◄ Leviticus 24:9 ►
It belongs to Aaron and his sons, who are to eat it in a holy place; for it is to him a most holy part of the offerings made by fire to the LORD--his portion forever."
Study Bible
It belongs to Aaron and his sons
This phrase establishes the priestly lineage of Aaron and his descendants as the rightful recipients of the bread of the Presence. The Hebrew root for "belongs" (יהיה, yihyeh) implies a divine ordination, indicating that this provision is not merely a human arrangement but a God-ordained right. Historically, Aaron and his sons were set apart for priestly duties, symbolizing a special relationship with God. This highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and the responsibility of those who serve in God's presence.

who are to eat it in a holy place
The consumption of the bread in a "holy place" underscores the sanctity of the act. The Hebrew word for "holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) signifies something set apart for divine purposes. Eating in a holy place, likely the Tabernacle, reflects the need for purity and reverence in worship. This practice reminds believers of the sacredness of partaking in what is consecrated to God, drawing a parallel to the reverence required in the Lord's Supper in Christian tradition.

for it is most holy to him
The phrase "most holy" (קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים, qodesh qodashim) indicates the highest level of sanctity. This designation is reserved for items directly associated with God's presence and worship. The bread, as part of the offerings by fire, symbolizes God's provision and the sustenance He provides. It serves as a reminder of the holiness required in approaching God and the reverence due to Him in all aspects of life.

from the offerings by fire to the LORD
The "offerings by fire" (אִשֶּׁה, ishsheh) refer to sacrifices made on the altar, which were consumed by fire as a pleasing aroma to God. This phrase connects the bread to the broader sacrificial system, emphasizing the theme of atonement and dedication. The offerings symbolize the people's devotion and God's acceptance, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who fulfills the sacrificial system.

This is a permanent statute
The term "permanent statute" (חֻקַּת עוֹלָם, chukat olam) indicates an everlasting ordinance. This phrase underscores the enduring nature of God's commands and the timeless principles they embody. It reflects the continuity of God's covenant with His people and the perpetual nature of His laws. For Christians, this permanence is seen in the eternal truths of God's Word and the unchanging nature of His promises, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The first high priest of Israel, brother of Moses, and a central figure in the establishment of the priestly order.

2. Aaron's Sons
The descendants of Aaron who served as priests, responsible for performing the rituals and maintaining the sanctity of the tabernacle.

3. Holy Place
The designated area within the tabernacle where sacred rituals were performed, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

4. Offerings Made by Fire
Sacrificial offerings presented to God, often involving the burning of animals or grains, symbolizing atonement and dedication.

5. Perpetual Statute
A commandment intended to be observed continually by the Israelites, signifying its enduring importance.
Teaching Points
Holiness and Reverence
The consumption of the bread by Aaron and his sons in a holy place underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity.

Provision for the Priests
God provides for those who serve Him, illustrating His care and provision for those dedicated to His work.

Symbolism of Bread
The bread represents sustenance and life, pointing to Jesus as the Bread of Life who sustains us spiritually.

Perpetual Statute
The enduring nature of God's commands calls us to continual obedience and faithfulness in our walk with Him.

Community and Worship
The shared consumption of the bread by the priests highlights the communal aspect of worship and the shared responsibility in serving God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of Aaron and his sons as priests relate to our role as a "royal priesthood" in 1 Peter 2:9?

2. In what ways does the concept of holiness in Leviticus 24:9 challenge us to live differently in our daily lives?

3. How can we apply the principle of God's provision for the priests to our understanding of God's provision in our own lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the perpetual nature of this statute about the consistency and faithfulness required in our spiritual practices?

5. How does the communal aspect of the priests eating the bread together inform our understanding of fellowship and community in the church today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 29
Details the consecration of Aaron and his sons, establishing the priestly lineage and their duties, including the consumption of holy offerings.

1 Samuel 21
Describes how David ate the consecrated bread, highlighting the principle of mercy over ritual and foreshadowing Christ's teaching on the Sabbath.

Matthew 12
Jesus references David's actions to illustrate the importance of mercy and human need over strict ritual observance, connecting to the spirit of the law.

