Leviticus 9:15

And he brought the people's offering, and took the goat, which [was] the sin offering for the people, and slew it, and offered it for sin, as the first.

And he brought {H7126} the people's {H5971} offering {H7133}, and took {H3947} the goat {H8163}, which was the sin offering {H2403} for the people {H5971}, and slew {H7819} it, and offered it for sin {H2398}, as the first {H7223}.

Then the people's offering was presented. He took the goat of the sin offering which was for the people, slaughtered it and offered it for sin, like the earlier sin offering.

Aaron then presented the people’s offering. He took the male goat for the people’s sin offering, slaughtered it, and offered it for sin like the first one.

And he presented the people’s oblation, and took the goat of the sin-offering which was for the people, and slew it, and offered it for sin, as the first.

Commentary

Leviticus 9:15 describes a crucial moment in the inaugural priestly service of Aaron. After offering sacrifices for himself and his family, Aaron proceeds to offer the prescribed sacrifices on behalf of the entire Israelite community. This verse specifically details the presentation and slaying of the goat designated as the sin offering for the people, an act essential for their atonement and purification before God.

Context

This verse is part of Leviticus chapter 9, which narrates the climactic eighth day of Aaron's ordination and consecration as High Priest. Having already performed personal sin and burnt offerings (Leviticus 9:7-14), Aaron now fulfills his primary role as mediator for the people. The "sin offering" (Hebrew: chatta't) was a vital sacrifice designed to atone for unintentional sins, cleanse ceremonial defilement, and restore a right relationship between the people and a holy God. The precise procedures observed here ensure that the Tabernacle, where God's presence was to dwell, remained sanctified and accessible.

Key Themes

  • Corporate Atonement: The offering of the goat for the people signifies that sin affects the entire community, and atonement is necessary for collective purification. This act underscores God's provision for the forgiveness of sins, both individual and communal.
  • Priestly Mediation: Aaron's role is central. He acts as the divinely appointed intermediary, performing the sacrificial rites that enable the people to draw near to God. This foreshadows the ultimate mediation of Christ as our perfect High Priest.
  • Holiness and Purity: The meticulous instructions for the sin offering highlight God's absolute holiness and the necessity of dealing with sin to maintain a pure relationship with Him. Without atonement, the people could not stand in God's presence.
  • Foreshadowing of Christ: While effective for their time, these animal sacrifices were temporary and had to be repeated. They pointed forward to the once-for-all, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood truly takes away sin forever.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sin offering" in Hebrew is chatta't (חַטָּאת). While it can mean "sin," in the context of sacrifices, it refers to the "offering for sin" or "purification offering." Its primary purpose was not just to cover sin but to purify the worshiper or the sanctuary from the defilement caused by sin, thereby allowing God's presence to remain among His people.

Practical Application

Leviticus 9:15 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths. Firstly, it emphasizes the gravity of sin and the universal need for atonement. Every person and community stands in need of God's forgiveness. Secondly, it elevates our appreciation for the definitive sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate sin offering for humanity, perfectly fulfilling all the requirements of the Old Testament law. His death on the cross provides a complete and eternal cleansing, making it possible for us to have peace with God through faith. We no longer need animal sacrifices, but we are called to acknowledge our sins and confess them to the Lord, trusting in His sufficient provision.

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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

  • Leviticus 4:27

    ¶ And if any one of the common people sin through ignorance, while he doeth [somewhat against] any of the commandments of the LORD [concerning things] which ought not to be done, and be guilty;

  • Leviticus 4:31

    And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn [it] upon the altar for a sweet savour unto the LORD; and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him.

  • Leviticus 9:3

    And unto the children of Israel thou shalt speak, saying, Take ye a kid of the goats for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, [both] of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering;

  • Hebrews 5:3

    And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.

  • Hebrews 2:17

    Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21

    For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

  • Titus 2:14

    Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
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