“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.”
This verse is part of the account of Aaron’s consecration as the high priest of Israel and the inauguration of the Tabernacle. It provides instructions given by Moses to Aaron regarding the sacrifices he needed to offer for himself and for the people.
Context:The book of Leviticus is primarily concerned with establishing guidelines and regulations for the Israelites’ worship and their approach to God. It contains laws and instructions regarding various sacrifices, rituals, and moral codes. Leviticus 9 marks a significant moment in Israelite history when the Tabernacle was completed, and Aaron assumed his role as the high priest.
Aaron’s Role:In Leviticus 9, Moses instructs Aaron to go to the altar and offer specific sacrifices. The purpose of these sacrifices was to make atonement for Aaron himself, as well as for the people of Israel. Atonement refers to the process of reconciliation and forgiveness of sins through the shedding of blood.
Sin Offering:The sin offering mentioned in this verse was a significant part of Israel’s sacrificial system. It involved the offering of an animal to atone for unintentional sins committed by the priests or the people. By offering this sacrifice, Aaron was seeking forgiveness for any sins he may have unknowingly committed. It also symbolized his identification with the people he represented as their high priest.
Burnt Offering:The burnt offering was another essential sacrifice. It involved offering an animal, completely consumed by fire, as an act of worship and surrender to God. The burnt offering symbolized the Israelites’ total dedication to God and their desire to submit themselves entirely to His will. Aaron was instructed to offer this sacrifice both for himself and for the people.
Making Atonement:The act of making atonement involved seeking God’s forgiveness and reconciliation. The sacrifices offered by Aaron served as a means to bridge the gap between God and the people, providing a way for them to be reconciled to Him. The shedding of blood in the sin offering and the burnt offering signified the payment for sins and the restoration of a right relationship with God.
Obedience to God’s Command:Moses emphasizes that Aaron should carry out these sacrifices exactly as the Lord commanded. The instructions for the sacrifices were given by God Himself, and it was crucial for Aaron to follow them precisely. This highlights the significance of obedience and adherence to God’s laws in Israel’s worship practices.
In summary, Leviticus 9:7 highlights the pivotal moment of Aaron’s consecration as the high priest and the inauguration of the Tabernacle. The verse underscores the importance of offering sacrifices, particularly the sin offering and the burnt offering, to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God. It also emphasizes the significance of obedience to God’s commands in worship and the role of the high priest in interceding for the people.
