Leviticus 8:17

But the bullock, and his hide, his flesh, and his dung, he burnt with fire without the camp; as the LORD commanded Moses.

But the bullock {H6499}, and his hide {H5785}, his flesh {H1320}, and his dung {H6569}, he burnt {H8313} with fire {H784} without {H2351} the camp {H4264}; as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

But the bull, its hide, its flesh and its dung were taken outside the camp and burned up completely, as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

But the bull with its hide, flesh, and dung he burned outside the camp, as the LORD had commanded him.

But the bullock, and its skin, and its flesh, and its dung, he burnt with fire without the camp; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

Context

Leviticus 8 describes the solemn consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, a crucial event in Israel's history that established the formal priesthood for Tabernacle service. This elaborate ceremony, performed by Moses as commanded by God, involved various sacrifices, anointing, and purification rites. Verse 17 specifically details the disposal of the bullock used as the sin offering for Aaron's consecration, highlighting a critical aspect of the purification process necessary for those who would serve in the Lord's presence. This ritual underscores the absolute necessity of holiness and purification for divine service.

Key Themes

  • Complete Removal of Sin: The burning of the entire bullock—hide, flesh, and even dung—signified the complete and utter destruction of the sin offering. Nothing associated with the defilement of sin was allowed to remain within the holy precincts of the camp.
  • Purity and Separation: The act of burning the sin offering "without the camp" underscored the principle that sin is incompatible with God's holiness and must be entirely separated from His people and dwelling place. It was a vivid object lesson in ritual purity.
  • Obedience to Divine Command: The recurring phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of God's instructions for worship and priestly service. Precision and obedience were paramount in all aspects of the Levitical law.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "without the camp" (Hebrew: mi-ḥutz la-maḥaneh) is highly significant. In the Old Testament, anything ritually unclean, defiled by sin, or associated with serious transgression was removed and dealt with outside the camp. This physical separation symbolized a spiritual truth: sin is an impurity that must be banished from the holy community of God's people. It was a place of judgment and purification, ensuring the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the people within the camp.

Related Scriptures

The disposal of the sin offering "without the camp" finds profound theological fulfillment in the New Testament. The writer of Hebrews 13:11-13 draws a direct parallel between this Old Testament practice and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the bullock for the sin offering was taken outside the camp to be burned, so Jesus "suffered outside the gate" of Jerusalem, bearing the sins and defilement of humanity. This act highlights Christ's perfect and final atonement, which purifies us and allows us to draw near to God.

Practical Application

Leviticus 8:17, while detailing ancient priestly rituals, offers timeless truths for believers today. It reminds us of the serious nature of sin and God's absolute holiness. Just as the sin offering was completely removed and destroyed, so too has Christ's sacrifice provided a complete and decisive dealing with our sin. We are called to acknowledge the gravity of sin and embrace the cleansing power of Jesus' blood. Furthermore, it encourages us to live lives separated from the defilement of the world, seeking to be holy as God is holy, reflecting the purity that Christ's sacrifice has granted us.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 4:11 (5 votes)

    And the skin of the bullock, and all his flesh, with his head, and with his legs, and his inwards, and his dung,

  • Leviticus 4:12 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Exodus 29:14 (3 votes)

    But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it [is] a sin offering.

  • Leviticus 6:30 (2 votes)

    And no sin offering, whereof [any] of the blood is brought into the tabernacle of the congregation to reconcile [withal] in the holy [place], shall be eaten: it shall be burnt in the fire.

  • Hebrews 13:11 (2 votes)

    For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.

  • Hebrews 13:13 (2 votes)

    Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

  • Leviticus 16:27 (2 votes)

    And the bullock [for] the sin offering, and the goat [for] the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy [place], shall [one] carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung.