Leviticus 9:18

KJV

He slew also the bullock and the ram [for] a sacrifice of peace offerings, which [was] for the people: and Aaron's sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled upon the altar round about,

KJV (with Strong's)

He slew {H7819} also the bullock {H7794} and the ram {H352} for a sacrifice {H2077} of peace offerings {H8002}, which was for the people {H5971}: and Aaron's {H175} sons {H1121} presented {H4672} unto him the blood {H1818}, which he sprinkled {H2236} upon the altar {H4196} round about {H5439},

Complete Jewish Bible

He slaughtered the ox and the ram, the people's sacrifice as peace offerings; Aharon's sons brought him the blood, which he splashed against all sides of the altar,

Berean Standard Bible

Then he slaughtered the ox and the ram as the people’s peace offering. His sons brought him the blood, and he sprinkled it on all sides of the altar.

American Standard Version

He slew also the ox and the ram, the sacrifice of peace-offerings, which was for the people: and Aaron’s sons delivered unto him the blood, which he sprinkled upon the altar round about,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 9:18 captures a foundational moment in the establishment of Israel's divinely ordained worship system, detailing Aaron's performance of the peace offering on behalf of the congregation. This specific sacrifice, involving a bullock and a ram, was crucial for inaugurating the Tabernacle service and symbolizing the restored fellowship and reconciliation between God and His people, meticulously executed by Aaron and his sons through the vital act of sprinkling the blood upon the altar.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 9 serves as the climactic conclusion to the elaborate seven-day ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, meticulously detailed in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"). On the "eighth day" (the day after the consecration period), Aaron, now fully vested as High Priest, performs the inaugural sacrifices for the entire congregation of Israel. The sequence of offerings in this chapter is highly significant: a sin offering for atonement, followed by a burnt offering for complete dedication, and culminating in the peace offering, which signifies restored fellowship and communion. This progression underscores the theological truth that reconciliation with God precedes and enables a life of dedicated fellowship. The entire chapter builds toward the dramatic divine validation of Aaron's priesthood and God's acceptance of their worship, evidenced by the appearance of the glory of the Lord and fire consuming the offerings, as recorded in [Leviticus 9:23-24](/leviticus/9-23-24 "Leviticus 9:23-24 - The Glory of the Lord Appears and Consumes the Offerings").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in [Leviticus 9](/leviticus/9 "Leviticus 9 - Aaron's Inaugural Offerings") take place shortly after the construction of the Tabernacle and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. Israel, newly delivered from Egypt, is in the process of solidifying its identity as God's covenant people. The Tabernacle was the tangible representation of God's dwelling presence among them, and the sacrificial system was the divinely ordained means by which a holy God could maintain relationship with an unholy people. The inauguration of the priesthood and the sacrificial system was therefore foundational to Israel's national and religious life, establishing the patterns of worship for generations. The "peace offering" (Hebrew: _shelamim_) was unique among the sacrifices because a portion of the offering was returned to the worshipper and the priests for a communal meal, symbolizing a shared table with God and signifying a state of harmonious relationship, wholeness, and well-being (shalom). This public, inaugural display of worship, performed by the newly consecrated priests, was crucial for establishing the legitimacy of the priesthood and the divine order of worship.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 9:18 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Initiative and Provision**, showing that God Himself prescribes the means by which humanity can approach Him. The verse also highlights the **Necessity of Mediation**, with Aaron and his sons serving as the divinely appointed intermediaries between God and Israel. The **Centrality of Sacrifice** for atonement and fellowship is vividly portrayed, emphasizing that life (symbolized by blood) must be given for reconciliation. The peace offering specifically underscores the theme of **Fellowship and Communion with God**, revealing God's desire for a harmonious relationship with His people. Finally, the corporate nature of the offering "for the people" reinforces the theme of **Corporate Identity and Responsibility** within the covenant community, as the entire nation participates in and benefits from these sacred acts of worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace offerings (Hebrew, שֶׁלֶם, _shelem'_):** Derived from the root _shalom_ (שָׁלוֹם), this term signifies far more than merely the absence of conflict. _Shalom_ encompasses concepts of completeness, wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and harmony. Thus, a _shelem_ offering (often pluralized as _shelamim_) was not just about "making peace" in a transactional sense, but about celebrating and maintaining a state of wholeness and good relationship with God. It was a voluntary sacrifice, often offered in thanksgiving, for a vow, or as a freewill offering, expressing gratitude and the enjoyment of God's presence and provision, often culminating in a communal meal shared between the worshipper, the priests, and symbolically, God.
