What is the meaning of Leviticus 9:13? They brought him Leviticus 9 describes Aaron’s first day of priestly service. The people “brought him” the sacrifice because God had appointed Aaron to mediate between Himself and Israel (Leviticus 8:1-13). • Obedience in action: the congregation follows the exact pattern revealed in Exodus 29:38-42, showing that worship is not self-styled but God-directed. • Transfer of responsibility: the worshipers hand over the animal, acknowledging that only the ordained priest may draw near (Numbers 16:40). • Foreshadowing: this handing over anticipates Christ, our High Priest, to whom we must bring ourselves (Hebrews 4:14-16). the burnt offering The burnt offering (Hebrew “ascension offering”) was wholly consumed on the altar (Leviticus 1:9). • Purpose: atonement and wholehearted devotion—“it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him” (Leviticus 1:4). • Continual reminder: a daily morning and evening burnt offering kept Israel mindful of constant need for reconciliation (Exodus 29:42). • Christ portrayed: Jesus “gave Himself up… a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). piece by piece The sacrifice was dismembered in a prescribed order (Leviticus 1:6-8). • Careful obedience: every part handled exactly as commanded, reflecting God’s holiness (Deuteronomy 12:32). • Thorough commitment: nothing is withheld; each piece represents complete surrender (Romans 12:1). • Spiritual lesson: God still desires every segment of our lives, not selective offerings (Matthew 22:37). including the head Mentioning the head highlights that even the symbol of thought and authority was offered. • Submission of intellect: we love God with “all your mind” (Mark 12:30). • No favoritism: prominent or humble parts alike belong to Him (1 Corinthians 12:22-24). • Points to Christ: He is the Head offered for us (Colossians 1:18-20). and he burned them on the altar Aaron places every piece into the consuming fire. • Finality of sacrifice: fire signifies God’s acceptance and purification (Leviticus 9:24). • Aroma of pleasure: “an aroma pleasing to the LORD” (Leviticus 1:9) underscores divine satisfaction. • Ongoing call: believers are refined by fiery trials yet remain on the altar of worship (1 Peter 1:6-7). summary Leviticus 9:13 pictures worship that is: • God-initiated—people bring the offering to the priest God chose. • Wholehearted—every part, “piece by piece, including the head,” is surrendered. • Consuming—nothing held back, everything placed in God’s purifying fire. This verse challenges us to approach God through His appointed High Priest, Jesus, offering our entire being without reservation, confident that such obedience pleases the Lord. |