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Commentary on Leviticus 9 verses 8–22
These being the first offerings that ever were offered by the levitical priesthood, according to the newly-enacted law of sacrifices, the manner of offering them is particularly related, that it might appear how exactly they agreed with the institution. 1. Aaron with his own hands slew the offering (Lev 9:8), and did the work of the inferior priests; for, great as he was, he must not think any service below him which he could do for the honour of God: and, as Moses had shown him how to do this work decently and dexterously, so he showed his sons, that they might do likewise; for this is the best way of teaching, and thus parents should instruct their children by example. Therefore as Moses before, so Aaron now offered some of each of the several sorts of sacrifices that were appointed, whose rites differed, that they might be thoroughly furnished for every good work. 2. He offered these besides the burnt-sacrifice of the morning, which was every day offered first, Lev 9:17. Note, Our accustomed devotions morning and evening, alone and in our families, must not be omitted upon any pretence whatsoever, no, not when extraordinary services are to be performed; whatever is added, these must not be diminished. 3. It is not clear whether, when it is said that he burnt such and such parts of the sacrifices upon the altar (Lev 9:10-20), the meaning is that he burnt them immediately with ordinary fire, as formerly, or that he laid them upon the altar ready to be burnt with the fire from heaven which they expected (Lev 9:24), or whether, as bishop Patrick thinks, he burnt the offerings for himself with ordinary fire, but when they were burnt out he laid the people's sacrifices upon the altar, which were kindled and consumed by the fire of the Lord. I would rather conjecture, because it is said of all these sacrifices that he burnt them (except the burnt-offering for the people, of which it is said that he offered it according to the manner, Lev 9:16, which seems to be equivalent), that he did not kindle the fire to burn them, but that then the fire from the Lord fastened upon them, put out the fire that he had kindled (as we know a greater fire puts out a less), and suddenly consumed the remainder, which the fire he had kindled would have consumed slowly. 4. When Aaron had done all that on his part was to be done about the sacrifices he lifted up his hand towards the people, and blessed them, Lev 9:22. This was one part of the priest's work, in which he was a type of Christ, who came into the world to bless us, and when he was parted from his disciples, at his ascension, lifted up his hands and blessed them, and in them his whole church, of which they were the elders and representatives, as the great high priest of our profession. Aaron lifted up his hands in blessing them, to intimate whence he desired and expected the blessing to come, even from heaven, which is God's throne. Aaron could but crave a blessing, it is God's prerogative to command it. Aaron, when he had blessed, came down; Christ, when he blessed, went up.
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SUMMARY
Leviticus 9:20 meticulously details a crucial step in the inaugural priestly service of Aaron and his sons, where the internal fat of the sacrificial animals was carefully placed upon the breasts and then ritually consumed by fire upon the altar. This precise act was fundamental to the prescribed worship, serving to symbolize the dedication of the choicest and most vital part of the offering exclusively to God, thereby affirming divine holiness and demonstrating the priests' meticulous obedience to God's commands for acceptable sacrifice, ultimately paving the way for the manifestation of God's glory and approval of their newly consecrated ministry.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Leviticus 9 marks a profound transition, moving from the detailed instructions for the consecration of Aaron and his sons in Leviticus 8 to their first official acts as consecrated priests. Having undergone purification and ordination, they now perform the prescribed sin offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings, first for themselves and then for the entire congregation. This chapter represents the culmination of the Tabernacle's construction and the establishment of its comprehensive worship system, setting the stage for the dramatic appearance of God's glory to the people, as vividly described in Leviticus 9:23-24. The precise execution of these rituals, including the specific handling of the fat and breasts in verse 20, profoundly underscores the absolute necessity of strict adherence to divine command, a principle tragically highlighted by the subsequent judgment upon Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10 for offering unauthorized fire.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israelite worship, the sacrificial system was the central means by which the covenant relationship with Yahweh was maintained and expressed. The Tabernacle, recently completed and consecrated, served as the tangible dwelling place of God among His people, and the various offerings provided the divinely ordained means for atonement, communion, and thanksgiving. The burning of the internal fat on the altar was a common and highly significant feature of many offerings, particularly the peace offering (Leviticus 3), where the internal fat was explicitly designated as the "Lord's food" (Leviticus 3:11). This practice was deeply rooted in the understanding that the fat (חֵלֶב, chelev), representing the richest, choicest, and most vital part of the animal, belonged exclusively to God and was strictly forbidden for human consumption (Leviticus 7:23-25). The "breasts" (חָזֶה, chazeh) were typically part of the wave offering, designated as a portion for the priests; however, even from this priestly share, the fat was meticulously separated and offered to God, profoundly emphasizing His supreme claim over all aspects of the sacrifice and the meticulousness required in their sacred duties.
