Leviticus 9
BSB1 On the eighth day Moses summoned Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel. 2 He said to Aaron, “Take for yourself a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, both without blemish, and present them before the LORD. 3 Then speak to the Israelites and say, ‘Take a male goat for a sin offering, a calf and a lamb—both a year old and without blemish—for a burnt offering, 4 an ox and a ram for a peace offering to sacrifice before the LORD, and a grain offering mixed with oil. For today the LORD will appear to you.’" 5 So they took what Moses had commanded to the front of the Tent of Meeting, and the whole congregation drew near and stood before the LORD. 6 And Moses said, “This is what the LORD has commanded you to do, so that the glory of the LORD may appear to you." 7 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Approach the altar and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering to make atonement for yourself and for the people. And sacrifice the people’s offering to make atonement for them, as the LORD has commanded." 8 So Aaron approached the altar and slaughtered the calf as a sin offering for himself. 9 The sons of Aaron brought the blood to him, and he dipped his finger in the blood and applied it to the horns of the altar. And he poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. 10 On the altar he burned the fat, the kidneys, and the lobe of the liver from the sin offering, as the LORD had commanded Moses. 11 But he burned up the flesh and the hide outside the camp. 12 Then Aaron slaughtered the burnt offering. His sons brought him the blood, and he sprinkled it on all sides of the altar. 13 They brought him the burnt offering piece by piece, including the head, and he burned them on the altar. 14 He washed the entrails and the legs and burned them atop the burnt offering on the altar. 15 Aaron then presented the people’s offering. He took the male goat for the people’s sin offering, slaughtered it, and offered it for sin like the first one. 16 He presented the burnt offering and offered it according to the ordinance. 17 Next he presented the grain offering, took a handful of it, and burned it on the altar in addition to the morning’s burnt offering. 18 Then he slaughtered the ox and the ram as the people’s peace offering. His sons brought him the blood, and he sprinkled it on all sides of the altar. 19 They also brought the fat portions from the ox and the ram—the fat tail, the fat covering the entrails, the kidneys, and the lobe of the liver— 20 and placed these on the breasts. Aaron burned the fat portions on the altar, 21 but he waved the breasts and the right thigh as a wave offering before the LORD, as Moses had commanded. 22 Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them. And having made the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offering, he stepped down. 23 Moses and Aaron then entered the Tent of Meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people, and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people. 24 Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown.
Study Notes — Leviticus 9
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Leviticus 9
- Themes from Leviticus 9
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Leviticus 9
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Leviticus 9 describes the first day of the priestly ministry, where Aaron and his sons offer sacrifices to God. The chapter begins with Moses instructing Aaron to offer a sin offering and a burnt offering (Leviticus 9:1-7). The people gather around the tabernacle, and Aaron offers the sacrifices, followed by the appearance of God's glory (Leviticus 9:22-24). However, the chapter takes a dramatic turn as Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, offer unauthorized fire, resulting in their deaths (Leviticus 9:1-7, 10). The chapter concludes with Moses instructing Aaron and his remaining sons on the proper handling of sacred things and the importance of distinguishing between holy and common (Leviticus 9:8-11, 15).
Context for the Chapter
Leviticus 9 is situated in the larger narrative of the book of Leviticus, which focuses on the establishment of the priesthood and the rules for worship. This chapter is part of the larger story of Israel's journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land, and serves as a reminder of the importance of worship and obedience to God's commands. The chapter also looks forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who would fulfill the role of the priesthood and offer the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
Heart Application
As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of worship and the need for a mediator between God and humanity. We are also reminded of the solemn nature of worship, and the need for obedience to God's commands. As we approach God in worship, let us do so with reverence and humility, recognizing the majesty and power of our God.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about the start of the priestly ministry in Israel, where Aaron and his sons offer sacrifices to God. The chapter shows how important it is to follow God's instructions for worship, and how the priests play a crucial role in mediating between God and the people. In Leviticus 9:22-24, we see a picture of God's glory and acceptance, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Voices from the Church
“The sacrifices of the Old Testament were a shadow of the good things to come, and they all pointed to the one great sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The priesthood was a type of the office of Christ, who is our great High Priest, and who has offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Priestly Ministry (Leviticus 9:1-7) — The chapter begins with Moses instructing Aaron to offer sacrifices to God, marking the official start of the priestly ministry.
- The Appearance of God's Glory (Leviticus 9:22-24) — The appearance of God's glory serves as a visual representation of God's presence and approval, highlighting the dramatic and solemn nature of worship.
- The Deaths of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 9:1-7, 10) — The deaths of Nadab and Abihu serve as a reminder of the importance of following God's instructions for worship, and the need for obedience to God's commands.
- The Handling of Sacred Things (Leviticus 9:8-11, 15) — Moses instructs Aaron and his sons on the proper handling of sacred things, emphasizing the distinction between holy and common things.
- Conclusion and Application (Leviticus 9:22-24) — The chapter concludes with the appearance of God's glory and the consumption of the sacrifices by fire, serving as a reminder of God's presence and approval.