* **Slew (Hebrew, שָׁחַט, _shâchaṭ'_):** This primitive root specifically refers to the ritualistic slaughter of an animal for sacrifice. It implies a precise, prescribed action, not merely killing. In the context of the Tabernacle, it highlights the solemnity and sacredness of the act, emphasizing that the life of the animal was being poured out as an offering to God according to divine instruction. Aaron's personal involvement in this act underscores his active role as the High Priest in mediating between God and the people, performing the essential, life-taking aspect of the sacrifice.
* **Sprinkled (Hebrew, זָרַק, _zâraq'_):** This primitive root describes the act of throwing or tossing, specifically referring here to the application of blood onto the altar. Unlike merely pouring, "sprinkling" implies a deliberate, ritualistic distribution of the blood. This action was central to nearly all sacrifices, signifying the consecration of the altar, the dedication of the offering, and the activation of the blood's atoning power. The blood, symbolizing life, was presented to God as the means of purification and reconciliation, and its precise application underscored the sacredness and efficacy of the ritual.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He slew also the bullock and the ram":** This opening clause identifies Aaron, the newly consecrated High Priest, as the central figure performing the ritual. His personal involvement in the ritual slaughter of these specific animals (a bullock and a ram) underscores his active and direct participation in his mediatorial role. This act was not merely administrative oversight but a hands-on execution of the sacred rites on behalf of the people, demonstrating his acceptance and performance of his priestly duties.
* **"[for] a sacrifice of peace offerings, which [was] for the people":** This clarifies both the specific type of sacrifice and its beneficiaries. The "peace offering" (_shelamim_) was distinct in its purpose, focusing on fellowship, communion, and thanksgiving, rather than solely atonement for sin (though reconciliation was a prerequisite). The explicit phrase "for the people" emphasizes the communal nature of this offering; it was made on behalf of the entire congregation of Israel, highlighting their corporate identity and collective relationship with God.
* **"and Aaron's sons presented unto him the blood":** This detail highlights the collaborative nature of the priestly service and the orderly division of labor within the Tabernacle worship. While Aaron performed the central act of slaughter, his sons assisted him, ensuring the proper collection and handling of the blood, a vital component of the offering. This confirms the prescribed and meticulous nature of Tabernacle worship and the involvement of the entire priestly family in the sacred duties.
* **"which he sprinkled upon the altar round about":** This describes the crucial ritual action involving the blood. The blood, symbolizing life, was applied to the altar, which was the focal point of God's presence and acceptance of offerings. Sprinkling it "round about" signifies a complete consecration of the altar and the offering, ensuring that the life offered was fully dedicated to God and that the atoning power of the blood was fully activated for the purpose of reconciliation and purification, covering all aspects of the sacred space.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 9:18 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning and underscore the gravity of the inaugural Tabernacle worship. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the **bullock** and **ram** symbolizing the animals chosen for sacrifice, representing the life offered to God as a substitute. The **blood** itself is a potent symbol of life and the means of atonement, its **sprinkling** on the altar signifying purification, consecration, and the establishment of a covenant relationship. The **altar** symbolizes God's presence and the sacred place where humanity meets divinity through sacrifice. The "peace offering" itself is symbolic of **fellowship** and **reconciliation** with God, a state of wholeness and well-being (shalom). The verse also utilizes **Ritual Language**, detailing the precise actions ("slew," "presented," "sprinkled") that underscore the sacred and prescribed nature of worship, emphasizing adherence to divine command and the meticulousness required in approaching a holy God. The **Repetition** of sacrificial acts throughout Leviticus reinforces their importance and the divine order of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 9:18 profoundly illustrates the Old Testament themes of divine initiative in establishing fellowship, the necessity of mediation, and the centrality of sacrifice for reconciliation. The peace offering, in particular, highlights God's desire for a harmonious relationship with His people, a relationship restored and maintained through prescribed acts of worship. It underscores that true peace with God is not achieved by human effort alone but through a divinely appointed system that acknowledges the sanctity of life (symbolized by blood) and the need for a mediator. This act of communal worship also reinforces the corporate identity of Israel as God's chosen people, collectively entering into His presence and enjoying His blessing, setting a pattern for how a holy God could dwell among His people.