Hebrews 7
Discusses the priesthood of Jesus, drawing parallels between the Levitical priesthood and the eternal priesthood of Christ.
Sermons
Christ a Comforting PresenceRichard Newton, D. D.Leviticus 24:2-9
Christ an Enlightening PresenceRichard Newton, D. D.Leviticus 24:2-9
Christ the True Presence BreadF. H. WhiteLeviticus 24:2-9
Directions for Furnishing of the SanctuaryHenry, MatthewLeviticus 24:2-9
Symbols and Their MeaningJ. Cumming, D. D.Leviticus 24:2-9
The Priest Setting the Lamps in Order Daily Represents Christ Causing His People Daily to Receive and Give Forth Light and LifeA. A. Bonar.Leviticus 24:2-9
The Sanctuary and its FurnitureJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 24:2-9
The Shewbread as Typical of ChristJ. H. Holford, M. A.Leviticus 24:2-9
The Table and Shewbread Typical of Christ and His ChurchJohn Gill, D. D.Leviticus 24:2-9
The Table for the Bread of FacesGeorge Junkin, D. D.Leviticus 24:2-9
The Bread of the PresenceJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 24:5-9
The Lesson of the LoavesW. Clarkson Leviticus 24:5-9
The ShewbreadR.A. Redford Leviticus 24:5-9
The Shewbread, or Bread of the PresenceR.A. Redford Leviticus 24:5-9
The Weekly OfferingR.M. Edgar Leviticus 24:5-9
People
Aaron, Dan, Dibri, Ephah, Israelites, Israelitess, Moses, Shelomith
Places
Teman
Topics
Aaron, Aaron's, Age-during, Due, Eat, Eaten, Everlasting, Fire, Fire-offerings, Forever, Holy, Lord's, Offerings, Perpetual, Portion, Regular, Rule, Share, Sons, Statute
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 24:9

     7768   priests, OT function

Library
The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed by a Minority of Men from the Very Foundation of Christianity. Of the Book "What
CHAPTER I. THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE TO EVIL BY FORCE HAS BEEN PROFESSED BY A MINORITY OF MEN FROM THE VERY FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIANITY. Of the Book "What I Believe"--The Correspondence Evoked by it-- Letters from Quakers--Garrison's Declaration--Adin Ballou, his Works, his Catechism--Helchitsky's "Net of Faith"--The Attitude of the World to Works Elucidating Christ's Teaching--Dymond's Book "On War"--Musser's "Non-resistance Asserted"--Attitude of the Government in 1818 to Men who Refused to …
Leo Tolstoy—The Kingdom of God is within you

Feast of the Dedication. The Jews Attempt to Stone Jesus and He Retires to Peræa.
(Jerusalem and Beyond Jordan.) ^D John X. 22-42. ^d 22 And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: 23; it was winter; and Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. [The feast of dedication was one of eight days' duration and began upon the 25th Chisleu, which, according to the calculation of M. Chevannes, fell upon the nineteenth or twentieth of December, a.d. 29. The feast was kept in honor of the renovation and purification of the temple in the year b.c. 164, after it had been desecrated …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
(Probably While on the Way from Jerusalem to Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 1-8; ^B Mark II. 23-28; ^C Luke VI. 1-5. ^b 23 And ^c 1 Now it came to pass ^a 1 At that season ^b that he ^a Jesus went { ^b was going} on the { ^c a} ^b sabbath day through the grainfields; ^a and his disciples were hungry and began ^b as they went, to pluck the ears. ^a and to eat, ^c and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. [This lesson fits in chronological order with the last, if the Bethesda …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath.
AND PROOF, THAT THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK IS THE TRUE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'The Son of man is lord also of the Sabbath day.' London: Printed for Nath, Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1685. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. All our inquiries into divine commands are required to be made personally, solemnly, prayerful. To 'prove all things,' and 'hold fast' and obey 'that which is good,' is a precept, equally binding upon the clown, as it is upon the philosopher. Satisfied from our observations …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him to Crucifixion.
(Friday. Toward Sunrise.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 15-30; ^B Mark XV. 6-19; ^C Luke XXIII. 13-25; ^D John XVIII. 39-XIX 16. ^a 15 Now at the feast [the passover and unleavened bread] the governor was wont { ^b used to} release unto them ^a the multitude one prisoner, whom they would. { ^b whom they asked of him.} [No one knows when or by whom this custom was introduced, but similar customs were not unknown elsewhere, both the Greeks and Romans being wont to bestow special honor upon certain occasions by releasing …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Voluntary Suffering
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. T hat which often passes amongst men for resolution, and the proof of a noble, courageous spirit, is, in reality, the effect of a weak and little mind. At least, it is chiefly owing to the presence of certain circumstances, which have a greater influence upon the conduct, than any inherent principle. Thus may persons who appear to set death and danger at defiance in the hour …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

A Divine Saviour.
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew xvi. 1; John vi. 69.) We meet with a certain class of Enquirers who do not believe in the Divinity of Christ. There are many passages that will give light on this subject. In 1 Corinthians xv. 47, we are told: "The first man is of the earth earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven." In 1 John v. 20: "We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true; and we are in Him that is …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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