Leviticus 9:9

KJV

And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him: and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Aaron {H175} brought {H7126} the blood {H1818} unto him: and he dipped {H2881} his finger {H676} in the blood {H1818}, and put {H5414} it upon the horns {H7161} of the altar {H4196}, and poured {H3332} out the blood {H1818} at the bottom {H3247} of the altar {H4196}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Aharon presented the blood to him; and he dipped his finger in the blood and put it on the horns of the altar; then he poured out the blood at the base of the altar.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Aaron brought the blood to him, and he dipped his finger in the blood and applied it to the horns of the altar. And he poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Aaron presented the blood unto him; and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the base of the altar:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 9:9 describes a crucial moment in the inaugural sin offering performed by Aaron for the people of Israel, following his ordination as high priest. This verse details the meticulous application of the sacrificial blood: Aaron's sons present the blood, Aaron dips his finger into it and applies it to the horns of the altar, and then pours the remaining blood at the altar's base. This precise ritual underscores the indispensable role of blood in atonement, the sanctity of God's presence, and the purification required for the tabernacle worship to commence effectively.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 9 marks the culmination of the eight-day ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons, detailed in [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Ordination of Aaron and His Sons"). Having been consecrated and having offered sacrifices for himself (Leviticus 9:6-7), Aaron now performs the prescribed offerings for the entire congregation of Israel. The immediate verses preceding Leviticus 9:9 describe the bringing of the various sacrifices for the people, including the sin offering (Leviticus 9:8), which is the focus of this verse. The subsequent verses (Leviticus 9:10-24) detail the burning of the sin offering, followed by the burnt offering and peace offerings, culminating in the dramatic appearance of the glory of the Lord and the consumption of the sacrifices by fire from heaven, signifying divine acceptance of the newly established priestly ministry and tabernacle worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This event takes place in the wilderness, shortly after the construction of the Tabernacle, which served as the portable dwelling place of God among His people. The establishment of the priesthood and the sacrificial system was foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. In the ancient Near East, various cultures practiced sacrifice, but Israel's system was unique in its divine origin, its emphasis on atonement for sin, and its meticulous prescriptions for purity and holiness. The altar of burnt offering, described in [Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27 "Exodus 27 - The Altar of Burnt Offering"), was the central piece of furniture in the Tabernacle courtyard, symbolizing the point of contact between a holy God and sinful humanity. Its "horns" were prominent projections, often associated with strength, power, and refuge, making them the most sacred part for the application of atoning blood. The entire ritual was designed to impress upon the Israelites the absolute holiness of God and the seriousness of sin, while simultaneously providing a divinely ordained means for reconciliation and the maintenance of God's presence among them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dam_):** In the Old Testament, blood is intrinsically linked to life, as explicitly stated in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood"). Its application in sacrificial rituals signifies the offering of a life for atonement. Here, the blood of the sin offering represents the life given to cover the sins of the people, purifying the altar and making reconciliation possible between a holy God and an unholy people.
* **Horns (Hebrew, _qeren_):** The horns of the altar were not merely decorative but highly symbolic. They represented strength, power, and refuge (cf. [Psalm 18:2](/psalm/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - God My Horn of Salvation")). In sacrificial rituals, applying blood to the horns was the most significant act of purification and consecration for the altar itself, ensuring its fitness for sacred service and its efficacy in mediating atonement. It was a focal point for the transfer of impurity and the application of cleansing.
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbeach_):** Derived from a root meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice," the altar was the designated place where offerings were made to God. It served as the primary locus of atonement and communion, mediating between the divine and human realms. The actions described in Leviticus 9:9—applying blood to its horns and pouring blood at its base—underscore the altar's role as the consecrated instrument through which sin was addressed and God's presence was maintained.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him":** This clause highlights the collaborative nature of the priestly service. While Aaron, as the high priest, performs the central ritual, his sons are actively involved, demonstrating their role in assisting and participating in the sacred duties. It also signifies the orderly transfer of the sacrificial elements to the designated officiant.
* **"and he dipped his finger in the blood":** This action emphasizes the precision and ritualistic care required in handling the sacred blood. It is not a casual act but a deliberate, controlled gesture, underscoring the holiness of the offering and the seriousness of approaching God. The finger is a direct instrument, indicating personal involvement and meticulous adherence to divine instruction.
* **"and put [it] upon the horns of the altar":** This is the climactic act of atonement and purification for the altar. By applying the blood to the horns, the most sacred and potent part of the altar, the altar itself is consecrated and cleansed from any defilement, making it a fit place for God's presence to dwell and for the people's offerings to be accepted. This act symbolically purifies the entire sacrificial system.
* **"and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar":** This final action signifies the complete disposal of the remaining blood. The blood, representing life, is returned to the earth, or to God, in a manner that prevents its misuse or defilement. It completes the ritualistic act, ensuring that the life-force offered for atonement is fully utilized and properly handled according to divine command, emphasizing the totality and finality of the sacrificial act.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 9:9 prominently employs **Ritualism** and **Prescription**, detailing precise, step-by-step actions that underscore the divine origin and sacredness of the sacrificial system. The meticulous instructions for handling the blood highlight the importance of order and obedience in worship. **Symbolism** is pervasive, with the "blood" representing life and atonement, and the "horns of the altar" symbolizing strength, refuge, and the focal point of divine cleansing. The repeated mention of "blood" throughout the verse serves as **Repetition**, emphasizing its centrality and indispensable role in the purification process. Furthermore, the "horns of the altar" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where a part (the horns) stands for the whole (the altar's power and sacred function in atonement).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 9:9 profoundly illustrates several core theological truths of the Old Covenant. It highlights the absolute holiness of God, demonstrating that His presence among a sinful people necessitates a divinely appointed means of atonement and purification. The centrality of blood underscores the principle that "without shedding of blood is no remission" (as echoed in [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood")), establishing a foundational understanding of substitutionary atonement—a life given for a life. The meticulous ritual demonstrates God's demand for precision and reverence in worship, reflecting His perfect character. Ultimately, this verse, like the entire sacrificial system, points forward to a greater, more perfect sacrifice.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood")
* [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Propitiation by His Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 9:9, though describing an ancient ritual, offers timeless spiritual truths for believers today. It powerfully reminds us of the profound holiness of God and the gravity of sin, which necessitated such a meticulous and costly system of atonement. The precision of the ritual teaches us that our approach to God should never be flippant or casual, but marked by reverence, humility, and a deep appreciation for His provision. Understanding the Old Testament emphasis on the centrality of blood for purification helps us to grasp the immense value and efficacy of Christ's sacrifice. It compels us to reflect on the immense cost of our redemption and to live lives that honor the One who made the ultimate atonement. This verse invites us to marvel at God's unwavering commitment to dwell with His people, even in their sin, by providing a way for cleansing and reconciliation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of the ritual in Leviticus 9:9 deepen your understanding of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin?**
* **In what ways does the Old Testament emphasis on blood atonement help you appreciate the magnitude and efficacy of Christ's sacrifice?**
* **How can we approach God today with the same reverence and humility that the ancient Israelites were taught through these rituals?**

