Leviticus 17:6

And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of the LORD [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and burn the fat for a sweet savour unto the LORD.

And the priest {H3548} shall sprinkle {H2236} the blood {H1818} upon the altar {H4196} of the LORD {H3068} at the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, and burn {H6999} the fat {H2459} for a sweet {H5207} savour {H7381} unto the LORD {H3068}.

The cohen will splash the blood against the altar of ADONAI at the entrance to the tent of meeting and make the fat go up in smoke as a pleasing aroma for ADONAI.

The priest will then sprinkle the blood on the altar of the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and burn the fat as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar of Jehovah at the door of the tent of meeting, and burn the fat for a sweet savor unto Jehovah.

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 17:6

Leviticus chapter 17 lays down crucial regulations concerning the proper place and manner of offering sacrifices to the LORD. Up to this point, various types of offerings (burnt offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, etc.) had been detailed. Chapter 17 focuses on the sanctity of blood and the centralization of all animal sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. This strict command was given to prevent the Israelites from engaging in unauthorized worship or adopting the pagan practices of the surrounding nations, ensuring all worship was directed to the one true God according to His prescribed law. Verse 6 specifically describes the ritualistic actions performed by the priest with the offering.

Key Themes in Leviticus 17:6

  • The Significance of Blood and Atonement: The act of the priest sprinkling the blood upon the altar was the most critical part of the sacrificial ritual. Blood represented life, and its application to the altar symbolized the offering of a life for the purpose of atonement, or covering, for sin. As Leviticus 17:11 declares, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls." This underscores the foundational principle that without the shedding of blood, there can be no remission of sins.
  • Acceptable Worship and Devotion: Burning the fat for a "sweet savour" signified that the offering was pleasing and acceptable to the LORD. The fat was considered the richest and best part of the animal, symbolizing the worshipper's commitment to giving God their choicest and most valued possession. This act demonstrated devotion, reverence, and a desire to be in right relationship with God.
  • The Indispensable Role of the Priesthood: This verse highlights the essential function of the Aaronic priesthood. The priest was the designated mediator, performing the precise and sacred rituals necessary for the people to approach a holy God and for their sins to be atoned for.
  • Foreshadowing of Christ's Sacrifice: The Old Testament animal sacrifices, with their emphasis on blood and being a "sweet savour," powerfully prefigured the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross was the once-for-all atonement, a "sweet-smelling savour" to God, which truly removes the sin of the world and provides eternal redemption.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sweet savour" in the KJV translates the Hebrew term reah nihoah (ืจึตื™ื—ึท ื ึดื™ื—ึนื—ึท). This literally means "a soothing aroma" or "a restful scent." It is used repeatedly in the Old Testament to describe sacrifices that were acceptable and pleasing to God, indicating His approval and the restoration of fellowship between Him and the worshipper. It signifies that the offering was not merely a ritualistic act but one that brought satisfaction and delight to the divine, symbolizing a harmonious relationship.

Practical Application

While the ceremonial laws of animal sacrifice are no longer practiced by believers today due to Christ's finished work, Leviticus 17:6 offers timeless spiritual lessons:

  • Grasping Atonement's Depth: This verse deepens our understanding of the profound cost of sin and the immense grace of God. It helps us appreciate that forgiveness requires a substitutionary sacrifice, leading us to a greater reverence for the shedding of Christ's blood as the perfect and final atonement for all humanity.
  • Offering Our Best: The principle of burning the "fat for a sweet savour" encourages us to offer our absolute best to God in all areas of our lives. Our worship, service, talents, and resources should be given wholeheartedly, demonstrating true love and devotion rather than merely going through the motions.
  • Reverence and Obedience: The meticulous instructions for the Levitical sacrifices underscore God's holiness and the importance of approaching Him with reverence and according to His revealed will. True worship is not about our preferences but about humbly obeying God's commands.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 18:17 (4 votes)

    But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou shalt not redeem; they [are] holy: thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat [for] an offering made by fire, for a sweet savour unto the LORD.

  • Leviticus 3:2 (3 votes)

    And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.

  • Leviticus 3:13 (2 votes)

    And he shall lay his hand upon the head of it, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle the blood thereof upon the altar round about.

  • Leviticus 4:31 (2 votes)

    And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn [it] upon the altar for a sweet savour unto the LORD; and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him.

  • Leviticus 3:11 (2 votes)

    And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: [it is] the food of the offering made by fire unto the LORD.

  • Leviticus 3:16 (2 votes)

    And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: [it is] the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat [is] the LORD'S.

  • Exodus 29:13 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul [that is] above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that [is] upon them, and burn [them] upon the altar.