“And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings.”
Context: The book of Leviticus is primarily concerned with the regulations and instructions for the priests and the sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites. Leviticus 6:12 is part of a section that describes the duties of the priests and the offerings they were to present on the altar.
Significance of the fire: In this verse, God commands that the fire on the altar shall never be put out. The fire on the altar symbolized God’s presence and acceptance of the offerings. It was a perpetual fire, representing an ongoing connection between God and His people.
The role of the priest: The priest had the responsibility of maintaining the fire on the altar. They were to ensure that it kept burning continuously. It was also the priest’s duty to burn wood on the fire every morning. By fulfilling this task, the priests demonstrated their commitment to upholding the worship of God and the sacrificial system.
Burnt offerings and peace offerings: The verse mentions two types of offerings: burnt offerings and peace offerings. The burnt offering was completely consumed by fire, symbolizing the complete dedication and surrender of the worshiper to God. The peace offering was a fellowship offering, expressing gratitude and seeking communion with God. The fat of the peace offerings was to be burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
Lessons for believers today: While the ceremonial laws and rituals of the Old Testament no longer apply to Christians today, there are still spiritual lessons we can draw from this verse. The perpetual fire on the altar reminds us of the eternal nature of God’s presence and His faithfulness. We are called to maintain a continual connection with God, offering ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Just as the priests diligently tended to the fire, we should be diligent in our worship, devotion, and service to God.
The role of Jesus Christ: The sacrificial system in the Old Testament served as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus became the perfect and final sacrifice, offering Himself on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. Through His death and resurrection, believers now have direct access to God. The fire on the altar, which symbolized God’s presence, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers (1 Corinthians 3:16).
In conclusion, Leviticus 6:12 teaches us about the importance of maintaining a continual connection with God and offering ourselves as living sacrifices. While the physical rituals and sacrifices of the Old Testament have been fulfilled in Christ, the spiritual principles of worship, devotion, and service remain relevant for believers today.
