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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 9:8–22.
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 9:8 records a pivotal moment in the inauguration of the Aaronic priesthood: Aaron, having been consecrated as High Priest, performs his very first official act of worship by offering a sin offering for himself. This crucial step profoundly underscores the universal human need for atonement, even for those divinely chosen to mediate between God and humanity, thereby establishing the absolute holiness of God and the necessary purification required to approach Him.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated on the climactic "eighth day" of Aaron and his sons' week-long ordination ceremony, meticulously detailed in Leviticus 8. Following seven days of strict adherence to divine commands for consecration, purification, and instruction, the eighth day marks the public inauguration of the Tabernacle service and the formal commencement of the priesthood's duties. Leviticus 9 outlines the specific sacrifices Aaron and his sons were to offer, first for themselves, and then for the people, before the glory of the Lord would appear. This sequence emphasizes that personal purification precedes public service and that even the highest human mediator must first be cleansed to stand before a holy God. The immediate preceding verses detail Moses' instructions to Aaron regarding these initial offerings.
Historical & Cultural Context
The ancient Near East featured various forms of priesthood, but Israel's priesthood, established by divine mandate, was unique in its rigorous requirements for holiness and purity. The act of offering a "sin offering" (Hebrew: chatta't) was central to Israelite worship, signifying atonement for unintentional sins and ritual impurities. The requirement for Aaron, the newly appointed High Priest, to offer a sacrifice for his own sins before he could intercede for the people was a profound theological statement. It highlighted that no human, regardless of their esteemed position, was inherently pure enough to stand before a perfectly holy God without a divinely prescribed means of cleansing. This cultural practice of sacrifice, particularly for sin, was deeply ingrained in the Israelite understanding of reconciliation and access to God, setting the stage for a covenant relationship predicated on divine grace and human obedience. The Tabernacle, having just been erected and consecrated, served as the physical locus for these sacred interactions, embodying God's presence among His people.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the holiness of God and the necessity of atonement for human beings to approach Him. The requirement for Aaron to offer a personal sin offering underscores the pervasive nature of sin and the imperfection of human mediators under the Old Covenant. It highlights the theme of purification and consecration as foundational to divine service, demonstrating that ritual purity is a prerequisite for fellowship with God. Furthermore, it foreshadows the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, pointing to the need for a High Priest who would not require atonement for Himself, a theme more fully developed in the New Testament, particularly in Hebrews. The entire ritual serves to establish the divine order of worship and the specific roles within the newly inaugurated priestly system.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This refers to Aaron, the brother of Moses, who was divinely chosen and consecrated as the first High Priest of Israel. His personal involvement in this sacrifice underscores that even the highest spiritual leader is a human being subject to sin and in need of atonement, setting a precedent for the imperfection of the Old Covenant priesthood.
This verb signifies "to approach" or "to draw near." In a cultic context, it implies a deliberate, ritualistic movement towards the sacred. Aaron's "going unto the altar" is not merely physical locomotion but a solemn act of drawing near to God in His prescribed manner, marking his formal assumption of priestly duties and his initial act of mediation.
Derived from a root meaning "to slaughter," the altar was the central place of sacrifice and communion with God in the Tabernacle. It was where offerings were presented, blood was applied, and atonement was made. Aaron's approach to the altar signifies his engagement with the very heart of Israelite worship and the mechanism for reconciliation.
This primitive root means "to slaughter," often specifically in the context of sacrifice. It denotes the act of taking the life of the sacrificial animal, an essential component of the atonement process. The act of slaying highlights the gravity of sin and the costly nature of its remedy, as life (blood) is given for life.
This term, derived from the word for "sin," refers to a specific type of sacrifice designed to purify from sin and ritual impurity. It addresses unintentional sins and defilements, restoring the offerer to a state of ritual cleanness and fellowship with God. The chatta'ah was crucial for maintaining the holiness of the Tabernacle and the people in the presence of a holy God.
This refers to a young bull, a significant and valuable animal often prescribed for offerings made by the high priest or the entire community. Its use underscores the gravity of the sin being atoned for and the substantial cost involved in seeking purification and reconciliation with God.
Verse Breakdown
"Aaron therefore went unto the altar"
This phrase marks Aaron's obedient and public commencement of his priestly duties. Having been consecrated, he now actively steps into his role, approaching the divinely ordained place of sacrifice. This movement signifies his readiness to mediate between God and humanity, but first, he must address his own spiritual standing.
"and slew the calf of the sin offering"
This describes the core action of the sacrifice. Aaron, as the newly appointed High Priest, personally performs the act of slaughtering the designated animal. The "calf" (a young bull) was a substantial and costly offering, indicating the seriousness of the sin being addressed. The act of slaying, particularly the shedding of blood, was essential for atonement, as it represented the life given as a substitute for the life of the sinner.
"which [was] for himself"
This crucial clause highlights the personal nature of this initial sin offering. It explicitly states that this sacrifice was not for the people of Israel, but specifically for Aaron, the High Priest. This underscores a fundamental principle of the Old Covenant priesthood: even the one chosen to represent the people before God was himself a sinful human being in need of atonement. He could not mediate for others until he had first been ritually cleansed and made right with God, emphasizing the absolute holiness of God and the inherent imperfection of human mediators.
