Leviticus 9:10

KJV

But the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver of the sin offering, he burnt upon the altar; as the LORD commanded Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the fat {H2459}, and the kidneys {H3629}, and the caul {H3508} above {H4480} the liver {H3516} of the sin offering {H2403}, he burnt {H6999} upon the altar {H4196}; as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the fat, the kidneys and the covering of the liver of the sin offering he made go up in smoke on the altar, as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

On the altar he burned the fat, the kidneys, and the lobe of the liver from the sin offering, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

American Standard Version

but the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul from the liver of the sin-offering, he burnt upon the altar; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 9:10 meticulously details a specific, crucial action within the inaugural sin offering performed by Aaron as High Priest: the burning of the choicest internal parts—the fat, kidneys, and the caul above the liver—upon the altar. This precise ritual, mandated by divine command, served not only to atone for sin but also to symbolize the worshiper's complete dedication and the sacred, exclusive claim God had over the best and most vital aspects of the offering, affirming the established covenant relationship and the sanctity of Tabernacle worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 9 marks a pivotal moment in the priestly narrative, immediately following the seven-day consecration of Aaron and his sons detailed in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"). The "eighth day" (as stated in [Leviticus 9:1](/leviticus/9-1 "Leviticus 9:1 - The Eighth Day of Consecration")), signifies the culmination of their ordination and the official commencement of their active priestly ministry. This chapter describes Aaron's first public acts as the newly consecrated High Priest, offering prescribed sacrifices first for himself to atone for his own sin, and then for the entire congregation of Israel. The meticulous instructions for handling the various components of these offerings, particularly the sin offering in [Leviticus 9:10](/leviticus/9-10 "Leviticus 9:10 - Burning of Specific Parts of the Sin Offering"), underscore the divine precision required for acceptable worship and the establishment of a holy relationship between God and His people through sacrificial atonement. The chapter climaxes with the visible manifestation of God's glory and the miraculous consumption of the offerings by fire from the LORD, signifying divine acceptance and validation of Aaron's ministry (as seen in [Leviticus 9:23-24](/leviticus/9-23-24 "Leviticus 9:23-24 - The Glory of the LORD Appears")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Leviticus 9 unfold in the immediate aftermath of the construction and dedication of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, as commanded by God following the Exodus from Egypt. This period is critical for the nascent Israelite nation, as it signifies the formal establishment of their national worship system, with the Tabernacle serving as the focal point of God's dwelling among His people. The sacrificial system, including the sin offering, was foundational to maintaining the covenant relationship, providing a divinely ordained means for atonement for unintentional sins, and for ritually cleansing the Tabernacle from defilement caused by the people's impurities. While other ancient Near Eastern cultures practiced various forms of sacrifice to their deities, Israel's system was uniquely characterized by its monotheistic focus on Yahweh, strict purity laws, and a profound emphasis on holiness and divine command. The burning of specific, choicest parts of the animal, as outlined in [Leviticus 9:10](/leviticus/9-10 "Leviticus 9:10 - Burning of Specific Parts of the Sin Offering"), was a common practice in the broader ancient world to honor deities; however, in Israel, it was exclusively for Yahweh, signifying His supreme ownership, the worshiper's complete dedication, and the absolute authority of His revealed will, encapsulated by the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses."

