, the call to complete dedication, the reality of divine acceptance, and the foundational importance of obedience to God's revealed will. The meticulous preparation of the burnt offering, from washing to complete consumption, underscores that true worship is not casual but requires reverence, purity, and total surrender. The "sweet savour" signifies that God delights in offerings made according to His instructions and with a heart of devotion, demonstrating His willingness to accept those who draw near to Him on His terms. This ancient ritual, therefore, lays the groundwork for understanding the nature of acceptable worship and the character of God, who is both holy and gracious.
Reflection and Application
The detailed instructions for the burnt offering in Leviticus 8:21, though part of an ancient ritual no longer practiced, offer profound spiritual lessons for believers today. The emphasis on washing reminds us that our approach to God must be marked by purity, not merely external, but an internal cleansing of heart and motive, a work of the Holy Spirit in response to God's Word. The complete burning of the ram calls us to a life of total consecration, holding nothing back from God. Just as the ram was wholly consumed, we are called to offer our entire being—our time, talents, resources, and desires—as a "living sacrifice." This is not a partial surrender but a full, unreserved devotion to His will. Furthermore, the "sweet savour" reminds us that our obedience and sincere devotion are pleasing to God, not because of their inherent merit, but because they reflect a heart yielded to Him, made acceptable through Christ. Our worship and service, therefore, should always be rooted in humble obedience to His commands, recognizing that His ways are perfect and His will is good.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the purpose of washing the inwards and legs of the ram?
The washing of the inwards (internal organs) and legs of the ram was a crucial part of the preparation for the burnt offering. Symbolically, the inwards represented the hidden thoughts and motives, while the legs represented one's walk and outward actions. This act of cleansing emphasized the necessity of complete purity—both internal and external—for the offering to be acceptable to a holy God. It was not merely for hygiene but carried profound ritual and spiritual significance, underscoring the meticulousness required in approaching the divine. This ritual foreshadows the spiritual cleansing required for all who approach God, made possible through Christ.
Why was the "whole ram" burnt, unlike some other sacrifices?
The burnt offering (olah, meaning "that which goes up") was unique among Israelite sacrifices because the entire animal, after its preparation, was consumed by fire on the altar. Unlike sin offerings or peace offerings, where portions might be eaten by priests or the offerer, the burnt offering signified complete and unreserved dedication to God. It symbolized total surrender, devotion, and the worshipper's desire to be wholly consecrated to the LORD, with nothing held back. This complete consumption by fire allowed the offering to ascend entirely to God, representing a total offering of self, a theme echoed in the New Testament call to present our bodies as living sacrifices.
What does "a sweet savour" mean in this context?
The phrase "a sweet savour" (Hebrew: reah nichoach) describes the offering as being pleasing and acceptable to God. It doesn't imply that God literally smells an odor, but rather that the offering, performed precisely according to His commands and with the right heart, brought Him satisfaction and delight. It signifies divine acceptance of the sacrifice and, by extension, the worshipper. This concept is seen throughout the Old Testament, indicating God's pleasure in acts of obedient worship, as seen in Genesis 8:21 after the flood, and is later applied to Christ's sacrifice in the New Testament, as in Ephesians 5:2.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 8:21, with its emphasis on the perfectly prepared and wholly consumed burnt offering as a "sweet savour" to the LORD, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The washing of the ram's inwards and legs foreshadows Christ's absolute purity, both in His inner being and His outward walk, making Him the spotless Lamb of God without blemish or spot (1 Peter 1:19). Just as the whole ram was burnt, symbolizing complete dedication, Jesus offered Himself entirely on the cross, holding nothing back, a perfect and complete sacrifice of His whole being. His death was not merely an atonement for sin, but an act of perfect obedience and total surrender to the Father's will, a "burnt offering" of unparalleled devotion. This is why His sacrifice is described in the New Testament as "a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2), the ultimate "sweet savour" that perfectly pleased the Father. Unlike the Levitical sacrifices, which had to be repeated, Christ's single offering "perfected forever those who are being sanctified" (Hebrews 10:14). He fulfilled the requirement of perfect obedience, doing "as the LORD commanded," not just for a ritual, but for the redemption of humanity, establishing a new covenant through His blood (Luke 22:20).