Leviticus 9:1-24
Q.1. In what way were the activities following the ordination of the priests to be special? – (Lev.9:1-7)
The ordination of the priesthood was to be a significant day. Therefore, Moses called Aaron and his sons, along with the elders of the people. He also gathered all the sons of Israel to witness the event (Lev.9:1 & 3 c.f. Lev.8:3-5). Moses told the priesthood – This is the thing which the Lord has commanded you to do, that the glory of the Lord may appear to you (Lev.9:6). First, they were to – Come near to the altar and offer your sin offering and your burnt offering, that you may make atonement for yourself and for the people; then make the offering for the people, that you may make atonement for them, just as the Lord has commanded (Lev.9:7). The setting aside of the priesthood was so significant, the day would be hallowed by God – for today the Lord will appear to you (Lev.9:4).
Q.2. Why were sin and burnt and peace offerings needed for Aaron, the elders, and the people? – (Lev.9:8-21)
The whole priesthood, including Aaron and his sons, needed to make appropriate sacrifices for their own sins (Lev.9:8-14 c.f. Heb.5:1-3). This then had to be repeated on behalf of all the people (Lev.9:15-21). This was to confirm the fact that everyone – the priests, the leaders, and all other people, were guilty before a holy God, and needed an offering to cover their sins. No one was exempted. Without a blood covering, the appearance of God’s glory would have had fatal consequences. Today, the Gospel needs to be embraced by all, including the leaders, preachers, pastors, and all other people.
Q.3. How did God ratify His acceptance of the role of the priests, and their sacrifices for His people? – (Lev.9:22-24)
This inaugural offering for the sins of all Israel was ratified when – fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the portions of fat on the altar – (Lev.9:24). At the commencement of the priestly role – the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people … and when the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces (Lev.9:23-24). This direct intervention by God would no longer continue, since it was documented in the Scripture that God approved of the sacrificial system that He had established. This would bring atonement between God and sinners – Come near to the altar and offer your sin offering and your burnt offering, that you may make atonement for yourself and for the people; then make the offering for the people, that you may make atonement for them, just as the Lord has commanded (Lev.9:7). There would be occasions when other such dramatic manifestations would come, as happened to Gideon, and also at the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal (Jdgs.6:21; 1 Kgs.18:38). This event here, was no more the norm than were the manifestations accompanying the giving of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).