What significance does the "fire on the altar" hold in Leviticus 1:7? Leviticus 1:7 at a glance “And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire.” Why the altar needed fire • Divine presence – Fire consistently signals God’s nearness (Exodus 3:2; Leviticus 9:24). • Acceptance of the offering – The rising smoke pictured the gift reaching heaven (Genesis 8:21). • Purification – Fire consumes impurity, leaving only what is acceptable (Numbers 31:23). • Total dedication – A burnt offering was completely given over; nothing was held back (Leviticus 1:9). God-given flame, human responsibility • Initial spark from heaven: “Fire came out from the LORD and consumed the burnt offering” (Leviticus 9:24). • Daily upkeep by priests: “The fire shall be kept burning on the altar; it must not go out” (Leviticus 6:12-13). • Picture of partnership: God starts the work of atonement; His people faithfully maintain fellowship. Continuous fire, continuous worship • Ongoing sacrifice mirrored Israel’s ongoing need for cleansing. • Morning and evening offerings kept the nation in uninterrupted communion (Exodus 29:38-42). • The never-ending flame anticipated a day when a single, perfect sacrifice would fully satisfy God (Hebrews 10:11-14). Foreshadowing Christ • Jesus is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). • On the cross He endured God’s fiery judgment for sin (Isaiah 53:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). • Because His sacrifice is complete, the earthly altar’s fire finds its fulfillment in Him (Hebrews 9:26). Takeaway truths • God alone provides the means of atonement, yet invites us to active participation. • True worship is wholehearted—nothing withheld—as symbolized by a sacrifice fully consumed. • The perpetual altar fire points to the unchanging holiness of God (Hebrews 12:29) and the perpetual sufficiency of Christ’s offering for all who trust Him. |
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