Leviticus 9:8

ΒΆ Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin offering, which [was] for himself.

Aaron {H175} therefore went {H7126} unto the altar {H4196}, and slew {H7819} the calf {H5695} of the sin offering {H2403}, which was for himself.

So Aharon approached the altar and slaughtered the calf of the sin offering which was for himself.

So Aaron approached the altar and slaughtered the calf as a sin offering for himself.

So Aaron drew near unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin-offering, which was for himself.

Commentary

Leviticus 9:8 (KJV) marks a pivotal moment in the inauguration of the Israelite priesthood. This verse describes Aaron, the newly consecrated High Priest, performing his first official act of sacrifice at the altar. Specifically, he offers a sin offering for himself, as commanded by God.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is set on the eighth day of the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons, following seven days of intensive consecration described in Leviticus chapter 8. The entire process was meticulously detailed by God to Moses, establishing the sanctity and requirements of the priesthood for the Tabernacle service. Before Aaron could offer sacrifices on behalf of the people of Israel, he first had to make atonement for his own sins, emphasizing that even the most esteemed human leader was not perfect and required purification to stand before a holy God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Purity of the Priesthood: The requirement for Aaron to offer a sin offering for himself highlights a fundamental truth: no human, regardless of their position or calling, is without sin. This underscores the absolute holiness of God and the necessity for even His chosen mediators to be cleansed.
  • Necessity of Atonement: The act of slaying the calf for a sin offering demonstrates that sin has serious consequences and demands a sacrifice for reconciliation with God. The shedding of blood was central to the concept of atonement in the Old Covenant, providing a temporary covering for sin.
  • Divine Mandate: Aaron's actions were not self-initiated but in direct obedience to God's specific instructions. This emphasizes the importance of following divine commands in worship and service.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sin offering" in Hebrew is chatta't (Χ—Φ·Χ˜ΦΈΦΌΧΧͺ). This word can mean both "sin" and "sin offering." It conveys the idea that the sacrifice not only addresses sin but also purifies and cleanses. The animal symbolically bears the sin, enabling the offerer to be declared clean before God. This concept lays groundwork for understanding a greater sacrifice to come.

Practical Application

Leviticus 9:8 serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's universal need for a perfect High Priest. While Aaron, as the earthly high priest, had to repeatedly offer sacrifices for his own sins (see Hebrews 7:27), the New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the ultimate and spotless High Priest. He offered Himself as the final, perfect sacrifice for sins, once for all, and never needed to atone for His own. This verse, therefore, points us to the profound truth that salvation and access to God are found only through the perfect sacrifice of Christ, who truly takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 4:1

    ΒΆ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

  • Leviticus 4:12

    Even the whole bullock shall he carry forth without the camp unto a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn him on the wood with fire: where the ashes are poured out shall he be burnt.

  • Leviticus 4:29

    And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay the sin offering in the place of the burnt offering.

  • Leviticus 1:4

    And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.

  • Leviticus 1:5

    And he shall kill the bullock before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the blood round about upon the altar that [is by] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
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