“And command Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law of the burnt offering: It is the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it.”
Leviticus is a book in the Old Testament that primarily focuses on the religious and ceremonial laws given to the Israelites by God through Moses. It provides instructions and regulations regarding various aspects of their worship, sacrifices, and ethical conduct. Leviticus 6:9 specifically pertains to the law concerning burnt offerings.
In the preceding verses, the Lord instructs Moses to command Aaron and his sons, who were the priests, regarding the burnt offering. The burnt offering was one of the several types of sacrifices offered in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple to seek forgiveness for sins and to express devotion to God.
The verse highlights three key aspects of the burnt offering:
- Timing: The burnt offering was to be burned on the altar throughout the night until the morning. The fire on the altar was to be kept burning continuously. This emphasizes the continuous nature of worship and devotion to God. The priests were responsible for ensuring that the fire never went out, symbolizing their dedication to maintaining the holy rituals and serving God’s purposes.
- Purpose: The burnt offering was called such because it was completely consumed by fire on the altar. Unlike other sacrifices, the burnt offering was primarily an act of worship rather than a means of atonement for sin. By offering a burnt offering, the Israelites expressed their surrender to God, their gratitude, and their desire to draw near to Him. The complete burning of the offering demonstrated their total commitment and dedication to God.
- Symbolism: The burning of the offering symbolized the acceptance of the worshiper’s heart, devotion, and surrender by God. Fire is often associated with purification, transformation, and the divine presence in the Bible. The ascending smoke from the burnt offering signified the offering reaching God’s presence and His acceptance of the worshiper’s act of devotion.
In a broader context, the burnt offering system as a whole foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus became the perfect and final sacrifice, offering Himself as a burnt offering, completely surrendering to God’s will and becoming the atonement for the sins of humanity.
Although we no longer offer burnt offerings today, the principles behind it can still be applied in our lives. We are called to continually devote ourselves to God, offering our hearts, lives, and worship in a manner that is pleasing to Him. Just as the fire on the altar was to be kept burning continuously, we should maintain a consistent and unwavering commitment to our relationship with God, expressing our gratitude and surrender to Him.
In summary, Leviticus 6:9 outlines the regulations for the burnt offering, emphasizing the continuous nature of worship, the act of complete surrender to God, and the symbolism of the burning offering. It reminds us of the importance of offering our lives as a pleasing sacrifice to God, aligning our hearts with His purposes, and seeking His acceptance through Jesus Christ.