Key Themes: Leviticus 9:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully reinforces the theme of Divine Holiness, emphasizing that God is utterly set apart and demands a corresponding holiness and purity in worship and life from His people. The dedication of the choicest fat underscores the theme of Total Consecration and Offering the Best, teaching that true worship involves giving God our utmost, not merely our leftovers. The meticulous adherence to the ritual, including the precise handling of the fat and breasts, highlights the theme of Obedience to Divine Command as foundational to acceptable worship and covenant faithfulness, a principle vividly contrasted by the subsequent disobedience in Leviticus 10. Furthermore, the act of burning the fat as a "pleasing aroma" contributes to the theme of Atonement and Acceptance, foreshadowing the means by which God would accept His people and dwell among them, ultimately finding its perfect fulfillment in the New Covenant.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Leviticus 9:20 is profoundly rich in Symbolism. The fat itself serves as a potent symbol, representing the best, the richest, and the most vital part of the animal, thereby signifying the offering of supreme value and essence to God. Its exclusive reservation for God underscores His absolute holiness and His inherent right to the choicest. The altar functions as a central symbol of divine presence, atonement, and communion, serving as the sacred nexus where human offerings meet divine acceptance and where God's consuming fire signifies His presence and approval. The act of "burning" (וַיַּקְטֵר, vayyaqṭēr) is also deeply symbolic, not merely of destruction, but of an offering ascending to God as a "pleasing aroma," signifying acceptance, the establishment of a relationship, and the removal of sin's barrier. The meticulous Ritual Precision described, down to the specific placement of the fat upon the breasts, serves as a literary device to emphasize the gravity and sanctity of the worship, highlighting that God's commands are to be followed with absolute exactness due to His holy character. This precision also foreshadows the perfect order and execution required for the ultimate, flawless sacrifice.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 9:20 powerfully communicates several enduring theological truths that transcend its ancient ritual context. It underscores the absolute holiness of God, who demands and deserves the very best from His people, signifying that true worship involves offering our utmost to God, not merely our leftovers. This act also highlights the paramount importance of meticulous obedience in worship, emphasizing that God Himself prescribes the terms of communion, and any deviation carries serious consequences. Furthermore, the concept of a "pleasing aroma" ascending to God points to the divine acceptance of the sacrifice, establishing a pattern of atonement and fellowship that would ultimately find its perfect and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Leviticus 9:20 describes an ancient ritual, its underlying principles remain profoundly relevant and transformative for believers today. The burning of the fat on the altar serves as a timeless reminder that our worship and devotion to God should be characterized by offering our "best," not just what is convenient or leftover. This "best" might manifest as our most valuable time, our unique talents, our financial resources, or the deepest affections and priorities of our hearts. It calls us to intentionality and wholeheartedness in our spiritual lives, recognizing that a holy God deserves our utmost reverence, dedication, and love. Our obedience is not a means to earn favor, but rather a joyful expression of love and gratitude for a God who has already given His best for us. Just as the fat was a "sweet savor" to the Lord, so our lives, offered in complete dedication and obedience, can become a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is our true and spiritual worship.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was the fat specifically reserved for God?
Answer: The fat (חֵלֶב, chelev) was considered the choicest, richest, and most vital part of the animal, symbolizing its very essence and vitality. By reserving it exclusively for God and strictly forbidding its human consumption (as seen in Leviticus 3:17 and Leviticus 7:23-25), God underscored His absolute holiness, His supreme claim over all creation, and His worthiness to receive the utmost from His people. It was a profound act of acknowledging divine sovereignty and demonstrating complete dedication and reverence.
What is the significance of "burning" the fat on the altar?
Answer: The act of "burning" (וַיַּקְטֵר, vayyaqṭēr) in this context is more accurately translated as "causing to ascend in smoke" or "offering by fire." It was not a destructive act but a ritual presentation to God. As the fat ascended in smoke, it was considered a "pleasing aroma" (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ, reiach niḥoach) to the Lord, signifying His acceptance of the offering and the establishment of communion with the worshiper. The altar itself was the designated, sacred place of encounter between God and humanity, where atonement was made and fellowship restored through the divinely appointed means of sacrifice.
How do the "breasts" fit into this ritual, given they were typically for the priests?
Answer: The breasts (חָזֶה, chazeh) were part of the wave offering, a specific portion designated for the priests as their sustenance from the sacrifices, particularly from the peace offering (Leviticus 7:30-31). In Leviticus 9:20, the fat was placed upon the breasts before being burnt on the altar. This specific action highlights the meticulousness of the ritual and the overarching principle that even the portions designated for the priests were subject to God's prior and supreme claim. It demonstrated that God's portion (the fat) was to be meticulously separated and offered to Him, even if it was found on or intimately connected to the part that would otherwise go to the priests, reinforcing the sanctity and exclusivity of God's share in all offerings.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 9:20, with its profound emphasis on offering the choicest "fat" as a "pleasing aroma" to God, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant, including the meticulous burning of the fat on the altar, were but shadows and types pointing to the superior reality of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice. Jesus, as the spotless John 1:29, offered Himself—the "choicest," most valuable, and only perfect offering imaginable—on the "altar" of the cross. His self-offering was not merely a ritualistic act but a perfect, willing, and complete surrender, a sacrifice of infinite worth that truly ascended to God as a "fragrant offering and sacrifice" (Ephesians 5:2). Unlike the fat of animals, which could only temporarily cover sin, Christ's precious blood cleanses completely and eternally (Hebrews 9:14). He is the fulfillment of all the Old Testament types, the perfect High Priest and the perfect Sacrifice, whose finished work (John 19:30) permanently secured access to God and made us acceptable in His sight, transforming our lives into living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) enabled by His indwelling Spirit.