Core Doctrines
- The Priesthood of Christ
- Leviticus 9 foreshadows the ministry of Jesus Christ, who is our great High Priest. Just as Aaron and his sons were set apart for worship, Jesus was set apart for the sacrifice of Himself on the cross.
- The Importance of Worship
- The chapter highlights the importance of worship and the need for a mediator between God and humanity. As we approach God in worship, let us do so with reverence and humility, recognizing the majesty and power of our God.
- The Distinction between Holy and Common
- The chapter emphasizes the distinction between holy and common things, serving as a reminder of the need for obedience to God's commands and the importance of maintaining the relationship between God and humanity.
- The Appearance of God's Glory
- The appearance of God's glory serves as a visual representation of God's presence and approval, highlighting the dramatic and solemn nature of worship.
Lessons from Leviticus 9
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in the deaths of Nadab and Abihu.
- The Role of the Priesthood — The priests play a crucial role in mediating between God and the people, and in offering sacrifices on their behalf.
- The Appearance of God's Glory — The appearance of God's glory serves as a visual representation of God's presence and approval, highlighting the dramatic and solemn nature of worship.
- The Distinction between Holy and Common — The chapter emphasizes the distinction between holy and common things, serving as a reminder of the need for obedience to God's commands and the importance of maintaining the relationship between God and humanity.
- The Ministry of Jesus Christ — Leviticus 9 foreshadows the ministry of Jesus Christ, who is our great High Priest and who has offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins.
Themes from Leviticus 9
- Worship and Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of worship and obedience to God's commands, serving as a reminder of the solemn nature of worship.
- The Priesthood and Mediation — The priests play a crucial role in mediating between God and the people, and in offering sacrifices on their behalf.
- The Appearance of God's Glory — The appearance of God's glory serves as a visual representation of God's presence and approval, highlighting the dramatic and solemn nature of worship.
- The Distinction between Holy and Common — The chapter emphasizes the distinction between holy and common things, serving as a reminder of the need for obedience to God's commands and the importance of maintaining the relationship between God and humanity.
- The Ministry of Jesus Christ — Leviticus 9 foreshadows the ministry of Jesus Christ, who is our great High Priest and who has offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the priesthood in this chapter, and how does it relate to the ministry of Jesus Christ?
- What is the importance of following God's instructions for worship, and what are the consequences of disobedience?
- How does the appearance of God's glory in this chapter serve as a reminder of God's presence and approval?
- What is the distinction between holy and common things, and why is it important to maintain this distinction?
- How does this chapter relate to the larger narrative of the book of Leviticus, and what are the implications for our understanding of worship and obedience to God's commands?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Priestly Ministry (Leviticus 9:1-7)
| 9:1 | Moses instructs Aaron to offer sacrifices to God, marking the official start of the priestly ministry. |
| 9:2 | Aaron is instructed to offer a sin offering and a burnt offering, serving as a reminder of the importance of atonement and reconciliation with God. |
| 9:3 | The people gather around the tabernacle, serving as a reminder of the importance of corporate worship and the need for a mediator between God and humanity. |
| 9:4 | Moses and Aaron enter the tabernacle, serving as a reminder of the importance of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people. |
| 9:5 | The people offer sacrifices to God, serving as a reminder of the importance of worship and the need for obedience to God's commands. |
| 9:6 | Moses and Aaron bless the people, serving as a reminder of the importance of the priesthood in maintaining the relationship between God and humanity. |
| 9:7 | Aaron offers sacrifices to God, serving as a reminder of the importance of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people. |
2. The Appearance of God's Glory (Leviticus 9:22-24)
| 9:22 | Aaron lifts his hands towards the people and blesses them, serving as a reminder of the importance of the priesthood in maintaining the relationship between God and humanity. |
| 9:23 | Moses and Aaron enter the tabernacle, serving as a reminder of the importance of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people. |
| 9:24 | The appearance of God's glory serves as a visual representation of God's presence and approval, highlighting the dramatic and solemn nature of worship. |
3. The Deaths of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 9:1-7, 10)
| 9:1 | Moses instructs Aaron to offer sacrifices to God, marking the official start of the priestly ministry. |
| 9:2 | Aaron is instructed to offer a sin offering and a burnt offering, serving as a reminder of the importance of atonement and reconciliation with God. |
| 9:10 | Nadab and Abihu offer unauthorized fire, resulting in their deaths and serving as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands. |
4. The Handling of Sacred Things (Leviticus 9:8-11, 15)
| 9:8 | Moses instructs Aaron and his sons on the proper handling of sacred things, emphasizing the distinction between holy and common things. |
| 9:9 | Aaron and his sons are instructed to eat the remaining flesh of the sacrifices, serving as a reminder of the importance of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people. |
| 9:10 | The fat and the blood of the sacrifices are to be burned on the altar, serving as a reminder of the importance of atonement and reconciliation with God. |
| 9:11 | The skins of the sacrifices are to be given to Aaron and his sons, serving as a reminder of the importance of the priesthood in maintaining the relationship between God and humanity. |
| 9:15 | The second ram is offered as a burnt offering, serving as a reminder of the importance of worship and the need for obedience to God's commands. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the priesthood in this chapter?
