1 Chronicles 6:49

But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of the burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, [and were appointed] for all the work of the [place] most holy, and to make an atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

But Aaron {H175} and his sons {H1121} offered {H6999} upon the altar {H4196} of the burnt offering {H5930}, and on the altar {H4196} of incense {H7004}, and were appointed for all the work {H4399} of the place most {H6944} holy {H6944}, and to make an atonement {H3722} for Israel {H3478}, according to all that Moses {H4872} the servant {H5650} of God {H430} had commanded {H6680}.

But Aharon and his sons were the ones who offered on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense for all the service of the Especially Holy Place and to make atonement for Isra'el, in keeping with all that Moshe the servant of God had ordered to be done.

But Aaron and his sons did all the work of the Most Holy Place. They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of burnt-offering, and upon the altar of incense, for all the work of the most holy place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:49 provides a concise yet profound summary of the sacred duties and unique role of the Aaronic priesthood within ancient Israel. This verse highlights the core responsibilities of Aaron and his descendants, distinguishing their divine appointment from other Levitical services mentioned elsewhere in the chapter.

Context

Chapter 6 of 1 Chronicles meticulously traces the lineage of Levi, focusing on the various branches and their assigned roles in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. While other Levites were responsible for music, guarding, or carrying sacred objects, verse 49 explicitly sets apart the sons of Aaron for the most holy functions. This affirmation was crucial for the post-exilic community, reminding them of the divinely ordained structure of worship and the centrality of the priesthood in maintaining their covenant relationship with God. The chronicler emphasizes the continuity and legitimacy of these priestly functions, tracing them back to God's original commands given through Moses.

Key Themes

  • Divine Ordination of the Priesthood: The verse underscores that Aaron and his sons were not self-appointed but "appointed for all the work" by God Himself, through Moses' commands. This highlights the sacredness and authority of their office.
  • Sacrifice and Atonement: Their primary function was to "make an atonement for Israel." This involved offering sacrifices on the altar of burnt offering for sin and fellowship, and burning incense on the altar of incense, symbolizing the prayers and devotion of the people. The ultimate act of atonement was performed by the High Priest in the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).
  • Obedience to God's Law: The phrase "according to all that Moses the servant of God commanded" emphasizes the strict adherence required for these sacred duties. Any deviation could lead to severe consequences, reinforcing the importance of following God's prescribed ways for worship.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "atonement" is kaphar (ื›ึธึผืคึทืจ), which fundamentally means "to cover," "to purge," or "to make reconciliation." In the Old Testament sacrificial system, this act of atonement was crucial for bridging the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, symbolically cleansing the people from their iniquities and restoring fellowship.

Practical Application and Significance

While the Aaronic priesthood and its sacrificial system have passed away, their significance endures through their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This verse points forward to the ultimate and perfect high priest, Jesus, who offered himself as the perfect sacrifice once for all, making eternal atonement for our sins. His work in the "most holy place" of heaven (Hebrews 9:24) supersedes all earthly rituals, providing direct access to God. Understanding the Old Testament priesthood helps us appreciate the profound depth and completeness of Christ's work as our eternal High Priest.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 4:20 (6 votes)

    And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering, so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them.

  • Exodus 27:1 (4 votes)

    ยถ And thou shalt make an altar [of] shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof [shall be] three cubits.

  • Exodus 27:8 (4 votes)

    Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make [it].

  • Exodus 30:10 (4 votes)

    And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it [is] most holy unto the LORD.

  • Exodus 30:16 (4 votes)

    And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.

  • Exodus 30:1 (4 votes)

    ยถ And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: [of] shittim wood shalt thou make it.

  • Exodus 30:7 (4 votes)

    And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.