“And he washed the inwards and the legs in water; and Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar: it was a burnt sacrifice for a sweet savour, and an offering made by fire unto the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.”
Context:Leviticus 8 describes the consecration and anointing of Aaron and his sons as priests in the tabernacle. In this verse, Moses carries out the instructions given by the Lord to consecrate Aaron and his sons for their priestly service. The verse specifically focuses on the washing of the inward parts and legs of the ram as part of the process.
Key Points:
- Consecration of Aaron and his sons:The chapter begins with the commandment from God for Moses to gather Aaron and his sons, along with the necessary offerings, to consecrate them as priests. The consecration process involved various rituals and sacrifices that would set them apart for their priestly duties.
- Washing of the inwards and the legs:As part of the consecration process, Moses was instructed to wash the inwards (internal organs) and the legs of the ram. This act symbolized purification and the removal of impurities. Cleansing through water was a common ritual in the Old Testament, signifying spiritual cleanliness and holiness.
- Burnt sacrifice:After washing the inwards and legs, Moses offered the entire ram as a burnt sacrifice upon the altar. A burnt offering was an offering consumed entirely by fire, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication to God. The aroma of the sacrifice was described as a “sweet savour” to the Lord, indicating acceptance and approval.
- Obedience to God’s command:The verse emphasizes that Moses carried out the consecration exactly as the Lord had commanded him. This highlights the importance of obedience to God’s instructions, especially in matters of worship and consecration.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Ritual purity and holiness:The washing of the inwards and legs illustrates the importance of inner purity and consecration before serving God. It reminds us that our worship and service to God should flow from hearts that are cleansed from sin and dedicated to His purposes.
- Total surrender and dedication:The burnt sacrifice symbolizes the need for complete surrender and devotion to God. As believers, we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), presenting ourselves fully to God and His service.
- Obedience to God’s commands:Moses’ obedience to God’s instructions serves as an example for us. We should strive to obey God wholeheartedly, recognizing that His commands are for our benefit and to bring us closer to Him.
- Christ as the ultimate sacrifice:The burnt offerings and other sacrificial rituals in the Old Testament pointed forward to Jesus Christ, who became the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross fulfilled the requirements of the sacrificial system, making a way for us to be cleansed and consecrated before God.
In summary, Leviticus 8:21 describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests through the washing of the inwards and legs of a ram, followed by a burnt sacrifice. This verse highlights the importance of inner purity, total surrender to God, obedience to His commands, and ultimately points forward to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
