What role does Aaron play in Leviticus 9:15, and why is it significant? Setting the Scene Leviticus 9 captures the very first day Aaron officially serves as high priest. God has just laid out detailed instructions (Leviticus 8), and now Aaron steps into his mediating office before the entire nation. Aaron’s Specific Action in Leviticus 9:15 “Next he presented the people’s offering. He took the goat for the sin offering that was for the people, slaughtered it, and offered it as a sin offering like the first one.” What Aaron actually does: • Presents the people’s sacrifice—he stands between the Israelites and God. • Selects the goat for the sin offering—identifying it as the substitute for collective guilt. • Slaughters the animal—carrying out the death penalty sin deserves (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23). • Offers it “like the first one”—faithfully follows God’s precise pattern, emphasizing obedience (Leviticus 9:7-14). Why Aaron’s Actions Matter • Mediatorial Role – Aaron functions as the ordained bridge between a holy God and a sinful people (Exodus 28:1; Hebrews 5:1). – His actions show Israel that forgiveness requires an appointed representative. • Substitutionary Atonement – The goat dies in place of the nation, picturing the transfer of guilt (Leviticus 16:21-22; Hebrews 9:22). – Blood sprinkled on the altar visibly demonstrates that sin costs life. • Legitimizing the Priesthood – Aaron’s obedience validates his God-given office; the ensuing fire of divine approval (Leviticus 9:24) confirms heaven’s endorsement. • Foreshadowing Christ – Aaron is a “copy and shadow” (Hebrews 8:5) of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus, who will offer Himself once for all (Hebrews 7:26-27). – The pattern teaches Israel—and us—to look for a perfect, permanent mediator. Echoes in the New Testament • Hebrews 5:4-5 – No one takes the priesthood on himself; Aaron was called, and so was Christ. • Hebrews 9:11-12 – Jesus enters the greater tabernacle with His own blood, accomplishing what Aaron’s goats only symbolized. • 1 Peter 2:24 – “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree,” fulfilling the sin-offering motif. Take-Home Truths • God provides a designated mediator so sinful people can draw near without being consumed. • True atonement always involves an innocent substitute bearing the guilty party’s penalty. • Aaron’s faithful service points forward to Jesus, whose once-for-all sacrifice secures eternal redemption for all who believe. |
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