Leviticus 6:12 - The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it, it shall not go out; and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning: and he shall lay the burnt offering in order upon it, and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings.
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What does "Leviticus 6:12" mean?
Leviticus 6:12 is a key verse in understanding the concept of continuous worship and atonement in the Old Testament sacrificial system. Let's break it down:
"The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it, it shall not go out...": This is the central command. The fire on the altar of burnt offering was to be perpetual. It was a symbol of:
God's presence: The fire represented God's dwelling among His people. Keeping it burning signified His continuous presence and readiness to receive offerings.
Continuous atonement: The altar was where sacrifices were offered to atone for sins. Keeping the fire burning meant that the possibility of atonement was always available to the Israelites.
Unceasing worship: The constant burning of the fire demonstrated the need for constant, uninterrupted devotion and service to God.
"...and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning...": The priests had the responsibility to ensure the fire never extinguished. This was a daily, ongoing task. It required diligence, faithfulness, and a commitment to maintaining the sacrificial system. Adding wood signified actively maintaining the relationship with God.
"...and he shall lay the burnt offering in order upon it...": Each morning, a burnt offering was to be placed on the altar. The "burnt offering" was a sacrifice wholly consumed by fire, symbolizing complete devotion and dedication to God. "In order" suggests a proper arrangement, showing reverence and respect in the offering.
"...and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings.": The fat of the "peace offering" (also called the fellowship offering) was also burned on the altar. The peace offering was a voluntary offering, often made in thanksgiving or to celebrate a special occasion. The burning of the fat, which was considered the richest part of the animal, symbolized giving God the best and acknowledging His provision. It also signified fellowship and communion with God and with others who participated in the meal.
In Summary:
Leviticus 6:12 emphasizes the importance of continuous worship, atonement, and dedication to God. The perpetual fire on the altar, maintained by the priests through daily labor, symbolized God's constant presence, the ongoing possibility of atonement, and the need for unceasing devotion. The daily burnt offering and the burning of the fat from peace offerings further reinforced these themes of dedication, thanksgiving, and fellowship.
Significance:
In a broader sense, this verse and the practice it describes point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus is the final and perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the need for continuous atonement. His sacrifice makes it possible for believers to have a continuous relationship with God, not through physical sacrifices, but through faith and repentance. The constant burning of the fire can be seen as a foreshadowing of the unending availability of God's grace and forgiveness through Jesus.
Leviticus 6:12 - The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it, it shall not go out; and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning: and he shall lay the burnt offering in order upon it, and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings.
What does "Leviticus 6:12" mean?
Leviticus 6:12 is a key verse in understanding the concept of continuous worship and atonement in the Old Testament sacrificial system. Let's break it down:
"The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it, it shall not go out...": This is the central command. The fire on the altar of burnt offering was to be perpetual. It was a symbol of:
God's presence: The fire represented God's dwelling among His people. Keeping it burning signified His continuous presence and readiness to receive offerings.
Continuous atonement: The altar was where sacrifices were offered to atone for sins. Keeping the fire burning meant that the possibility of atonement was always available to the Israelites.
Unceasing worship: The constant burning of the fire demonstrated the need for constant, uninterrupted devotion and service to God.
"...and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning...": The priests had the responsibility to ensure the fire never extinguished. This was a daily, ongoing task. It required diligence, faithfulness, and a commitment to maintaining the sacrificial system. Adding wood signified actively maintaining the relationship with God.
"...and he shall lay the burnt offering in order upon it...": Each morning, a burnt offering was to be placed on the altar. The "burnt offering" was a sacrifice wholly consumed by fire, symbolizing complete devotion and dedication to God. "In order" suggests a proper arrangement, showing reverence and respect in the offering.
"...and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings.": The fat of the "peace offering" (also called the fellowship offering) was also burned on the altar. The peace offering was a voluntary offering, often made in thanksgiving or to celebrate a special occasion. The burning of the fat, which was considered the richest part of the animal, symbolized giving God the best and acknowledging His provision. It also signified fellowship and communion with God and with others who participated in the meal.
In Summary:
Leviticus 6:12 emphasizes the importance of continuous worship, atonement, and dedication to God. The perpetual fire on the altar, maintained by the priests through daily labor, symbolized God's constant presence, the ongoing possibility of atonement, and the need for unceasing devotion. The daily burnt offering and the burning of the fat from peace offerings further reinforced these themes of dedication, thanksgiving, and fellowship.
Significance:
In a broader sense, this verse and the practice it describes point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus is the final and perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the need for continuous atonement. His sacrifice makes it possible for believers to have a continuous relationship with God, not through physical sacrifices, but through faith and repentance. The constant burning of the fire can be seen as a foreshadowing of the unending availability of God's grace and forgiveness through Jesus.