Leviticus 9:7 - Moses said to Aaron, “Draw near to the altar, and offer your sin offering, and your burnt offering, and make atonement for yourself, and for the people; and offer the offering of the people, and make atonement for them; as Yahweh commanded.”
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What does "Leviticus 9:7" mean?
This verse, Leviticus 9:7, is a pivotal moment in the establishment of the priesthood and the sacrificial system in ancient Israel. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: Chapter 9 follows the instructions given in the preceding chapters regarding sacrifices and the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. This is the actual first time they are performing their priestly duties.
"Moses said to Aaron...": Moses, as God's appointed leader, is instructing Aaron, who has been designated the High Priest. Moses is acting as the intermediary, ensuring that God's commands are followed precisely.
"...Draw near to the altar...": This is a call to action, directing Aaron to approach the altar, the central place of sacrifice and worship. The altar is the designated location for offering sacrifices to God.
"...and offer your sin offering, and your burnt offering...": These are two specific types of sacrifices.
Sin Offering (khatat): This offering was made to atone for unintentional sins, purification from ritual uncleanness, or unintended violations of God's commands. It acknowledged the inherent sinfulness of humanity and the need for cleansing.
Burnt Offering (olah): This was a comprehensive offering, often the entire animal, wholly consumed by fire. It symbolized complete devotion, surrender, and dedication to God. Its smoke rising to heaven was seen as a pleasing aroma to God.
"...and make atonement for yourself, and for the people...": This is the core purpose of the sacrifices.
Atonement (kippur): This means to make amends, to cover over, or to reconcile. Sacrifices were seen as a way to cover over sins and restore the relationship between God and humanity.
Aaron must first make atonement for himself. This highlights that even the High Priest is a sinner and needs cleansing before he can effectively intercede for others.
Then, he atones for the people. The High Priest's actions represented the people before God.
"...and offer the offering of the people, and make atonement for them...": This mirrors the earlier instruction, but now it specifically refers to the sacrifices that the people have brought to be offered. The High Priest acts as their representative in presenting their offerings to God.
"...as Yahweh commanded.": This underscores the divine origin and authority behind these instructions. The rituals are not arbitrary, but ordained by God himself. Obedience is paramount.
In summary, Leviticus 9:7 signifies the beginning of the priesthood's active role in mediating between God and the people of Israel through the sacrificial system. The High Priest, Aaron, is commanded to perform specific sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people, to achieve atonement and maintain a right relationship with God. The entire process is rooted in God's commands and highlights the importance of obedience and the necessity of atonement for sin.
This verse is also important because it foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would later offer himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for the sins of all humanity, fulfilling the symbolic role of these Old Testament sacrifices. He serves as the ultimate High Priest, providing a permanent atonement.
Leviticus 9:7 - Moses said to Aaron, “Draw near to the altar, and offer your sin offering, and your burnt offering, and make atonement for yourself, and for the people; and offer the offering of the people, and make atonement for them; as Yahweh commanded.”
What does "Leviticus 9:7" mean?
This verse, Leviticus 9:7, is a pivotal moment in the establishment of the priesthood and the sacrificial system in ancient Israel. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: Chapter 9 follows the instructions given in the preceding chapters regarding sacrifices and the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. This is the actual first time they are performing their priestly duties.
"Moses said to Aaron...": Moses, as God's appointed leader, is instructing Aaron, who has been designated the High Priest. Moses is acting as the intermediary, ensuring that God's commands are followed precisely.
"...Draw near to the altar...": This is a call to action, directing Aaron to approach the altar, the central place of sacrifice and worship. The altar is the designated location for offering sacrifices to God.
"...and offer your sin offering, and your burnt offering...": These are two specific types of sacrifices.
Sin Offering (khatat): This offering was made to atone for unintentional sins, purification from ritual uncleanness, or unintended violations of God's commands. It acknowledged the inherent sinfulness of humanity and the need for cleansing.
Burnt Offering (olah): This was a comprehensive offering, often the entire animal, wholly consumed by fire. It symbolized complete devotion, surrender, and dedication to God. Its smoke rising to heaven was seen as a pleasing aroma to God.
"...and make atonement for yourself, and for the people...": This is the core purpose of the sacrifices.
Atonement (kippur): This means to make amends, to cover over, or to reconcile. Sacrifices were seen as a way to cover over sins and restore the relationship between God and humanity.
Aaron must first make atonement for himself. This highlights that even the High Priest is a sinner and needs cleansing before he can effectively intercede for others.
Then, he atones for the people. The High Priest's actions represented the people before God.
"...and offer the offering of the people, and make atonement for them...": This mirrors the earlier instruction, but now it specifically refers to the sacrifices that the people have brought to be offered. The High Priest acts as their representative in presenting their offerings to God.
"...as Yahweh commanded.": This underscores the divine origin and authority behind these instructions. The rituals are not arbitrary, but ordained by God himself. Obedience is paramount.
In summary, Leviticus 9:7 signifies the beginning of the priesthood's active role in mediating between God and the people of Israel through the sacrificial system. The High Priest, Aaron, is commanded to perform specific sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people, to achieve atonement and maintain a right relationship with God. The entire process is rooted in God's commands and highlights the importance of obedience and the necessity of atonement for sin.
This verse is also important because it foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would later offer himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for the sins of all humanity, fulfilling the symbolic role of these Old Testament sacrifices. He serves as the ultimate High Priest, providing a permanent atonement.