Leviticus Chapter 9

At a Glance

  • Leviticus 8 narrates the ceremonial inauguration of Aaron and his sons as priests.
  • This chapter falls squarely in the priestly portion of Leviticus, illustrating the formal procedures that inaugurate the priesthood.
  • - Consecration and divine commissioning: The ordination marks a formal transfer of sacred responsibility.
  • - Purity and ritual cleansing: Washing, anointing, and offerings symbolize cleansing from defilement and setting apart for holy service.
  • - Presence of God as validation: The appearance of the divine glory confirms the legitimacy of the priesthood.

Leviticus 8 narrates the ceremonial inauguration of Aaron and his sons as priests. Moses performs the ordination, washing them, clothing them in sacred garments, and presenting the anointing oil, the breastplate with Urim and Thummim, the miter, and the holy crown. The chapter details the sanctification of the tabernacle and its furnishings as Moses sprinkles oil and blood to purify both the sanctuary and the participants. The ordination includes the cleansing and consecration of the altar, the offering of sin and burnt offerings, and the laying on of hands as the people identify with the sacrifices. The narrative centers on the transmission of divine authority, the setting apart of the priestly family, and the moment when God’s presence appears as the people witness the ritual. The chapter shows that holiness is both institutional (the priesthood) and experiential (divine presence and acceptance).

This chapter falls squarely in the priestly portion of Leviticus, illustrating the formal procedures that inaugurate the priesthood. The narrative style—moving from command to action to divine acknowledgment—serves to legitimize the priestly line and the sacrificial system. The use of symbols—the anointing oil, the Urim and Thummim, the holy garments—emphasizes a tangible, sensory experience of sanctification, making the unseen holiness of God tangible for the community.

- Consecration and divine commissioning: The ordination marks a formal transfer of sacred responsibility.

- Purity and ritual cleansing: Washing, anointing, and offerings symbolize cleansing from defilement and setting apart for holy service.

- Presence of God as validation: The appearance of the divine glory confirms the legitimacy of the priesthood.

- Sacred objects and garments: Clothing and implements symbolize sanctified service and role identity.

Leviticus 8 invites believers to reflect on how leaders are commissioned and sanctified for service. In modern faith communities, this can translate into practices of ordination, ongoing spiritual formation, and accountability for those entrusted with leadership and teaching. The sensory imagery of anointing and purification reminds us that holiness is not merely theoretical but experienced through commissioned service in God’s presence. It also emphasizes the importance of setting apart people and spaces for sacred work, encouraging humility, responsibility, and dependence on God’s guidance.

Key Themes

Consecration and divine commissioning: The ordination marks a formal transfer of sacred responsibility.Purity and ritual cleansing: Washing, anointing, and offerings symbolize cleansing from defilement and setting apart for holy service.Presence of God as validation: The appearance of the divine glory confirms the legitimacy of the priesthood.Sacred objects and garments: Clothing and implements symbolize sanctified service and role identity.

Chapter Text

1

And it came to pass on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel;

2

And he said unto Aaron, Take thee a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer them before the LORD.

3

And unto the children of Israel thou shalt speak, saying, Take ye a kid of the goats for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, both of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering;

4

Also a bullock and a ram for peace offerings, to sacrifice before the LORD; and a meat offering mingled with oil: for to day the LORD will appear unto you.

5

And they brought that which Moses commanded before the tabernacle of the congregation: and all the congregation drew near and stood before the LORD.

6

And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commanded that ye should do: and the glory of the LORD shall appear unto you.

7

And Moses said unto Aaron, Go unto the altar, and offer thy sin offering, and thy burnt offering, and make an atonement for thyself, and for the people: and offer the offering of the people, and make an atonement for them; as the LORD commanded.

8

Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself.

9

And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him: and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar:

10

But the fat, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver of the sin offering, he burnt upon the altar; as the LORD commanded Moses.

11

And the flesh and the hide he burnt with fire without the camp.

12

And he slew the burnt offering; and Aaron’s sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled round about upon the altar.

13

And they presented the burnt offering unto him, with the pieces thereof, and the head: and he burnt them upon the altar.

14

And he did wash the inwards and the legs, and burnt them upon the burnt offering on the altar.

15

And he brought the people’s offering, and took the goat, which was the sin offering for the people, and slew it, and offered it for sin, as the first.

16

And he brought the burnt offering, and offered it according to the manner.

17

And he brought the meat offering, and took an handful thereof, and burnt it upon the altar, beside the burnt sacrifice of the morning.

18

He slew also the bullock and the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings, which was for the people: and Aaron’s sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled upon the altar round about,

19

And the fat of the bullock and of the ram, the rump, and that which covereth the inwards, and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver:

20

And they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar:

21

And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved for a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded.

22

And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings.

23

And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.

24

And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.

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