In Leviticus chapters 6 to 10, the focus remains on the sacrificial system and the responsibilities of the priests in administering these offerings. These chapters also mark the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, showing the importance of holiness and obedience in the priesthood. Additionally, they reveal the tragic consequences of disobedience in the story of Nadab and Abihu. Through these passages, we see the emphasis God places on worship, reverence, and proper conduct in His presence.
Leviticus 6: Additional Instructions for Offerings
Leviticus 6 expands on the sacrificial laws introduced earlier, providing further instructions for the priests about their role in the offerings. The chapter begins by explaining the Trespass Offering in more detail. If someone defrauds another person or swears falsely, they must restore what was taken and offer a Trespass Offering to atone for their sin (Leviticus 6:2-7 KJV). This emphasizes the importance of making restitution in cases of sin against others.
The chapter continues with instructions on the handling of the Burnt Offering, which is to be left on the altar all night. The priests are responsible for keeping the fire burning continually, a symbol of the perpetual nature of Israel’s worship of God (Leviticus 6:12-13 KJV). The Meat Offering (or Grain Offering) is also explained in greater detail, with the priests instructed to consume a portion of it in the Tabernacle as part of their provision for serving God (Leviticus 6:16-18 KJV).
Leviticus 7: Peace Offerings and Priestly Portions
Leviticus 7 provides more specific instructions regarding the Peace Offering and the portions of the various offerings that are to be given to the priests. The Peace Offering is a voluntary act of thanksgiving, fellowship, or the fulfillment of a vow, and it includes communal sharing of the sacrificed animal. Depending on the type of Peace Offering, the worshiper can partake in the sacrificial meal, while certain parts, such as the fat and kidneys, are to be offered to God on the altar.
The chapter also sets forth the rules regarding what the priests can eat from the offerings. For instance, the priests receive the breast and right thigh of the Peace Offering (Leviticus 7:31-34 KJV). The chapter concludes with a general summary of the laws for the Burnt Offering, Meat Offering, Sin Offering, Trespass Offering, and Peace Offering, underscoring the importance of holiness in approaching God.
Leviticus 8: The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons
Leviticus 8 marks a significant event in Israel’s history: the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. God instructs Moses to carry out a ceremony of ordination, during which Aaron and his sons are publicly anointed and set apart for their sacred duties.
The ceremony begins with Aaron and his sons being washed with water, symbolizing purification. Moses then clothes Aaron in the holy garments—the ephod, breastplate, and robe—representing his high priestly role. Aaron is anointed with oil, and his sons are clothed in their priestly garments (Leviticus 8:6-13 KJV).
Next, three sacrifices are offered as part of the consecration:
- A Sin Offering to atone for the sins of the priests.
- A Burnt Offering as a sign of their total dedication to God.
- A Ram of Consecration, symbolizing their ordination to the priesthood.
Blood from the sacrifices is applied to Aaron and his sons’ right ears, thumbs, and toes, signifying their consecration to hear, act, and walk in obedience to God’s commands. For seven days, Aaron and his sons remain at the entrance of the Tabernacle as part of the ordination process, reinforcing the sacredness of their new roles (Leviticus 8:33-35 KJV).
Leviticus 9: The Inauguration of the Priesthood
Leviticus 9 describes the first official day of priestly service for Aaron and his sons. On this day, Moses commands them to present various offerings on behalf of the people, including a Sin Offering, a Burnt Offering, a Peace Offering, and a Meat Offering. These sacrifices are intended to atone for the sins of the nation and bring God’s blessing upon them.
As Aaron offers the sacrifices, he follows the detailed instructions given by Moses. After completing the sacrifices, Aaron lifts his hands and blesses the people (Leviticus 9:22 KJV). The climax of the chapter occurs when the glory of the LORD appears to all the people, and fire comes out from before the LORD and consumes the offerings on the altar (Leviticus 9:23-24 KJV). This divine manifestation affirms God’s acceptance of the sacrifices and the priestly ministry of Aaron and his sons. The people respond by shouting for joy and falling on their faces in worship, recognizing the presence of God among them.
Leviticus 10: The Sin of Nadab and Abihu
Leviticus 10 recounts a tragic and sobering event involving Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu. After the glorious display of God’s presence in Leviticus 9, Nadab and Abihu take it upon themselves to offer “strange fire” before the Lord—an unauthorized act that directly violates God’s commands regarding worship (Leviticus 10:1 KJV).
In response to their disobedience, fire comes out from the Lord and consumes them (Leviticus 10:2 KJV). This event highlights the seriousness of approaching God with reverence and the consequences of disregarding His holiness. God’s immediate judgment on Nadab and Abihu serves as a powerful reminder that worship must be conducted according to His instructions, and that the priests are held to a high standard of obedience and respect for the sacred.
Moses instructs Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, to refrain from mourning publicly for Nadab and Abihu, as their deaths were a result of their own sin. The work of the priesthood must continue, and the holiness of God must be upheld (Leviticus 10:6-7 KJV).
Later in the chapter, Moses addresses a mistake made by Eleazar and Ithamar regarding the consumption of the Sin Offering. Aaron defends his sons, explaining that they did not feel it was appropriate to eat the offering in light of the day’s tragic events. Moses accepts Aaron’s reasoning, but the episode further emphasizes the need for precision and care in the priestly duties (Leviticus 10:16-20 KJV).
Conclusion
Leviticus chapters 6 to 10 continue to emphasize the holiness of God and the proper way to approach Him in worship. The detailed instructions for the offerings highlight the seriousness of sin and the provision of atonement through sacrifice. The consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests shows the importance of purity and obedience in those who serve in the presence of God.
The tragic story of Nadab and Abihu serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for reverence in worship. God is holy, and His commands must be followed precisely, especially by those who are called to serve in positions of spiritual leadership.
These chapters demonstrate that worshiping God is not a casual or optional affair—it requires wholehearted dedication, obedience, and respect for the sacred. Through the sacrificial system and the priesthood, God makes a way for His people to draw near to Him, but it must be done on His terms, reflecting His holiness and justice.