Literary Devices
The verse employs Narrative Simplicity and direct reporting, characteristic of legal and ritual texts in Leviticus. The unadorned description of Aaron's actions ("went," "slew") emphasizes the obedience to divine command and the ritualistic precision of the event, allowing the profound theological significance of the act to stand out without embellishment. Furthermore, Symbolism is paramount throughout. The altar symbolizes the consecrated space of divine encounter and atonement. The calf represents the innocent substitute, bearing the consequences of sin. The entire sin offering ritual itself is a powerful symbol of the need for purification and the temporary covering of sin through the shedding of blood, pointing forward to a greater, ultimate sacrifice. The very act of the High Priest offering for himself is also a form of foreshadowing, hinting at the need for a perfect High Priest who would not require such an offering.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 9:8 profoundly illustrates humanity's universal need for atonement and the absolute holiness of God. Even the divinely appointed High Priest, Aaron, was not exempt from the stain of sin, necessitating a personal sacrifice before he could mediate for others. This act underscores the temporary and incomplete nature of the Old Covenant sacrifices, which had to be repeatedly offered, even for the priests themselves. It highlights the principle that access to a holy God requires purification and that sin carries a consequence that demands a costly remedy. The High Priest's personal atonement was a prerequisite for his public service, emphasizing that no one can stand before God on their own merit.
Reflection and Application
The scene of Aaron offering a sin offering for himself serves as a humbling and powerful reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and the unblemished holiness of God. It compels us to acknowledge that no human being, regardless of their piety, position, or good works, is inherently righteous enough to stand before a holy God. Our own "works" or "merit" are insufficient to bridge the chasm created by sin. This verse should drive us to a profound sense of our own need for divine grace and a perfect mediator. It challenges us to consider what sacrifices we are willing to make to address the sin in our lives and to seek true reconciliation with God. It also invites us to appreciate the immense privilege of having a High Priest who never needed to offer a sacrifice for Himself, but freely offered Himself for us, providing a complete and eternal atonement that the Old Covenant sacrifices could only foreshadow. This should lead us to a deeper gratitude for the finished work of Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was it necessary for Aaron to offer a sin offering for himself?
It was necessary for Aaron to offer a sin offering for himself because, despite his divine appointment and consecration as High Priest, he was still a human being, inherently sinful and imperfect. The Law of Moses, and particularly the sacrificial system, emphasized God's absolute holiness and the pervasive nature of sin. Before Aaron could serve as a mediator between a holy God and a sinful people, he himself had to be ritually purified and atoned for. This act underscored that no human, regardless of their office, could approach God on their own merit, thus highlighting the need for divine provision for sin. This requirement also served to foreshadow the unique perfection of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who would have no need to offer a sacrifice for His own sins, as He was without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
What is the significance of the "calf" in this offering?
The "calf" (a young bull) was a significant and costly animal, often prescribed for sin offerings made by the high priest or for the entire community of Israel (Leviticus 4:3 and Leviticus 4:14). The use of such a valuable animal underscored the gravity of the sin being atoned for and the seriousness of approaching a holy God. It represented a substantial sacrifice, emphasizing that reconciliation with God was not trivial or cheap, but required a costly substitute. The calf, as an innocent animal, symbolically bore the defilement and consequences of the sin, allowing for the purification of the offerer. The shedding of its blood was central to the atonement process, as the life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11).
How does this sin offering differ from other sacrifices in Leviticus?
The sin offering (chatta't) was primarily focused on purification from sin and ritual impurity, restoring the offerer to a state of cleanness and fellowship with God. It covered unintentional sins and defilements. This differs from other major sacrifices:
While all sacrifices had an atoning aspect, the sin offering uniquely focused on cleansing from the defilement of sin, making it possible for the offerer to re-enter God's presence and for the Tabernacle to remain holy in the midst of a sinful people.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 9:8, with Aaron offering a sin offering for himself, serves as a profound Old Testament shadow pointing to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. Aaron's repeated need to atone for his own sins (Hebrews 7:27) highlights the inherent imperfection and temporary nature of the Aaronic priesthood. These earthly priests "had to offer sacrifices daily, first for their own sins and then for those of the people" (Hebrews 7:27). In stark contrast, Jesus, our great High Priest, was "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" (Hebrews 7:26). He had no sin of His own for which to atone, making His sacrifice uniquely perfect and sufficient. When Jesus offered Himself "once for all" on the cross, He entered "the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption" (Hebrews 9:12). He became the perfect and final "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). Unlike the calves and goats whose blood could only provide a temporary covering, Christ's blood cleanses us from all sin, purifying our conscience from dead works to serve the living God (Hebrews 9:14), granting eternal redemption and direct access to God's presence (Hebrews 10:19-22). Thus, Aaron's act, while divinely ordained, ultimately underscores the necessity and glory of Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, which truly reconciles humanity to God.