Leviticus 8:28

And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt [them] on the altar upon the burnt offering: they [were] consecrations for a sweet savour: it [is] an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

And Moses {H4872} took {H3947} them from off their hands {H3709}, and burnt {H6999} them on the altar {H4196} upon the burnt offering {H5930}: they were consecrations {H4394} for a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381}: it is an offering made by fire {H801} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Moshe took them out of their hands and made them go up in smoke on the altar on top of the burnt offering; they were a consecration offering giving a fragrant aroma; an offering made by fire to ADONAI.

Then Moses took these from their hands and burned them on the altar with the burnt offering. This was an ordination offering, a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD.

And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt-offering: they were a consecration for a sweet savor: it was an offering made by fire unto Jehovah.

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 8:28

Leviticus 8:28 is a pivotal moment within the seven-day consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons, establishing them as priests before the LORD. This chapter details Moses' meticulous adherence to God's commands for inaugurating the Tabernacle and its priestly service, as outlined in Exodus 29. The verse describes the final burning of specific portions of the "ram of consecration" (which included the fat, the right shoulder, and various unleavened breads mentioned in Leviticus 8:26-27) upon the altar. This act completed the ritualistic purification and dedication, signifying the priests' readiness to mediate between God and Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Complete Consecration: The burning of these portions on the altar symbolizes the priests' full dedication and setting apart for sacred service. Every part of the offering, representing aspects of their being, was given wholly to God.
  • Divine Acceptance: The phrase "sweet savour" is crucial. It indicates God's acceptance and pleasure in the offering and, by extension, in the consecrated priests and their service. This acceptance was predicated on strict obedience to divine instruction.
  • Obedience and Order: Moses' precise execution of God's commands throughout the consecration ritual (as seen in Exodus 40:16) underscores the importance of order and faithfulness in approaching a holy God.
  • Foreshadowing Christ: The elaborate sacrificial system of the Old Testament, including these consecration offerings, pointed forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which was truly a "sweet savour" to God (Ephesians 5:2).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "sweet savour" translates the Hebrew word niachoch (ื ึดื™ื—ึนื—ึท), which literally means a soothing, tranquilizing, or pleasing aroma. It's a theological term used frequently in the Pentateuch to describe an offering that is acceptable and brings pleasure to God, signifying His approval and the reconciliation achieved through the sacrifice.

The term "offering made by fire" comes from the Hebrew ishsheh (ืึดืฉึผืึถื”), referring to any offering consumed by fire on the altar. This highlights the complete consumption and transformation of the offering, signifying its complete dedication to God and its ascent to Him.

Practical Application

While the Aaronic priesthood and its rituals have been fulfilled in Christ, the principles of Leviticus 8:28 still resonate for believers today:

  • Total Dedication: Just as the priests were wholly consecrated, believers are called to present their bodies as a "living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God" (Romans 12:1). Our lives, talents, and resources should be dedicated to Him.
  • Acceptable Service: Our spiritual "offerings"โ€”praise, worship, obedience, and acts of serviceโ€”are made acceptable to God not by their inherent merit, but through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate "sweet savour" who makes our imperfect offerings pleasing to God (Hebrews 10:10).
  • God's Pleasure in Obedience: This verse reminds us that God delights in our obedience and dedication to His commands. When we live according to His will, our lives become a pleasing aroma to Him.
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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 29:25

    And thou shalt receive them of their hands, and burn [them] upon the altar for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour before the LORD: it [is] an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

  • Hebrews 10:14

    For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

  • Hebrews 10:22

    Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

  • Psalms 22:13

    They gaped upon me [with] their mouths, [as] a ravening and a roaring lion.

  • Psalms 22:14

    I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

  • Zechariah 13:7

    ยถ Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man [that is] my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
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