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 9:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the **Holiness of God** and the corresponding demand for **Human Holiness** in approaching Him. The meticulous instructions for the sin offering underscore that God is not to be approached casually but with reverence and according to His precise commands. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Seriousness of Sin** and the absolute **Necessity of Atonement**. The sin offering, with its prescribed burning of vital organs, illustrates that sin creates a breach requiring a costly, divinely provided means of reconciliation. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Authority and Obedience**, as evidenced by the recurring phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses." This motif permeates the entire book, stressing that Israel's worship and covenant life are entirely dependent on God's revealed will, not human innovation. Finally, the act of offering the choicest parts points to the theme of **Total Consecration and Giving One's Best** to the LORD, a principle that transcends the specific ritual and resonates throughout biblical theology, culminating in the call for believers to offer their entire lives as a spiritual sacrifice (as seen in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fat (Hebrew, _cheleb'_):** (H2459) In the ancient Israelite sacrificial system, the _cheleb_ referred specifically to the suet or internal fat, particularly that covering the entrails. It was consistently considered the choicest, richest, and most vital part of the animal, symbolizing vitality, abundance, and the very best of the offering. Its exclusive reservation for God alone, forbidden for human consumption, underscored His supreme ownership and the worshiper's complete dedication. Burning the fat produced a "sweet aroma" (often translated as "pleasing aroma" or "soothing aroma") to the LORD, signifying divine acceptance and pleasure in the offering.
* **Sin Offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** (H2403) The _chaṭṭâʼâh_ was a specific type of sacrifice primarily offered for atonement for unintentional sins committed by individuals, priests, or the entire community, as well as for purifying the Tabernacle from ritual defilement. Unlike the burnt offering, which was entirely consumed by fire, the sin offering had specific regulations regarding the disposition of its various parts. However, the internal fat and vital organs, including those mentioned in [Leviticus 9:10](/leviticus/9-10 "Leviticus 9:10 - Burning of Specific Parts of the Sin Offering"), were always burnt on the altar, emphasizing the gravity of sin and the absolute necessity of divine cleansing and propitiation.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often rendered as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." Its presence in the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" (H3068, H6680, H4872) is profoundly significant, establishing the divine origin and absolute authority of the sacrificial laws. It emphasizes that the entire system was not a human invention but a direct, precise, and non-negotiable revelation from the self-existent, eternal God who entered into covenant relationship with Israel. This highlights the paramount importance of obedience and adherence to God's revealed will for the efficacy and acceptance of worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver of the sin offering":** This clause precisely enumerates the specific internal organs and the choicest fat designated as God's exclusive portion within the sin offering. These parts represent the most vital, rich, and innermost components of the animal, symbolizing the worshiper's complete devotion and the preciousness of the offering. The meticulous selection distinguishes the sin offering from other sacrifices where different parts might be consumed by the priests or the worshiper, emphasizing the unique holiness and propitiatory purpose of atonement.
* **"he burnt upon the altar":** This action signifies the complete dedication and transfer of these choicest parts from the human realm to the divine. The burning process, often producing a "sweet aroma" (though not explicitly stated in this verse, it is implied for pleasing offerings), transforms the physical offering into an acceptable act of worship to the LORD. It represents an act of total surrender and consumption by the divine fire, symbolizing the complete giving of the best to God.
* **"as the LORD commanded Moses":** This recurring and foundational phrase throughout the Pentateuch underscores the divine origin and absolute authority of the sacrificial laws and all aspects of Tabernacle worship. It emphasizes that every detail, including the precise handling of offerings, was not a human invention or cultural adaptation but a direct, precise, and non-negotiable instruction from God Himself. This highlights the paramount importance of obedience, faithfulness, and adherence to God's revealed will for the efficacy and acceptance of worship, serving as a constant reminder that Israel's covenant life was entirely dependent on God's word.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 9:10 is rich in several significant literary devices that amplify its theological weight. **Precision** and **Detail** are paramount, evident in the specific enumeration of "the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver." This meticulousness reflects the divine authorship of the instructions, emphasizing the absolute seriousness and reverence with which God's people were to approach Him in worship. The act of burning these specific parts on the altar is imbued with profound **Symbolism**, where the choicest internal organs represent the very best, the vitality, and the innermost being of the offering. This symbolizes the worshiper's complete dedication, the preciousness of the atonement, and God's exclusive claim to the most valuable aspects. Finally, the concluding phrase, "as the LORD commanded Moses," functions as a powerful **Formulaic Motif** or **Repetition**. This recurring phrase, found throughout the Pentateuch, serves to reinforce the **Divine Authority** of the commands and the absolute necessity of **Obedience** in all aspects of Israelite life and worship, particularly concerning sacred rituals. It acts as a constant theological anchor, grounding the practices in God's unchanging will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 9:10, while detailing an ancient ritual, profoundly illustrates several enduring theological truths that transcend the Mosaic Law. It underscores the absolute holiness of God, demanding a precise and divinely ordained approach to worship. The burning of the choicest parts of the sin offering highlights the gravity of sin and the indispensable necessity of atonement—a costly process requiring the giving of one's best. This act of offering the "fat" and vital organs signifies a total dedication and surrender to God, teaching that true worship involves giving God what is most valuable, not merely what is convenient or leftover. The recurring phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" emphasizes the foundational importance of divine revelation and unwavering obedience in all aspects of faith and practice, establishing God's word as the ultimate standard for acceptable worship and righteous living.

