Leviticus 9:21

And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved [for] a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded.

And the breasts {H2373} and the right {H3225} shoulder {H7785} Aaron {H175} waved {H5130} for a wave offering {H8573} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}; as Moses {H4872} commanded {H6680}.

The breasts and right thigh Aharon waved as a wave offering before ADONAI, as Moshe had ordered.

but he waved the breasts and the right thigh as a wave offering before the LORD, as Moses had commanded.

and the breasts and the right thigh Aaron waved for a wave-offering before Jehovah; as Moses commanded.

Commentary

Leviticus 9:21 describes a specific action performed by Aaron, the newly consecrated high priest, during the inaugural ceremonies of the tabernacle worship. This verse highlights the precise execution of divine commands concerning the sacrificial system.

Context

This verse is part of Leviticus chapter 9, which details the eighth day of the consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood. After seven days of purification and consecration, this day marked their official commencement of priestly duties. Aaron, guided by Moses, offered various sacrifices—a sin offering, a burnt offering, and a peace offering—on behalf of himself and the people. The "wave offering" was a distinct ritual gesture performed with specific parts of the animal, symbolizing their presentation to God and then their return for the priests' sustenance.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to Divine Command: The phrase "as Moses commanded" underscores the crucial theme of strict adherence to God's instructions in worship. This obedience was paramount for the efficacy and acceptance of the sacrifices, emphasizing that true worship follows God's prescribed ways.
  • Priestly Duty and Provision: The breasts and the right shoulder were specific portions of the peace offering designated for the priests. The waving ritual symbolized presenting these portions to God, who then "gave them back" to Aaron and his sons as their rightful share, highlighting God's provision for those who serve Him. This is further detailed in Leviticus 7:30-34.
  • Ritual Precision in Worship: The meticulous details concerning the types of offerings, the specific animal parts, and the actions performed (like waving) demonstrate the importance of ritual precision in Israelite worship. Every element had symbolic significance, pointing to the holy nature of God and the need for a specific approach to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The term "wave offering" translates the Hebrew word tenuphah (תְּנוּפָה), which literally means "a waving" or "a swaying." This action involved the priest moving the offering back and forth before the LORD. Theologically, it symbolized the offering being presented to God as His property and then, in a sense, being returned by Him to the priests as their portion, signifying their right to partake of the sacrificial meal as God's representatives.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles behind this verse remain relevant. It teaches us about the importance of:

  • Faithful Obedience: Just as Aaron meticulously followed God's commands, believers are called to obey God's Word in their lives and worship.
  • God's Provision: The practice of setting aside portions for the priests reminds us that God provides for those who faithfully serve Him, whether in spiritual ministry or through their daily work.
  • Reverence in Worship: The detailed nature of the tabernacle rituals emphasizes the need for reverence and intentionality in our approach to God. Though our worship is different under the new covenant, the heart of reverence and adoration remains essential, recognizing the holiness of God and the perfection of Christ's singular sacrifice.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 7:30

    His own hands shall bring the offerings of the LORD made by fire, the fat with the breast, it shall he bring, that the breast may be waved [for] a wave offering before the LORD.

  • Leviticus 7:34

    For the wave breast and the heave shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons by a statute for ever from among the children of Israel.

  • Exodus 29:24

    And thou shalt put all in the hands of Aaron, and in the hands of his sons; and shalt wave them [for] a wave offering before the LORD.

  • Luke 2:13

    And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

  • Leviticus 7:24

    And the fat of the beast that dieth of itself, and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may be used in any other use: but ye shall in no wise eat of it.

  • Leviticus 7:26

    Moreover ye shall eat no manner of blood, [whether it be] of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings.

  • Exodus 29:26

    And thou shalt take the breast of the ram of Aaron's consecration, and wave it [for] a wave offering before the LORD: and it shall be thy part.
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