Leviticus 9:4

Also a bullock and a ram for peace offerings, to sacrifice before the LORD; and a meat offering mingled with oil: for to day the LORD will appear unto you.

Also a bullock {H7794} and a ram {H352} for peace offerings {H8002}, to sacrifice {H2076} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}; and a meat offering {H4503} mingled {H1101} with oil {H8081}: for to day {H3117} the LORD {H3068} will appear {H7200} unto you.

and an ox and a ram for peace offerings, to sacrifice before ADONAI; also a grain offering mixed with olive oil -because today ADONAI is going to appear to you.'"

an ox and a ram for a peace offering to sacrifice before the LORD, and a grain offering mixed with oil. For today the LORD will appear to you.’”

and an ox and a ram for peace-offerings, to sacrifice before Jehovah; and a meal-offering mingled with oil: for to-day Jehovah appeareth unto you.

Commentary

Leviticus 9:4 details specific offerings required on the momentous eighth day of Aaron’s ordination, a day when the Tabernacle service was to officially commence. This verse emphasizes the preparation necessary for the congregation to experience the divine presence, promising that "the LORD will appear unto you."

Context

This verse is part of the narrative describing the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, as commanded by God. Following a week of rigorous purification and instruction (detailed in Leviticus 8), day eight marks the official inauguration of the sacrificial system at the Tabernacle. Aaron, having offered sacrifices for himself, now prepares to offer sacrifices for the people, laying the groundwork for their collective worship and fellowship with God. The instructions for these offerings come directly from Moses, emphasizing divine authority.

Key Themes

  • Worship and Sacrifice: The verse highlights the central role of various offerings—a bullock and a ram for peace offerings, and a meat offering—as the prescribed means for Israel to approach God. These acts of sacrifice were not merely rituals but expressions of obedience, atonement, and thanksgiving.
  • Divine Presence: The ultimate promise, "for to day the LORD will appear unto you," underscores God’s desire to manifest His glory and presence among His people when they obey His commands. This appearance signifies divine approval and acceptance of their worship.
  • Reconciliation and Fellowship: The mention of "peace offerings" (Hebrew: shelamim) is significant. These offerings were voluntary, symbolizing fellowship and wholeness (shalom) between God and His people, as well as among the worshippers.

Linguistic Insights

The term "peace offerings" (Hebrew: shelamim) is derived from the root shalom, meaning "peace," "completeness," or "well-being." Unlike sin or burnt offerings, which focused on atonement, peace offerings often celebrated restored relationship and fellowship, with a portion eaten by the offerer and priests, symbolizing communion. The "meat offering" (Hebrew: minchah), more accurately translated as "grain offering" or "tribute offering," was a non-bloody sacrifice typically made of flour, oil, and frankincense. It symbolized dedication, thanksgiving, and the dedication of one's produce to God, as seen in Leviticus 2.

Significance and Application

Leviticus 9:4 teaches timeless principles about approaching God. Just as ancient Israel required specific, prescribed offerings to draw near to God and experience His presence, so too do believers today approach God through the perfect sacrifice. While the Old Testament sacrificial system pointed forward, the New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ is the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, fulfilling all the requirements of the Law. Through Him, we have peace with God and access to His presence (Romans 5:1). The promise that "the LORD will appear unto you" reminds us that God desires to be present with His people. For us, this presence is experienced through the Holy Spirit and in corporate worship, awaiting the ultimate manifestation of His glory at Christ's return and the new creation.

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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

  • Exodus 29:43

    And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and [the tabernacle] shall be sanctified by my glory.

  • Leviticus 9:23

    ¶ And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.

  • Leviticus 9:6

    And Moses said, This [is] the thing which the LORD commanded that ye should do: and the glory of the LORD shall appear unto you.

  • Ezekiel 43:2

    And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice [was] like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.

  • Numbers 16:19

    And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation.

  • 1 Kings 8:10

    And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy [place], that the cloud filled the house of the LORD,

  • 1 Kings 8:12

    ¶ Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.
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