unfoldingWord_en_ej/02 Living/EJ-2.04-Leviticus-8.1-10.20.md

title	subtitle	tags	scripture
Fear God	Leviticus 8:1-10:20		Leviticus 8:1-10:20

Session Overview

Passage Preview

The Leviticus 8-10 narratives illustrate the sinfulness of man, the holiness of God, and the means God gave Israel for dealing with sin. The passage records the specific instructions God gave Moses, Aaron, and Aaron's sons (chapter 8), the ways things go when those instructions are followed (chapter 9), and the steep consequences when those instructions are not obeyed (chapter 10). The narratives teach us about the great difference between God and us and the great love he shows by providing a way for man to enjoy his fellowship once again.

Key Idea: The Leviticus narrative teaches us that God is holy, man is not, and that blood sacrifice is required for the atonement of sin and restoration of relationship with God.

Core Objectives

In the following session, you will...

• establish foundational beliefs about God's holiness
• compose a translation of Leviticus 8:1-10:20 that is clear, accurate, natural, and church approved
• mature in the Christian life of faith through the practice of reverence and worship
• develop basic ministry skills with believers and unbelievers as you check your translation

Narrative Summary

God told Moses to bring Aaron, his sons, all the items required for their consecration, and all of Israel to the entrance of the tent of meeting. After they arrived, God used Moses to give his instructions to Israel, instructions that would establish a God-consciousness among his people. Following the instructions to the letter, Moses began the consecration of Aaron and his sons.

Moses first washed Aaron and his sons with water. Then he dressed Aaron in his special priestly clothes. Then, "Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it, and consecrated them." He sprinkled oil on the altar seven times to consecrate it to God. Afterward, he poured oil on Aaron’s head to consecrate him and then had Aaron’s sons dressed in special priestly clothes.

Following this, a bull was offered for a sin offering, a ram for a burnt offering, and another ram for an ordination offering. When they offered these animals, they laid their hands on its head, slaughtered them, put their blood on the altar or person, and burned their fat. For instance, after killing the ram as a burnt offering, Moses "cut the ram into pieces" and "burned the head and the pieces and the fat." Having "washed the entrails and the legs with water," Moses "burned the whole ram on the altar." And, after killing the ram of ordination, "Moses took some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron’s right ear and the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot." This use of blood was foundational to the sacrificial system. Without blood, there is no atonement for sin.

To consecrate Aaron, his sons, and their clothing, "Moses took some of the anointing oil and blood from the altar and sprinkled it on Aaron and his sons." Then, Moses told them to boil the meat at the entrance of the tent of meeting and eat it along with the bread. Whatever was left over was supposed to be burned. Afterward, the consecrated priests were not allowed to leave the tent of meeting for seven days. They were to remain at the entrance of the tent of meeting "day and night for seven days, performing what the LORD has charged, so that you do not die." God had made atonement for them, setting them apart to his complete service.

After seven days, Aaron and his sons were to begin their service. On the eighth day, Moses gathered Aaron and the leaders of Israel together. Aaron was told to bring his own bull for a sin offering and ram for a burnt offering. They were to be animals without blemish. The rest of Israel was told to bring animals and grain for different kinds of offerings. The people brought their offerings, and they drew near. All this was done so "that the glory of the Lord may appear" and to "make atonement for yourself and for the people."

As the people drew near before God, Aaron "drew near to the altar" to give these offerings. First, he offered the priestly offering. Aaron offered the sin offering, dipped his finger in the blood, and put it on the horns of the altar. The fat, kidneys, and liver were burned at the altar, and the flesh and skin were burned outside of the camp. He then killed the burnt offering and threw its blood on the sides of the altar. He was handed the animal piece by piece; he burned it on the altar. He also washed its insides and legs and burned them on the altar.

Next, Moses offered the offerings of the people according to God’s instructions: first, the sin offering, then the burnt offering, then the grain offering, and then the peace offering. Then Aaron lifted up his hands and blessed the people. He came down from offering the sacrifices and, with Moses, blessed the people in the tent of meeting. The glory of God appeared, and fire came down to consume the animals on the altar. When the people saw this, they shouted and fell down on their faces.

