Leviticus 9:14

And he did wash the inwards and the legs, and burnt [them] upon the burnt offering on the altar.

And he did wash ^{H7364} the inwards ^{H7130} and the legs ^{H3767}, and burnt ^{H6999} them upon the burnt offering ^{H5930} on the altar ^{H4196}.

He washed the inner organs and the lower parts of the legs and made them go up in smoke on top of the burnt offering on the altar.

He washed the entrails and the legs and burned them atop the burnt offering on the altar.

And he washed the inwards and the legs, and burnt them upon the burnt-offering on the altar.

Commentary

Leviticus 9:14 details a specific step in the preparation of the burnt offering, emphasizing the meticulousness required for proper worship and sacrifice in ancient Israel. This verse highlights the washing of the animal's internal organs and legs before they were burned upon the altar, a crucial part of the priestly duties.

Context

This verse is situated within the narrative of the eighth day, marking the culmination of the seven-day consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests (Leviticus 8). On this day, they began their official duties by offering the first sacrifices for themselves and for the people of Israel. The burnt offering (Hebrew: ‘olah) was one of the primary sacrifices, signifying atonement and complete dedication to God. The detailed instructions for preparing the offering, including the washing of specific parts, underscored the divine demand for purity, order, and obedience in all aspects of Tabernacle worship under the Mosaic Covenant.

Key Themes

Purity and Holiness: The washing of the animal's inwards and legs symbolized the absolute necessity of ritual purity and thoroughness in approaching a holy God. It ensured the offering was undefiled and acceptable.
Thoroughness of Sacrifice: This precise instruction, along with other detailed commands, emphasized that worship and dedication to God should be complete and without reservation. Every part of the offering, prepared according to God’s commands, was essential.
Obedience to Divine Instruction: Aaron and his sons meticulously followed God's precise commands, underscoring the paramount importance of obedience in worship. God dictated how He was to be approached, leaving no room for human innovation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "burnt offering" is ‘olah (עֹלָה), which literally means "that which ascends" or "goes up." This refers to the smoke and aroma of the sacrifice ascending to God, signifying its acceptance. The complete consumption of the animal by fire (except for the skin, which typically went to the priest) symbolized a total dedication and surrender to God, with nothing remaining for human consumption.

Significance and Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles embedded in these rituals hold timeless lessons:

Call to Inner Purity: The washing of the offering serves as a powerful symbol for the need for inner cleansing and a pure heart when we come before God. Spiritually, this points to the cleansing power of Christ's blood, which purifies our consciences from dead works, enabling us to serve the living God.
Wholehearted Devotion: The complete offering of the animal encourages believers to offer their entire lives—body, mind, and spirit—as a "living sacrifice" to God (Romans 12:1). Our worship and service should be comprehensive and undivided.
Foreshadowing Christ's Perfection: Ultimately, these animal sacrifices pointed forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His offering on the cross was complete, pure, and utterly sufficient, fulfilling all the requirements of the Law and providing perfect and eternal atonement for sins, rendering further animal sacrifices unnecessary.

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Cross-References

Leviticus 8:21

And he washed the inwards and the legs in water; and Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar: it [was] a burnt sacrifice for a sweet savour, [and] an offering made by fire unto the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.