Leviticus 9:20 - and they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burned the fat on the altar:

Generated Verse: Leviticus 9:20

What does "Leviticus 9:20" mean?


Leviticus 9:20 describes a specific ritual act during the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. To understand it, we need to break down the components:

"They": This refers to Aaron and his sons, who were performing the priestly duties under Moses' instruction.
"Put the fat upon the breasts": This refers to specific portions of the sacrificial animal (a bullock in this case, according to the preceding verses). The fat specifically mentioned here likely includes the fat covering the entrails and kidneys, which were considered the best parts. The "breasts" probably refers to the chest area of the animal. The fat was often placed on the breast or the breast itself was presented separately as part of the ritual.
"He burned the fat on the altar": This refers to the act of offering the fat to God by burning it on the altar of burnt offering. The priest would place the designated portions of fat onto the altar fire, where it would be consumed as a "sweet savor" to the Lord.

Significance:

Offering the Best: The fat was considered the richest and most nourishing part of the animal. By offering it to God, the Israelites were giving Him the best portion, demonstrating their reverence and gratitude.
Symbol of Sacrifice: The burning of the fat symbolized the complete dedication of the offering to God. It represented a giving up of something valuable.
Atonement: These sacrifices were part of a broader system of atonement for sins. While the specific symbolism varies depending on the type of sacrifice, the offerings generally served to cleanse the offerer from impurities and restore their relationship with God.
Priestly Role: This verse highlights the specific role of the priests in offering sacrifices to God on behalf of the people.

In short, Leviticus 9:20 describes the act of offering the best parts of a sacrificial animal to God by burning the fat on the altar. This was a symbolic act of dedication, atonement, and worship.

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