### FAQ
**Why were the horns of the altar specifically chosen for the application of blood?**

Answer: The horns of the altar were considered the most sacred and potent part of the altar, symbolizing strength, power, and refuge. Applying the blood to the horns was the most significant act of purification and consecration for the altar itself, making it fit for sacred service and ensuring its efficacy in mediating atonement. This act was crucial for cleansing the altar from any defilement, allowing God's holy presence to dwell safely among His people. The horns were also a place of refuge for those seeking asylum (cf. [1 Kings 1:50](/1_kings/1-50 "1 Kings 1:50 - Adonijah Seizes the Horns of the Altar")), further underscoring their symbolic importance as a point of contact for divine mercy and cleansing.

**What is the significance of "pouring out the blood at the bottom of the altar"?**

Answer: Pouring out the remaining blood at the bottom of the altar was a prescribed method for its disposal, signifying that the life-force contained in the blood, which had been offered for atonement, was fully returned to God. This act completed the ritualistic process, ensuring that the sacred blood was handled with utmost respect and not casually discarded or misused. It also emphasized the totality of the sacrifice, indicating that the life offered had been fully given and accepted, and the atoning work was complete for that particular offering. It was a final act of reverence and adherence to God's detailed instructions for handling the elements of sacrifice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 9:9, with its vivid depiction of blood applied to the altar's horns for atonement and purification, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The blood of bulls and goats could only cover sins temporarily and required constant repetition; however, the blood of Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), provides eternal redemption. Christ, as both the perfect sacrifice and the eternal High Priest (as seen throughout [Hebrews](/hebrews/1 "The Book of Hebrews - Christ's Superiority")), entered the true, heavenly sanctuary "not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption" ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Eternal Redemption Through Christ's Blood")). His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, the ultimate altar, cleansed not merely physical structures but our consciences from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing Our Conscience")). The meticulous application of blood in Leviticus foreshadowed the perfect efficacy of Christ's shed blood, which fully propitiates God's wrath and sanctifies us forever ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Body"), [Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Perfected Forever")). Through Him, we have been redeemed "with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" ([1_peter/1-18](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 4:6

And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary.

Leviticus 4:7

And the priest shall put [some] of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which [is] in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which [is at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Leviticus 8:15

And he slew [it]; and Moses took the blood, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it.

Leviticus 4:25

And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out his blood at the bottom of the altar of burnt offering.

Leviticus 16:18

And he shall go out unto the altar that [is] before the LORD, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar round about.

Leviticus 4:30

And the priest shall take of the blood thereof with his finger, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out all the blood thereof at the bottom of the altar.

Leviticus 4:17

And the priest shall dip his finger [in some] of the blood, and sprinkle [it] seven times before the LORD, [even] before the vail.