Leviticus 8:18

And he brought the ramme for the burnt offring: and Aaron and his sonnes laid their hands vpon the head of the ramme. Leviticus 8:18 (KJV)

Context: The book of Leviticus is primarily concerned with outlining the regulations and instructions for the priests and the sacrificial system in ancient Israel. Leviticus 8 describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons as they are ordained as priests.

The burnt offering: In this verse a ram is brought as a burnt offering. The burnt offering was a type of sacrifice where the entire animal was consumed on the altar as an offering to God. It symbolized complete surrender and dedication to God.

Laying hands on the head: Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram. This act symbolized the transfer of their own sins and their identification with the sacrifice, acknowledging the need for atonement.

The significance: This verse emphasizes the role of the priests in the sacrificial system. By participating in the laying on of hands, Aaron and his sons were actively involved in the offering and its symbolism. The act conveyed their willingness to take on the responsibility of interceding for the people and offering sacrifices on their behalf.

Foreshadowing Christ: The sacrificial system and the actions performed by the priests in the Old Testament point forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus became the perfect sacrificial lamb, taking upon Himself the sins of the world. In the New Testament we see Jesus as our High Priest who offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

Application: Although we no longer practice the ceremonial laws and sacrifices of the Old Testament, there are lessons we can draw from this verse. It reminds us of the need for surrender and dedication in our relationship with God. We are called to present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), offering our lives wholly to God in gratitude for His mercy and grace.

In summary, Leviticus 8:18 illustrates the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests through the act of laying hands on the head of a ram offered as a burnt offering. The act symbolized the transfer of their sins, their identification with the sacrifice, and the dedication of the priests to their roles. As Christians we see the foreshadowing of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and can draw lessons of surrender and dedication in our own walk with God.