* [Leviticus 3:1-17](/leviticus/3-1-17 "Regulations for Peace Offerings")
* [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")
* [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Peace with God Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The peace offering in Leviticus 9:18, while part of an ancient sacrificial system, offers profound insights into our contemporary relationship with God. It reminds us that God desires not merely obedience, but genuine fellowship and a state of wholeness (_shalom_) with His people. Just as the Israelites brought their offerings to celebrate reconciliation and enjoy God's presence, we are invited into a perpetual state of communion with God through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Our "peace offering" today is not animal sacrifice, but a life of thanksgiving, worship, and obedience, offered in response to His perfect sacrifice. We are called to live in the reality of the peace Christ has secured for us, extending that peace to others, and continually seeking to deepen our fellowship with the One who has made us whole. This verse challenges us to consider the depth of our gratitude for the peace we have with God and how we manifest that peace in our daily lives, both individually and corporately, as we reflect His peace to a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "shalom" (wholeness, well-being) in the peace offering deepen your understanding of the peace you have with God through Christ?**
* **In what ways do you actively cultivate fellowship and communion with God in your daily life, recognizing the access granted through Christ's sacrifice?**
* **Considering the communal aspect of the peace offering, how does your personal worship contribute to the corporate peace and well-being of the body of Christ?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary purpose of the peace offering in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The peace offering (Hebrew: _shelamim_) had several primary purposes, distinct from the sin or burnt offerings. It was predominantly an offering of fellowship, communion, and thanksgiving. It symbolized a state of reconciliation and harmonious relationship with God, often culminating in a communal meal where portions of the offering were eaten by the worshipper, the priests, and symbolically by God (via the altar). It could be offered as a freewill offering, a vow offering, or a thank offering, expressing gratitude for God's blessings and the enjoyment of His presence. The regulations for this offering are detailed in [Leviticus 3](/leviticus/3 "Regulations for Peace Offerings").

**Why was the sprinkling of blood on the altar so crucial in Israelite sacrifices?**

Answer: The sprinkling of blood was a vital and recurring ritual in nearly all Israelite sacrifices because blood symbolized life itself. According to [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood"), "the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls." Therefore, applying the blood to the altar signified that a life was being given to God as a substitute for human life, serving as the divinely appointed means of atonement, purification, and consecration. It was the prescribed method for reconciling sinful humanity with a holy God, demonstrating the seriousness of sin and the cost of forgiveness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 9:18, with its depiction of the peace offering, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament peace offering pointed to the deep human longing for true fellowship and reconciliation with God, a state of _shalom_ that humanity could not fully achieve on its own. Jesus is our ultimate "peace offering," not merely bringing peace, but embodying it. As the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), He offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, establishing eternal peace between God and humanity. He is also our great [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Our Great High Priest"), who, unlike Aaron, did not need to offer sacrifices for Himself, but entered the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood, securing an eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Through His sacrifice, we no longer need animal offerings to experience fellowship; instead, we have direct and confident access to God's presence ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God through Christ")). Christ is our peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), and through Him, we are invited into a perpetual, unbroken communion with the Father, a spiritual feast of reconciliation and joy that far surpasses the temporary fellowship of the ancient peace offering.

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

Romans 5:1

¶ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Colossians 1:20

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

Ephesians 2:14

¶ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us];

Ephesians 2:17

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

Leviticus 7:11

¶ And this [is] the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the LORD.

Leviticus 7:18

And if [any] of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings be eaten at all on the third day, it shall not be accepted, neither shall it be imputed unto him that offereth it: it shall be an abomination, and the soul that eateth of it shall bear his iniquity.

Leviticus 3:1

¶ And if his oblation [be] a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer [it] of the herd; whether [it be] a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.