The priesthood is a central theme in this chapter, as Aaron and his sons are officially inaugurated as priests. This office is crucial for mediating between God and the people, and for offering sacrifices on their behalf. (Leviticus 9:1-7)
What is the importance of following God's instructions for worship?
The chapter highlights the importance of following God's instructions for worship, as seen in the deaths of Nadab and Abihu. This serves as a reminder of the solemn nature of worship and the need for obedience to God's commands. (Leviticus 9:1-7, 10)
What is the distinction between holy and common things?
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 9:7 → Hebrews 5:1-3 | The priesthood of Aaron is compared to the priesthood of Christ, highlighting the importance of the priesthood in mediating between God and humanity. |
| 2 | Leviticus 9:22-24 → 2 Corinthians 3:7-11 | The appearance of God's glory in the tabernacle is compared to the glory of Christ, highlighting the superiority of the new covenant. |
| 3 | Leviticus 9:1-7 → Exodus 29:1-37 | The inauguration of the priesthood in Leviticus 9 is compared to the instructions for the consecration of the priests in Exodus 29. |
| 4 | Leviticus 9:10 → Numbers 3:4 | The deaths of Nadab and Abihu are compared to the deaths of the sons of Kohath, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands. |
| 5 | Leviticus 9:8-11 → Deuteronomy 33:8-11 | The handling of sacred things in Leviticus 9 is compared to the instructions for the Levites in Deuteronomy 33. |
| 6 | Leviticus 9:22-24 → Ezekiel 1:4-28 | The appearance of God's glory in the tabernacle is compared to the vision of God's glory in Ezekiel 1. |
| 7 | Leviticus 9:1-7 → Matthew 5:17-20 | The importance of obedience to God's commands in Leviticus 9 is compared to the teaching of Jesus on the importance of fulfilling the law. |
| 8 | Leviticus 9:10 → Hebrews 12:18-24 | The deaths of Nadab and Abihu are compared to the warning against refusing to hear God's voice, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands. |
| 9 | Leviticus 9:8-11 → 1 Peter 2:5 | The handling of sacred things in Leviticus 9 is compared to the instructions for the church in 1 Peter 2. |
| 10 | Leviticus 9:22-24 → Revelation 4:1-11 | The appearance of God's glory in the tabernacle is compared to the vision of God's glory in Revelation 4. |
Sermons on Leviticus 9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(The Power of the Holy Spirit - 3) the Fire of God by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a witness for Christ in our daily lives. He compares the church to a small sample of God's kingdom and encourages bel |
|
|
The Baptism of Fire by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and preparing our hearts to receive Christ, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's ministry of preparing the way for Jesus. It |
|
The Quarrel of God's Covenant by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a young calf being released into a field to describe the joy and healing that God promises to those who fear His name. He emphasize |
|
|
On Whom God's Fire Falls (Tamil) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and giving our best to God, warning against counterfeit anointings and false manifestations. It highlight |
|
|
(The Fire of God) the Fire and the Sword by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the danger of seeking knowledge without allowing it to transform one's life. He points out that there is a growing obsession with Bible knowl |
|
False Fire by Ronald Glass | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of false fire in contemporary media revivalists. These charlatans deceive unsuspecting senior citizens into sending them money, livi |
|
Studies in Hebrews - Part 2 by Ken Baird | In this sermon, the preacher compares Jesus Christ with four different groups of people: angels, prophets, apostles, and priests. He emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate source of |
|
Friends From Zulu - Fire of Revival (Testimony Meeting) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful testimony of a man who experienced the voice of the Holy Spirit. The man was about to shut a window when he heard God's voice telling |
|
The Spirit of Fire by Samuel Chadwick | Samuel Chadwick preaches about the significance of fire as a symbol of God's presence and approval, emphasizing the importance of true worship and devotion. He warns against offeri |
|
The Bible View by B.A. Cundiff | B.A. Cundiff preaches about the importance of sanctification as a second blessing or work of grace, emphasizing the need to destroy original sin or carnality through faith in God. |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Leviticus 9
In this chapter, we see the inauguration of the priesthood and the establishment of worship in Israel. The appearance of God's glory serves as a visual representation of God's presence and approval, highlighting the dramatic and solemn nature of worship. The deaths of Nadab and Abihu serve as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands, and the need for reverence and humility in worship. As we reflect on this chapter, let us remember the importance of worship and the need for a mediator between God and humanity, a role that Jesus Christ fulfills perfectly. (Leviticus 9:1-7, 22-24) Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Following Instructions
The chapter highlights the importance of following God's instructions for worship, as seen in the deaths of Nadab and Abihu. This serves as a reminder of the solemn nature of worship and the need for obedience to God's commands.
The Role of the Priests
The priests play a crucial role in mediating between God and the people, and in offering sacrifices on their behalf. This chapter emphasizes the importance of the priesthood in maintaining the relationship between God and humanity.
The Appearance of God's Glory
The appearance of God's glory in (Leviticus 9:23-24) serves as a visual representation of God's presence and approval. This event highlights the dramatic and solemn nature of worship, and serves as a reminder of God's power and majesty.