Sirach 45:16 - He chose him out of all living To offer sacrifice to the Lord, Incense, and a sweet savor, for a memorial, To make reconciliation for your people.
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What does "Sirach 45:16" mean?
This verse from Sirach 45:16 is speaking about the selection of Aaron (or the Levitical priesthood generally) for a specific and crucial role within the Israelite covenant with God. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"He chose him out of all living": This emphasizes the divine selection of Aaron (and subsequently his descendants) for a unique and privileged position. God didn't choose just anyone; He specifically chose Aaron and his lineage from among all the Israelites. This highlights the importance and sacredness of the priestly office.
"To offer sacrifice to the Lord": This is a core function of the priesthood. They were responsible for offering animal sacrifices and other prescribed offerings according to the Law of Moses. These sacrifices were intended to atone for sins, give thanks, and express devotion to God.
"Incense, and a sweet savor, for a memorial": The burning of incense was another key priestly duty. The "sweet savor" refers to the pleasing aroma that ascended to God. This act served as a "memorial," a reminder to God of his covenant with Israel, a plea for his continued favor, and a symbol of the people's prayers rising to heaven.
"To make reconciliation for your people": This is the ultimate purpose of the priestly ministry. The sacrifices and offerings performed by the priests were meant to atone for the sins of the people, restoring their relationship with God after it had been broken by disobedience. "Reconciliation" means bringing back into harmony, repairing the broken relationship.
In summary, the verse means:
God specifically chose Aaron and his descendants from among all the Israelites to be priests. Their job was to offer sacrifices and incense to God in the Temple. These actions served as a memorial of the covenant and were intended to bring about forgiveness and reconciliation between God and the people of Israel.
Significance:
Divine Authority: It underscores the divine appointment of the priesthood, giving their actions legitimacy and significance.
Role of Mediation: It highlights the priestly role as mediators between God and the people.
Importance of Atonement: It emphasizes the need for atonement and reconciliation for sin, a central theme in the Old Testament.
Type for Christ: In Christian theology, the Aaronic priesthood is often seen as a type or foreshadowing of the priesthood of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate high priest offering the ultimate sacrifice for the reconciliation of humanity with God.
Therefore, this verse from Sirach 45:16 emphasizes the importance of the priestly role in the Old Testament, chosen by God for the critical work of offering sacrifices and making atonement for the sins of the people, re-establishing the broken relationship between God and humankind.
Sirach 45:16 - He chose him out of all living To offer sacrifice to the Lord, Incense, and a sweet savor, for a memorial, To make reconciliation for your people.
What does "Sirach 45:16" mean?
This verse from Sirach 45:16 is speaking about the selection of Aaron (or the Levitical priesthood generally) for a specific and crucial role within the Israelite covenant with God. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"He chose him out of all living": This emphasizes the divine selection of Aaron (and subsequently his descendants) for a unique and privileged position. God didn't choose just anyone; He specifically chose Aaron and his lineage from among all the Israelites. This highlights the importance and sacredness of the priestly office.
"To offer sacrifice to the Lord": This is a core function of the priesthood. They were responsible for offering animal sacrifices and other prescribed offerings according to the Law of Moses. These sacrifices were intended to atone for sins, give thanks, and express devotion to God.
"Incense, and a sweet savor, for a memorial": The burning of incense was another key priestly duty. The "sweet savor" refers to the pleasing aroma that ascended to God. This act served as a "memorial," a reminder to God of his covenant with Israel, a plea for his continued favor, and a symbol of the people's prayers rising to heaven.
"To make reconciliation for your people": This is the ultimate purpose of the priestly ministry. The sacrifices and offerings performed by the priests were meant to atone for the sins of the people, restoring their relationship with God after it had been broken by disobedience. "Reconciliation" means bringing back into harmony, repairing the broken relationship.
In summary, the verse means:
God specifically chose Aaron and his descendants from among all the Israelites to be priests. Their job was to offer sacrifices and incense to God in the Temple. These actions served as a memorial of the covenant and were intended to bring about forgiveness and reconciliation between God and the people of Israel.
Significance:
Divine Authority: It underscores the divine appointment of the priesthood, giving their actions legitimacy and significance.
Role of Mediation: It highlights the priestly role as mediators between God and the people.
Importance of Atonement: It emphasizes the need for atonement and reconciliation for sin, a central theme in the Old Testament.
Type for Christ: In Christian theology, the Aaronic priesthood is often seen as a type or foreshadowing of the priesthood of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate high priest offering the ultimate sacrifice for the reconciliation of humanity with God.
Therefore, this verse from Sirach 45:16 emphasizes the importance of the priestly role in the Old Testament, chosen by God for the critical work of offering sacrifices and making atonement for the sins of the people, re-establishing the broken relationship between God and humankind.