Sometime later, Nadab and Abihu, two of Aaron’s sons, each took his own censer, a device for burning incense, and offered a sacrifice to God in a way God had not commanded. Instead of fire coming down to consume the offerings as before, fire came down, consumed Aaron’s sons, and killed them. God then warned: "Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified". In some way, Aaron’s sons had not treated God as holy. They failed to take God seriously, and so they died.

Moses ordered two of Aaron’s cousins to carry the bodies of Nadab and Abihu out of the sanctuary and out of the camp. They followed these instructions and carried them away in their coats. Then, Moses gave Aaron and the other priests strict instructions so that they, too, would not die. They were not to mourn and not to leave the tent of meeting. Instead, the people of Israel would mourn because this great judgment had come upon them. Moreover, they should not drink alcohol when they went back into the tent of meeting. The priests could not forget that they had the anointing oil upon them. If they, too, treated God as unholy, their lives would be at risk. Instead, God spoke to Aaron and reinforced the duty of the priest. They were "to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean" and "to teach the people of Israel all the statutes that the Lord had spoken to them by Moses."

Moses then gave instructions to Aaron and his surviving sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, about how food should be eaten after being sacrificed. They were not only instructed to eat the sacrifices in a holy and clean place but were also told that these offerings were their due. In other words, sacrifices were a means to mediate God’s presence to a holy people and to fill the priests dedicated to his service.

Though they were instructed to eat what remained of the sacrifices, Moses found out that the sin offering had not been eaten; Aaron had it burnt up. Moses rebuked Eleazar and Ithamar for not following the instructions to eat the sacrifice. Moses asked, "Why have you not eaten the sin offering in the place of the sanctuary, since it is a thing most holy and has been given to you that you may bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the LORD." Having just lost his sons in a severe act of judgment, Aaron said that he refrained from eating because of all that had happened. Aaron asked Moses, "If I had eaten the sin offering today, would the LORD have approved?" In light of God’s holy judgment, they feared making a misstep in handling the sacrifices and receiving God’s wrath. At least this time, the sacrifices were not treated carelessly but with the utmost respect and reverence.

General Book Introduction

In the Old Testament, God set up a system of priests and sacrifices for his people, Israel, to enjoy an ongoing relationship with him. This system had a set of rules that governed how people came to God. These were not random rules engineered by a capricious God. Instead, these rules were how a holy God could relate to sinful humans. Because our God is a holy God, sacrifices had to be offered on behalf of sinful humans. Because our God is a pure God, unclean priests had to be washed before they entered his presence. Because our God is a perfect God, unblemished animals had to be offered to God on behalf of imperfect humanity.

Moreover, not every Israelite could enter God’s presence the same way. Only certain priests who had been designated to stand before God could represent the people to God and God to the people. The book of Leviticus details the system of priests, sacrifices, and various other practices ordained by God so that Israel could relate to him despite their sin.

Passage Outline

1. Moses consecrates Aaron and his sons (8:1-36)
2. The Lord accepts Aaron's offering (9:1-22)
3. The Lord rejects the sinful offering of Aaron's sons (10:1-20)

Important Themes

God’s Holiness: These passages show us the great distinction between a holy God and sinful man. God is holy, set apart, and without sin. Blood atonement is required so man can approach Him. In the Old Testament, God graciously gave Israel a means of continuously atoning for sin, using sacrifices, various ordinances, and priests as mediators. God's decision to do this reveals his boundless mercy and grace. He seeks to restore his relationship with mankind.

Taking God Seriously: As Creator, God deserves our gratitude, worship, and respect. When we fail to take God seriously, disobedience and sin result. The consequences of these decisions can be quite costly. While God does not desire the empty following of his rules, genuine love of God leads to loving obedience.

Sacrificial Importance: The blood of bulls and goats could not permanently remove sin. The sacrificial system was a God-designed temporary measure. It taught Israel about God's holiness, man's sinfulness, and the need for blood atonement to make things right. The inability of these sacrifices to permanently remove sin, indicated by their repetition year by year, pointed to the need for a better, permanent atonement. The sacrificial death of Jesus Christ would later meet this need.

Dealing with Sin: Because God is holy, righteous, and just, he cannot let sin go unpunished. Therefore, sin must be dealt with. It must be atoned for by a sacrifice, the shedding of blood. God ultimately deals with sin by the atoning death and shed blood of his Son. The sacrificial system pointed Israel to this ultimate resolution.