* [Leviticus 4:8-10](/leviticus/4-8 "Leviticus 4:8-10 - Instructions for the Fat of the Sin Offering")
* [Exodus 29:13](/exodus/29-13 "Exodus 29:13 - Burning of Fat in Priestly Consecration")
* [Proverbs 3:9](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9 - Honoring God with Your Wealth and Firstfruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal animal sacrifices of the Old Testament have been perfectly fulfilled in the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the profound principles embedded in Leviticus 9:10 remain profoundly relevant and transformative for believers today. This verse challenges us to deeply consider what it truly means to offer our "best" to God in a New Covenant context. It's no longer about burning animal fat, but about dedicating our whole selves—our time, talents, resources, deepest affections, and even our struggles and weaknesses—to Him. Just as the choicest parts were exclusively given to the LORD, we are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is our spiritual act of worship (as taught in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")). Furthermore, the emphasis on "as the LORD commanded Moses" serves as a powerful reminder that true worship and obedience are always in response to God's revealed will, not our own preferences, cultural trends, or invented traditions. This calls for a life of intentional discipleship, diligently seeking to understand and faithfully live out God's commands as revealed in Scripture, recognizing the ongoing seriousness of sin and our continuous need for Christ's cleansing and transforming work in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently challenged to "offer your best" to God, beyond financial giving?**
* **How does the precision and detail of God's commands in Leviticus inform and shape your approach to worship and obedience in your daily walk with Christ?**
* **Even after Christ's perfect sacrifice, in what ways do we still need to acknowledge the seriousness of sin and our ongoing dependence on divine cleansing and grace in our lives?**

### FAQ
**Why were only specific parts burned on the altar for the sin offering?**

Answer: The burning of only "the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver" (as stated in [Leviticus 9:10](/leviticus/9-10 "Leviticus 9:10 - Burning of Specific Parts of the Sin Offering")) for the sin offering was deeply symbolic and divinely commanded. These particular parts were considered the choicest, richest, and most vital internal organs of the animal. By burning them exclusively on the altar, they were entirely dedicated to God, signifying His supreme ownership over all life and the worshiper's complete surrender and dedication of their very best. This act also produced a "sweet aroma" or "pleasing aroma" to the LORD (as described in [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - A Sweet Aroma to the LORD")), indicating His acceptance and favor upon the offering. This specific handling distinguished the sin offering from other sacrifices where certain parts might be eaten by priests or the worshiper, emphasizing the unique holiness, propitiatory nature, and cleansing purpose of the sin offering for atonement.

**What is the significance of the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses"?**

Answer: The phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" is a recurring and foundational motif found throughout the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Its significance in [Leviticus 9:10](/leviticus/9-10 "Leviticus 9:10 - Burning of Specific Parts of the Sin Offering") and countless other passages is to underscore the divine origin and absolute authority of all the laws, rituals, and instructions given to Israel. It emphasizes that the entire sacrificial system, the Tabernacle's construction, the priestly duties, and all aspects of Israel's covenant life were not human inventions, cultural adaptations, or negotiable suggestions, but direct, precise, and non-negotiable commands from God Himself. This highlights the paramount importance of strict obedience, unwavering faithfulness, and absolute adherence to divine revelation as the sole basis for acceptable worship and a proper, holy relationship with God. It serves as a constant reminder that Israel's covenant existence and blessings were entirely dependent on their faithful response to God's revealed word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 9:10, with its meticulous instructions for the sin offering and the burning of its choicest internal parts, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The burning of the fat, kidneys, and caul—representing the best and most vital of the animal—powerfully foreshadows the complete and unblemished offering of Christ Himself. Just as these parts symbolized the innermost vitality, Christ offered His entire, sinless being as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, giving His very lifeblood for the remission of sins (as declared in [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Purifies Our Conscience")). The divine acceptance signified by the burning of the offering on the altar is fully realized in God's acceptance of Christ's atoning work on the cross, which satisfied divine justice and propitiated God's wrath against sin (as explained in [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation")). Furthermore, Aaron's obedience in performing the ritual "as the LORD commanded Moses" points to Christ's perfect and unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross (as affirmed in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Through His one perfect sacrifice, Jesus became the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), rendering the Levitical sin offerings obsolete and establishing a new and living way to approach God (as promised in [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ's Blood")). Now, believers are invited to approach God not through animal blood, but through the precious, cleansing blood of Christ, offering themselves as "living sacrifices" in response to His finished work (as exhorted in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")).

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

Isaiah 66:2

For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Psalms 51:17

The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Leviticus 3:9

And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat thereof, [and] the whole rump, it shall he take off hard by the backbone; and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,

Leviticus 3:11

And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: [it is] the food of the offering made by fire unto the LORD.

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.

Isaiah 53:10

¶ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.