Read the Daily Bible Verse – Leviticus 9:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Leviticus 9:20 is part of the detailed account in the Old Testament that describes the rituals and sacrifices of the Israelite people. It occurs during the inauguration of the priesthood of Aaron and his sons and marks the formal start of their service in the Tabernacle. This passage provides significant insights into how God expected the Israelites to worship and live in accordance with His holiness.
In this article, we will explore the context, meaning, and application of Leviticus 9:20, while also understanding its relevance to Christians today.
The Context of Leviticus 9:20 KJV
The Inauguration of the Priesthood
Leviticus 9 is a pivotal chapter in the Old Testament. It marks the first day that Aaron and his sons begin their official duties as priests after their consecration in Leviticus 8. The chapter begins with the detailed instructions God gives Moses for the priestly sacrifices and ends with the glorious manifestation of God’s presence when His fire consumes the offerings.
The chapter represents a new phase in the relationship between God and Israel. With the establishment of the priesthood, the Israelites now had an appointed mediator between them and God. The priest’s role was essential because they were responsible for offering sacrifices on behalf of the people and for maintaining the sanctity of the worship rituals.
The Sacrificial System
Leviticus 9 describes the various offerings made on this significant day, including sin offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings. The people of Israel were to follow these instructions precisely to atone for their sins, express gratitude, and seek God’s favor.
The offerings had deep symbolic significance. They represented atonement, dedication, and peace with God. Sacrifice was a means of cleansing the people and restoring their relationship with the Holy God, who could not tolerate sin in His presence.
The Significance of the Verse
Leviticus 9:20 specifically deals with the burnt offering and peace offering. This was part of the formal consecration process of the Israelites, where Aaron and his sons began to act as mediators between God and the people.
The sacrifices made on this day were not only meant to cleanse the people from sin but also to dedicate them fully to God. Through these rituals, the Israelites were able to draw near to God and maintain a relationship with Him.
Leviticus 9:20 (KJV)
To understand the meaning of Leviticus 9:20, we need to look at the verse itself:
“And they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burnt the fat upon the altar: but the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved for a wave offering before the Lord; as Moses commanded.” (Leviticus 9:20, KJV)
Breakdown of the Verse
“They put the fat upon the breasts”: In sacrificial rites, the fat of the animal was considered the best part and was to be offered to God. This represented God’s ownership of all things and the act of giving Him the best of the sacrifice.
“He burnt the fat upon the altar”: The fat was burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to God, symbolizing His acceptance of the offering.
“But the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved for a wave offering before the Lord”: The breast and right shoulder of the sacrificial animal were set aside for the priests. The act of waving the offering symbolized the offering being presented to God. The priest’s action of waving these parts was a sign that they were given to God in worship.
“As Moses commanded”: The precise details of the offering were carried out as per the instructions given by God to Moses. This emphasizes the obedience required in worship and sacrifice.
Leviticus 9:20 Meaning
The Significance of the Fat
In the Old Testament sacrificial system, the fat was considered the most precious part of the animal. It symbolized the best portion that could be offered to God. By offering the fat, the Israelites acknowledged that God was worthy of the finest offerings. It also reminded them that God is holy, and therefore, the sacrifice must be complete and given with reverence.
The act of burning the fat on the altar was an act of dedication. It was meant to please God and demonstrate obedience to His commands. For Christians, this can serve as a reminder that we are called to offer our best to God in all aspects of life, whether it be our time, our resources, or our worship.
The Role of the Wave Offering
The wave offering mentioned in Leviticus 9:20 was an important part of the sacrificial system. The priests were instructed to wave certain parts of the animal—specifically the breast and right shoulder—before God. This was not an ordinary offering but one that involved the active participation of the priest. It was a way of saying, “We offer this to you, Lord. We recognize Your sovereignty over us, and we give You our best.”
For the priests, the wave offering was a sign of ownership and dedication. God had instructed that the priests would receive these parts of the sacrifice. As the priest waved the offering, it symbolized that they were presenting it to God’s service and recognizing their responsibility as intermediaries.
The wave offering also acted as a symbol of fellowship. It marked the union between God and His people. When the Israelites made a sacrifice, they were not just atoning for sin—they were also making peace with God and establishing fellowship. The wave offering reinforced that the relationship between God and His people was not just transactional but relational.
Obedience to God’s Instructions
The phrase “as Moses commanded” in Leviticus 9:20 underscores the importance of obedience in worship. God’s instructions for the sacrifices were precise, and the Israelites were expected to follow them exactly. God’s holiness demanded that these rituals be carried out perfectly, without deviation.
This highlights a critical principle: true worship requires obedience to God’s commands. Christians are called to live lives of obedience to God’s Word, recognizing that He is holy and deserving of our complete devotion. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ became the ultimate sacrifice, but the call for obedience remains. Just as the Israelites had to follow God’s commands to ensure a proper sacrifice, we too are called to live in accordance with God’s Word in every area of life.
Leviticus 9:20 Application in Life
Offering Our Best to God
Leviticus 9:20 teaches us the importance of offering our best to God. Just as the Israelites were required to give the fat and the best portions of the animal as a sacrifice, we are called to give God the best of our time, energy, and resources. In Romans 12:1, Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. This means that our lives should reflect our dedication to God in every way—through our work, our relationships, and our worship.
The Role of Priests in Worship
In the Old Testament, the priests were the mediators between God and the people. They offered sacrifices on behalf of the people, interceding for them. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is our High Priest. He offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, reconciling us to God. However, Christians are still called to be a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), offering spiritual sacrifices to God. This can include prayer, worship, and living a life that honors God. Leviticus 9:20 reminds us that we are all called to offer ourselves in service to God.
Obedience in Worship
The phrase “as Moses commanded” calls Christians to be obedient to God’s Word. Just as the Israelites had to follow the precise commands of God for the sacrifices, we are called to live in obedience to God’s commands in every area of life. Jesus Christ said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience is the hallmark of a true relationship with God. Worship is not just an outward act; it must come from a heart that is surrendered to God’s will.
Fellowship with God
The wave offering in Leviticus 9:20 also highlights the importance of fellowship with God. Worship is not just about rituals or offerings—it is about cultivating a relationship with God. As Christians, we are invited to come near to God through Jesus Christ and experience true fellowship with Him. This fellowship is made possible by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. We no longer need to offer animal sacrifices, but we are called to live in communion with God daily.
Conclusion
Leviticus 9:20 provides valuable insights into the nature of worship and the importance of obedience to God’s commands. The sacrifices offered in this verse, including the burnt offering and wave offering, symbolize holiness, obedience, and dedication to God. For Christians, these principles still hold true today. We are called to offer our best to God, live in obedience to His Word, and seek to cultivate fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ.
The rituals of the Old Testament find their fulfillment in Christ, but the principles of offering ourselves in worship and obedience remain central to the Christian faith. Leviticus 9:20 reminds us that true worship involves more than external rituals—it involves a heart fully devoted to God, living according to His commands, and seeking His presence.
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