Passage Translation

8:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Take Aaron and his sons with him, the garments and the anointing oil, the bull for the sin offering, the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread. 3 Assemble all the assembly at the entrance to the tent of meeting." 4 So Moses did as Yahweh commanded him, and the assembly came together at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 5 Then Moses said to the assembly, "This is what Yahweh has commanded to be done."

6 Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. 7 He put on Aaron the tunic and tied the sash around his waist, clothed him with the robe and put the ephod on him, and then he tied the ephod around him with the finely-woven waistband and bound it to him. 8 He placed the breastpiece on him, and in the breastpiece he put the Urim and the Thummim. 9 He set the turban on his head, and on the turban, in front, he set the golden plate, the holy crown, as Yahweh had commanded him.

10 Moses took the anointing oil, anointed the tabernacle and everything in it and set them apart to Yahweh. 11 He sprinkled the oil on the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all its utensils, and the washbasin and its base, to set them apart to Yahweh. 12 He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron's head and anointed him to set him apart. 13 Moses brought Aaron's sons and clothed them with tunics. He tied sashes around their waists and wrapped linen cloth around their heads, as Yahweh had commanded him.

14 Moses brought the bull for the sin offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the bull that they had brought for the sin offering. 15 He killed it, and he took the blood and put it on the horns of the altar with his finger, purified the altar, poured out the blood at the base of the altar, and set it apart for God in order to make atonement for it. 16 He took all the fat that was on the inner parts, the covering of the liver, and the two kidneys and their fat, and Moses burned it all on the altar. 17 But the bull, its hide, its meat, and its dung he burned outside the camp, as Yahweh had commanded him.

18 Moses presented the ram for the burnt offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram. 19 He killed it and sprinkled its blood against every side of the altar. 20 He cut the ram into pieces and burned the head and the pieces and the fat. 21 He washed the inner parts and the legs with water, and he burned the whole ram on the altar. It was a burnt offering and produced a sweet aroma, an offering made by fire to Yahweh as Yahweh had commanded Moses.

22 Then Moses presented the other ram, the ram of consecration, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram. 23 Aaron killed it, and Moses took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aaron's right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. 24 He brought Aaron's sons, and he put some of the blood on the tip of their right ear, on the thumb of their right hand, and on the big toe of their right foot. Then Moses sprinkled its blood against every side of the altar. 25 He took the fat, the fat tail, all the fat that was on the inner parts, the covering of the liver, the two kidneys and their fat, and the right thigh. 26 Out of the basket of bread without yeast that was before Yahweh, he took one loaf without yeast, and one loaf of oiled bread, and one wafer, and placed them on the fat and on the right thigh. 27 He put it all in the hands of Aaron and in the hands of his sons and waved them before Yahweh as a wave offering. 28 Then Moses took them from off their hands and burned them on the altar for the burnt offering. They were a consecration offering and produced a sweet aroma. It was an offering made by fire to Yahweh. 29 Moses took the breast and waved it as a wave offering to Yahweh. It was Moses' share of the ram for the priests' ordination, as Yahweh had commanded him.

30 Moses took some of the anointing oil and the blood that was on the altar; he sprinkled these on Aaron, on his clothes, on his sons, and on his sons' clothes with him. In this way he set apart Aaron and his clothes, and his sons and their clothes to Yahweh.

31 So Moses said to Aaron and to his sons, "Boil the meat at the entrance to the tent of meeting, and there eat it and the bread that is in the basket of consecration, as I commanded, saying, 'Aaron and his sons will eat it.' 32 Whatever remains of the meat and of the bread you must burn. 33 You must not go out from the entrance of the tent of meeting for seven days, until the days of your ordination are fulfilled. For Yahweh will consecrate you for seven days. 34 What has been done this day— Yahweh has commanded to be done to make atonement for you. 35 You will stay day and night for seven days at the entrance to the tent of meeting, and keep the command of Yahweh, so you will not die, because this is what I have been commanded." 36 So Aaron and his sons did all the things which Yahweh had commanded them through Moses.

