Leviticus 9:17

And he brought the meat offering, and took an handful thereof, and burnt [it] upon the altar, beside the burnt sacrifice of the morning.

And he brought {H7126} the meat offering {H4503}, and took {H4390} an handful {H3709} thereof, and burnt {H6999} it upon the altar {H4196}, beside {H905} the burnt sacrifice {H5930} of the morning {H1242}.

The grain offering was presented; he took a handful of it and made it go up in smoke on the altar, in addition to the morning's burnt offering.

Next he presented the grain offering, took a handful of it, and burned it on the altar in addition to the morning’s burnt offering.

And he presented the meal-offering, and filled his hand therefrom, and burnt it upon the altar, besides the burnt-offering of the morning.

Commentary

Leviticus 9:17 describes a specific act within the intricate sacrificial system of ancient Israel, focusing on the grain offering during Aaron's inaugural priestly service. This verse highlights the meticulous steps required for proper worship and dedication to God.

Context of Leviticus 9:17

This verse is part of the narrative detailing Aaron's first official performance as High Priest, following the consecration of the Tabernacle and the priesthood as commanded by God. The entire chapter of Leviticus 9 focuses on the sacrifices offered on the eighth day after the seven-day ordination ceremony, marking the formal beginning of Aaron's priestly duties. This act of bringing the grain offering, or "meat offering" as it's termed in the KJV, was crucial for the people's atonement and acceptance before the Lord, alongside other sacrifices like the sin offering and burnt offering.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Grain Offering (Minchah): While the KJV uses "meat offering," the original Hebrew term is minchah, which refers to a grain or meal offering. Unlike blood sacrifices that atoned for sin, the grain offering was typically a voluntary offering of thanksgiving, dedication, and acknowledgment of God's provision. A portion, known as the azkarah (memorial portion), was burnt on the altar, signifying its dedication to God as a "sweet savour" or pleasing aroma. For a detailed understanding of this offering, see Leviticus chapter 2.
  • Meticulous Obedience in Worship: Aaron's actions underscore the importance of following God's precise instructions for worship. Every detail, from the type of offering to the portion burnt on the altar, was divinely ordained. This precision ensured the offerings were acceptable and that the people understood the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him.
  • Regularity and Continuity of Worship: The phrase "beside the burnt sacrifice of the morning" indicates that this offering was made in conjunction with the daily morning burnt offering. This emphasizes the continuous nature of Israelite worship and the ongoing need for atonement and communion with God.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's "meat offering" for minchah can be misleading to modern readers, as it implies animal flesh. However, in older English, "meat" often referred to food in general, not specifically flesh. The Hebrew minchah specifically means a gift or tribute, often composed of grain, flour, oil, and frankincense. The "burnt sacrifice" is from the Hebrew olah, meaning "that which ascends," referring to a whole burnt offering where the entire animal was consumed by fire, signifying complete dedication.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles behind these offerings remain relevant. Leviticus 9:17 reminds us of:

  1. Thanksgiving and Dedication: Just as the grain offering was a voluntary act of gratitude, believers today are called to offer themselves as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1), dedicating their lives, talents, and resources to God in thanks for His provision and salvation.
  2. Worship with Intent: The meticulousness of Aaron's actions encourages us to approach God in worship with reverence, thoughtfulness, and sincerity, rather than haphazardly.
  3. Consistency in Faith: The context of the "daily burnt sacrifice" underscores the importance of consistent, ongoing devotion and communion with God in our lives, not just in times of crisis or convenience.

Ultimately, these ancient rituals point to Christ, who is the perfect and final sacrifice, fulfilling all the requirements of the Law and enabling us to approach God with confidence.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 2:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be [of] fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon:

  • Leviticus 2:2 (5 votes)

    And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, [to be] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:

  • Galatians 2:20 (2 votes)

    I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

  • Exodus 29:38 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now this [is that] which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually.

  • Exodus 29:42 (2 votes)

    [This shall be] a continual burnt offering throughout your generations [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.

  • John 6:53 (2 votes)

    Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

  • Leviticus 3:5 (2 votes)

    And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which [is] upon the wood that [is] on the fire: [it is] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.