Leviticus 8:19

And he killed [it]; and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about.

And he killed {H7819} it; and Moses {H4872} sprinkled {H2236} the blood {H1818} upon the altar {H4196} round about {H5439}.

and after it had been slaughtered, Moshe splashed the blood on all sides of the altar.

Moses slaughtered the ram and sprinkled the blood on all sides of the altar.

And he killed it; and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about.

Commentary

Leviticus 8:19 describes a crucial step in the consecration ceremony of Aaron and his sons as priests, as commanded by God through Moses. Following the preparation of the ram for the burnt offering, this verse details the pivotal act of sacrifice and the application of its blood.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of a detailed account in Leviticus Chapter 8, which outlines the seven-day ordination ritual for the Israelite priesthood. The "it" refers to the ram of the burnt offering, which was brought before the tabernacle for this specific purpose (Leviticus 8:18). Burnt offerings were unique in that they were entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and propitiation to God. Moses, acting as God's appointed mediator, personally performs these sacred rituals, emphasizing the divine authority behind the establishment of the priestly system in ancient Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sanctification and Atonement: The killing of the ram and the sprinkling of its blood were essential for the purification and consecration of the altar itself, making it holy and fit for worship. This act also provided atonement for any uncleanness or sin that might hinder the priestly service.
  • The Significance of Blood: In the Old Covenant, blood was understood as the life force and served as the primary means of atonement and purification. The thorough sprinkling "round about" the altar signifies a complete and effective cleansing. This principle is explicitly stated in Leviticus 17:11, "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: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul."
  • Divine Mandate: Moses' precise execution of these rituals underscores that the Israelite priesthood and its sacrificial system were not human inventions but were divinely instituted by God Himself.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb for "sprinkled" is zaraq (Χ–ΦΈΧ¨Φ·Χ§), which implies a forceful throwing or casting of the blood, rather than a gentle dabbing. This forceful application highlights the potent and decisive nature of the act of purification and dedication, ensuring the altar was fully consecrated for its sacred function.

Practical Application and Foreshadowing

While this verse details an Old Testament ritual, its principles powerfully foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The blood of the ram consecrated the altar and the priests for service, but it was a temporary, repetitive cleansing (Hebrews 10:4). The blood of Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, provides a singular, eternal, and complete atonement for sins, cleansing not just an altar but the consciences of believers (Hebrews 9:14). Through His sacrifice, we are consecrated and given direct access to God, no longer needing animal sacrifices or a human mediator like Moses or the Levitical priests to approach Him.

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Cross-References

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