Leviticus 8:28

And Moses tooke them from off their hands, and burnt them on the Altar, vpon the burnt offering: They were consecrations for a sweet sauour: It is an offering made by fire vnto the Lord. Leviticus 8:28 (KJV)

Leviticus is a book of the Old Testament, specifically part of the Torah or the Law given by God to Moses. It contains detailed instructions regarding various aspects of the Israelites’ worship, religious rituals, and the consecration of priests. In chapter 8 the narrative records the consecration of Aaron and his sons as the priests of Israel. In verse 28 Moses takes the items of consecration, which include parts of the ram of consecration and its associated holy items, from the hands of Aaron and his sons and places them on the altar.

Moses then proceeds to burn these items on the altar as a burnt offering. This act symbolizes the complete dedication and consecration of Aaron and his sons to the service of the Lord. By offering these items as a burnt offering, they are set apart for God’s purposes and become a sweet savour that is pleasing to Him.

The phrase “sweet savour” indicates that the offering was pleasing or acceptable to God. In the Old Testament the aroma of burnt offerings symbolized the people’s devotion, obedience, and worship. The sweet savour therefore represents the desire of the worshiper to please God and to be in fellowship with Him.

Leviticus 8:28 also states that the offering was made by fire unto the Lord. Fire is often associated with purification and God’s presence, and the burning of the offering symbolizes the purification of the priests and their surrender to the service of God.

Key lessons flow from this passage. First, the significance of consecration is highlighted; believers are taught to dedicate themselves entirely to God and His service, offering their lives as a pleasing sacrifice. Second, the sweet savour reminds us that God delights in genuine worship, obedience, and devotion, urging us to pursue a close, intimate relationship with Him. Finally, the rituals and offerings described foreshadow the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, pointing to the deeper spiritual truths and fulfillment found in Christ’s ultimate offering for our sins.

Overall, Leviticus 8:28 underscores the consecration of the priests and the importance of offering our lives fully to God, while also pointing to the spiritual fulfillment revealed in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.