Leviticus 9:17

And he brought the meat offring, and tooke an handfull thereof, and burnt it vpon the Altar, beside the burnt sacrifice of the morning. Leviticus 9:17 (KJV)

Context: Leviticus is a book in the Old Testament that contains detailed instructions given by God to the Israelites regarding their worship, rituals, and regulations. Leviticus 9 describes Aaron and his sons’ first official duties in the tabernacle following their consecration, which had occurred in Leviticus 8.

The Meat Offering: In Leviticus 2, God prescribed the grain (or meal) offering, also called the “meat offering,” which was made with fine flour, oil, and frankincense, and presented to God as a symbol of devotion and gratitude.

Significance of the Altar: The altar mentioned in this verse refers to the bronze altar of burnt offering, which was situated in the courtyard of the tabernacle. The burnt offering was a sacrifice offered to God, representing the complete surrender of the worshipper to God’s will.

The Handful: In this verse, the priest took a handful of the meat offering and burnt it upon the altar. This action symbolized the presentation of a portion of the offering to God as a token of acknowledgment and dedication. The remainder of the offering was consumed by the priests as their portion, emphasizing the concept of sharing and provision.

Comparison with the Morning Burnt Sacrifice: The verse mentions that the meat offering was presented “beside the burnt sacrifice of the morning.” This refers to the daily burnt offering made in the morning as a regular part of Israelite worship. By offering the meat offering alongside the morning sacrifice, the priests were following the prescribed rituals and demonstrating their obedience to God’s commands.

Spiritual Lessons: Leviticus 9:17 highlights several important spiritual principles. It reminds us of the importance of presenting our offerings to God with sincerity and gratitude. It also emphasizes the need for surrender and dedication in our worship, symbolized by the burning of the offering on the altar. Additionally, the idea of sharing and provision encourages us to recognize God as the ultimate provider and to be generous in our dealings with others.

Relevance for Christians: While the rituals and offerings of the Old Testament were fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, there are valuable lessons we can draw from Leviticus 9:17. As Christians, we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1). We should present ourselves to Him wholeheartedly, recognizing His provision and sharing His blessings with others.

In conclusion, Leviticus 9:17 illustrates the meticulous instructions given by God to the Israelites concerning their worship. It emphasizes the presentation of the meat offering on the altar and the significance of sharing and provision. Though we no longer follow these specific rituals today, we can draw spiritual lessons such as sincere devotion, surrender, gratitude, and generosity in our worship and interactions with others.