Leviticus 9:16 - He presented the burnt offering, and offered it according to the ordinance.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 9:16

What does "Leviticus 9:16" mean?


This verse, Leviticus 9:16, is describing Aaron, the first high priest, performing his priestly duties for the first time in the newly constructed tabernacle. Let's break down what it means:

"He presented the burnt offering..." This refers to Aaron bringing forward an animal sacrifice, specifically a "burnt offering." A burnt offering was a sacrifice where the entire animal (except for the skin in some cases) was burned on the altar as a complete offering to God. It symbolized atonement, dedication, and surrender to God's will.

"...and offered it according to the ordinance." This is the crucial part. "Ordinance" refers to the specific, detailed instructions and rules given by God to Moses (and recorded in the earlier chapters of Leviticus) on how to perform this type of sacrifice. This included:
Which animal to use: A male animal without blemish (defect).
How to prepare the animal: This likely involved slaughtering, skinning, and dividing the animal into specific parts.
What to do with the blood: The priest would sprinkle or pour the blood on the altar.
How to arrange the pieces on the altar: Wood was laid on the altar, then the offering.
The act of burning: The entire offering was burned until it was completely consumed.

In essence, the verse is saying that Aaron carefully and meticulously followed all the divine instructions regarding the burnt offering. He wasn't just performing a ritual; he was obeying God's specific commands. This was vital for the sacrifice to be acceptable and effective in God's eyes.

The verse emphasizes the importance of:

Obedience: Following God's commands precisely.
Ritual Purity: Using the correct procedures and materials.
Atonement: The burnt offering as a way to make amends for sins and draw closer to God.

This act by Aaron was significant because it officially inaugurated the sacrificial system and the priesthood, establishing the means by which the Israelites could approach God and receive forgiveness for their sins.

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