Leviticus 9:10

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context of Leviticus 9:10

Leviticus chapter 9 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the culmination of the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, and Aaron's first official acts as High Priest. After seven days of consecration (detailed in Leviticus chapter 8), this chapter describes the specific sacrifices offered on the eighth day, demonstrating the priestly duties and the establishment of proper worship. Leviticus 9:10 specifically details the handling of certain parts of the sin offering, a crucial element in the elaborate sacrificial system.

Meaning and Significance

The Sin Offering

The "sin offering" (Hebrew: chattat) was a vital sacrifice in the Mosaic Law, primarily designed to make atonement for unintentional sins committed by individuals or the community, and to cleanse the tabernacle from defilement. Unlike burnt offerings which were entirely consumed, elements of the sin offering were handled differently based on the offender's status and the offering's purpose.

Symbolism of the Fat and Organs

The verse specifies "the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver." These parts were considered the richest, most prized portions of the animal. Burning them completely on the altar signified a total dedication to God, representing the best of the worshiper and the deepest essence of the offering. This act was a sweet savour to the LORD, demonstrating worship and submission. The fat was often seen as the best part, symbolizing vitality and prosperity, thus offering it back to God affirmed His ultimate ownership and blessing.

Divine Command and Obedience

The concluding phrase, "as the LORD commanded Moses," is a recurring motif throughout Leviticus. It underscores the precision, authority, and divine origin of the instructions for Israel's worship and conduct. Every detail of the sacrificial system was not a human invention but a direct commandment from God, emphasizing the importance of obedience in approaching a holy God. This adherence to divine instruction was paramount for the efficacy and acceptance of the sacrifices.

Linguistic Insights

The term "caul above the liver" refers to the fatty appendage or lobe of the liver. The Hebrew word for "caul" is yoteret, which consistently denotes this specific fatty part. Its inclusion with the fat and kidneys reinforces the idea of offering the choicest, most vital, and richest parts of the animal to God, symbolizing the worshiper's complete dedication and the preciousness of the offering.

Practical Application and Theological Reflection

While the detailed animal sacrifices of the Old Testament have been fulfilled in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Leviticus 9:10 still offers profound theological insights. It highlights the importance of offering our best to God, not just leftovers or what is convenient. It teaches us about the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement, pointing forward to Christ, who became the ultimate perfect sacrifice for all sins. Furthermore, the emphasis on "as the LORD commanded Moses" reminds believers of the importance of obedience to God's revealed will in our worship and daily lives, recognizing that true worship is always in response to His divine instruction.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
← Back