“And this is the law of the meat offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the Lord, before the altar.”
Context and Background: Leviticus is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, also known as the Torah or the Law. Leviticus specifically focuses on the laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites regarding their worship, sacrifices, and the role of the priesthood.
The passage in question, Leviticus 6:14, is part of the larger section that outlines the laws and regulations concerning the “meat offering” or grain offering. This offering was a voluntary offering presented to the Lord by the priests and was a significant component of the sacrificial system.
Understanding the Verse: In Leviticus 6:14, the verse begins by stating, “And this is the law of the meat offering.” This indicates that the following information pertains to the regulations and instructions related to the grain offering. The grain offering, which included various types of grains, oil, and frankincense, was to be presented by the sons of Aaron, the priests.
The verse continues, “the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the Lord, before the altar.” This emphasizes the importance of the priests’ role in offering the grain offering directly to the Lord in the designated area before the altar of burnt offering in the Tabernacle or later in the Temple. The priests acted as mediators between the people and God, and their involvement was essential in carrying out the sacrificial system.
Spiritual Lessons and Application:
- The role of the priesthood: The verse highlights the unique position and responsibilities entrusted to the sons of Aaron, the priests. They were chosen to serve as intermediaries between the people and God. In the New Testament, believers are referred to as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), indicating that all believers have direct access to God through Jesus Christ, our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). As part of the priesthood of believers, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and to intercede for others in prayer.
- Offering to the Lord: The grain offering, along with other sacrifices, was a tangible way for the Israelites to express their devotion and worship to God. Similarly, as Christians, we are encouraged to offer our lives as living sacrifices, presenting ourselves wholly to God (Romans 12:1). Our offering to God includes our time, talents, resources, and worship. We should strive to honor Him in all aspects of our lives.
- The significance of the altar: The altar was a central place of worship and sacrifice in the Old Testament. It symbolized the meeting place between God and His people. In the New Testament, the concept of the altar is expanded to include the cross of Jesus Christ, where He offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. As believers, we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence because of what Christ accomplished on the cross (Hebrews 10:19-22).
- Understanding the Law: Leviticus as a whole provides a detailed account of the ceremonial and moral laws given to the Israelites. While we are no longer bound by the Old Testament Law in the same way as the ancient Israelites, it is essential to study and understand it in its proper context. The Law helps us grasp the holiness of God, the need for a Savior, and the principles of righteous living. Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5
- and summarized it as loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:37-40).
- Conclusion:
Leviticus 6:14 teaches us about the regulations and importance of the meat offering or grain offering in the sacrificial system of the Israelites. It underscores the role of the priesthood, the act of offering to the Lord, the significance of the altar, and the value of understanding the Law in its proper context. As believers today, we can draw spiritual lessons from this passage, recognizing our role as priests, offering our lives to God, and approaching Him through Jesus Christ, our High Priest.
