“And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved for a wave offering before the LORD; as Moses commanded.”
Context: The book of Leviticus is a part of the Old Testament and contains laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Leviticus emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for His people to live in accordance with His commands. Leviticus 9 describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, as well as their first official act of offering sacrifices on behalf of the people.
The wave offering: In Leviticus 9:21, we read about the wave offering. This particular offering involved the waving of specific portions of an animal sacrifice before the Lord. The breast and the right shoulder of the sacrificed animal were to be waved as a gesture of presenting them to God. This act was symbolic and represented the offering of the entire animal to God.
Aaron and the wave offering: Leviticus 9:21 specifically mentions Aaron, the high priest, performing the wave offering. As the appointed high priest, Aaron carried out the necessary rituals and offerings on behalf of the people. By waving the breast and right shoulder of the sacrificial animal, Aaron demonstrated the presentation of the offering to the Lord and acknowledged God’s authority and ownership over the offering.
Significance of the wave offering: The wave offering had several purposes. It was a way for the Israelites to show gratitude and worship to God for His provision and blessings. It acknowledged God as the source of their sustenance and recognized His authority over their lives. The wave offering was also a symbol of dedication and consecration. By presenting a portion of the sacrifice to God, the people consecrated the entire offering and themselves to His service.
Obedience to God’s commands: Leviticus 9:21 highlights that Aaron performed the wave offering exactly as Moses had commanded him. This emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s instructions. The Israelites were expected to follow God’s commands meticulously, as obedience was an expression of their faith and devotion to Him.
Application for believers today: While the wave offering was a specific practice for the Israelites under the Mosaic Law, it can teach us valuable lessons as modern-day believers. Firstly, it reminds us of the significance of gratitude and worship, recognizing God as the source of our blessings. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of consecration and dedication to God, surrendering ourselves completely to His service. Finally, it underscores the value of obedience to God’s commands, as a reflection of our faith and trust in Him.
In summary, Leviticus 9:21 portrays Aaron, the high priest, performing the wave offering as a gesture of presenting specific portions of a sacrificed animal to God. This act symbolized dedication, consecration, and gratitude to the Lord. It also emphasizes the significance of obedience to God’s commands, which holds lessons for believers today in terms of worship, consecration, and obedience to God’s will.
