“And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD.”
Context: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.
Consecration of the Priests:Leviticus 8 describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons as the priests of Israel. In verse 28, Moses takes the items of consecration, which include the ram of consecration and its associated offerings, from the hands of Aaron and his sons.
Burning on the Altar:Moses then proceeds to burn these items on the altar upon the 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.
Sweet Savour:The text states that the burnt offerings were consecrations for a sweet savour. This phrase indicates that the offering was pleasing or acceptable to God. In the Old Testament, the aroma of the burnt offerings symbolized the people’s devotion, obedience, and worship. The “sweet savour” represents their desire to please God and be in fellowship with Him.
Offering Made by Fire:Leviticus 8:28 concludes by stating that the burnt offering, which included the consecrated items, was an offering made by fire unto the Lord. Fire is often associated with purification and God’s presence. The burning of the offering symbolizes the purification of the priests and their surrender to the service of God.
Key Lessons:
- Consecration:Leviticus 8:28 emphasizes the significance of consecration. It teaches us the importance of dedicating ourselves entirely to God and His service, offering our lives as a pleasing sacrifice to Him.
- Pleasing God:The phrase “sweet savour” reminds us that God delights in genuine worship, obedience, and devotion. It encourages us to pursue a close and intimate relationship with God, offering ourselves wholeheartedly to Him.
- Symbolism:The rituals and offerings described in Leviticus, including this verse, foreshadowed the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. As Christians, we can find deeper meaning and fulfilment in the sacrifice of Christ as the ultimate offering for our sins.
Overall, Leviticus 8:28 highlights the consecration of the priests and the importance of offering our lives fully to God. It also points to the spiritual truths and fulfilment found in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
