Leviticus 8:14-21

Why do those entering priestly service first need offerings themselves?

Berean Standard Bible

14 Moses then brought the bull near for the sin offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head. 15 Moses slaughtered the bull, took some of the blood, and applied it with his finger to all four horns of the altar, purifying the altar. He poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar and consecrated it so that atonement could be made on it. 16 Moses also took all the fat that was on the entrails, the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys and their fat, and burned it all on the altar. 17 But the bull with its hide, flesh, and dung he burned outside the camp, as the LORD had commanded him. 18 Then Moses presented the ram for the burnt offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head. 19 Moses slaughtered the ram and splattered the blood on all sides of the altar. 20 He cut the ram into pieces and burned the head, the pieces, and the fat. 21 He washed the entrails and legs with water and burned the entire ram on the altar as a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

What is the context?

Aaron and his sons place their hands on the bull for the sin offering, and Moses applies blood to purify the altar. The fat is burned there, while the bull’s remaining body is burned outside the camp.

The first ram then becomes a burnt offering, prepared according to the pattern already given. Before Aaron serves as priest for others, the account shows atonement and dedication concerning him and his sons. Their service begins with dependence on God’s provision.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley reads the burnt offering as dedication of the priests and their service to God. The USCCB notes point out that Moses performs the priestly actions in this chapter. The altar is purified as the text states; an inanimate altar is not thereby accused of committing a moral sin.

Where does this fit in God's plan?

Hebrews 7:23–28 distinguishes Jesus from priests who must offer for their own sins before the people’s. He is holy and offers Himself once for all. This New Testament comparison explains both the purpose of the earlier priesthood and its limits.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

The Gospel According to Jesus

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