9:1 On the eighth day Moses called Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel. 2 He said to Aaron, "Take a calf from the herd for a sin offering, and a ram without blemish for a burnt offering, and offer them before Yahweh. 3 You must speak to the people of Israel and say, 'Take a male goat for a sin offering and a calf and a lamb, both a year old and without blemish, for a burnt offering; 4 also take an ox and a ram for peace offerings to sacrifice before Yahweh, and a grain offering mixed with oil, because today Yahweh will appear to you.'" 5 So they brought all that Moses commanded to the tent of meeting, and all the assembly of Israel approached and stood before Yahweh. 6 Then Moses said, "This is what Yahweh commanded you to do, so that his glory may appear to you." 7 Moses said to Aaron, "Come near the altar and offer your sin offering and burnt offering, and make atonement for yourself and for the people, and offer the sacrifice for the people to make atonement for them, as Yahweh has commanded."

8 So Aaron went near the altar and killed the calf for the sin offering, which was for himself. 9 The sons of Aaron presented the blood to him, and he dipped his finger into it and put it on the horns of the altar; then he poured out the blood at the base of the altar. 10 However, he burned the fat, the kidneys, and the covering of the liver on the altar as a sin offering, as Yahweh had commanded Moses. 11 The meat and the hide he burned outside the camp. 12 Aaron killed the burnt offering, and his sons gave him the blood, which he splashed against every side of the altar. 13 Then they gave him the burnt offering, piece by piece, together with the head, and he burned them on the altar. 14 He washed the inner parts and the legs and burned them on top of the burnt offering on the altar.

15 Aaron presented the people's sacrifice—a goat, then took it as the sacrifice for their sin and killed it; he sacrificed it for sin, as he had done with the first goat. 16 He presented the burnt offering and offered it as Yahweh had commanded. 17 He presented the grain offering; he filled his hand with it and burned it on the altar, along with the morning's burnt offering. 18 He killed also the ox and the ram, the sacrifice for the peace offering, which was for the people. Aaron's sons gave him the blood, which he sprinkled against every side of the altar. 19 However, they cut out the fat of the bull and the ram, the fat tail, the fat that covers the inner parts, the kidneys, and the covering of the liver. 20 They took the parts that were cut out and put these on the breasts, and then Aaron burned the fat on the altar. 21 Aaron waved the breasts and the right thigh as a wave offering before Yahweh, as Moses had commanded.

22 Then Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them; then he came down from offering the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offering. 23 Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, then came out again and blessed the people, and the glory of Yahweh appeared to all the people. 24 Fire came out from Yahweh and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw this, they shouted and lay facedown.

10:1 Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, each took his censer, put fire in it, and then incense. Then they offered unapproved fire before Yahweh, which he had not commanded them to offer. 2 So fire came out from before Yahweh and devoured them, and they died before Yahweh. 3 Then Moses said to Aaron, "This is what Yahweh was talking about when he said, 'I will reveal my holiness to those who come near me. I will be glorified before all the people.'" Aaron did not say anything. 4 Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them, "Come here and carry your brothers out of the camp from before the tabernacle." 5 So they came near and carried them, still wearing their priestly tunics, out of the camp, as Moses had instructed. 6 Then Moses said to Aaron and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his sons, "Do not let your hair on your heads hang loosely, and do not tear your clothes, so that you may not die, and so that Yahweh may not be angry with all the assembly. But allow your relatives, the entire house of Israel, to mourn for those whom the fire of Yahweh has set ablaze. 7 You must not go out from the entrance of the tent of meeting, or you will die, for the anointing oil of Yahweh is on you." So they acted according to Moses' instructions.

8 Yahweh spoke to Aaron, saying, 9 "Do not drink wine or strong drink, you, or your sons who remain with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, so you will not die. This will be a permanent statute throughout your people's generations, 10 to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean, 11 so that you may teach the people of Israel all the statutes that Yahweh has commanded through Moses."

12 Moses spoke to Aaron and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his remaining sons, "Take the grain offering that remains from the offerings to Yahweh made by fire, and eat it without yeast beside the altar, for it is most holy. 13 You must eat it in a holy place, because it is your share and your sons' share of the offerings to Yahweh made by fire, for this is what I have been commanded to tell you. 14 The breast that is waved and the thigh that is presented to Yahweh, you must eat in a clean place acceptable to God. You and your sons and daughters with you should eat those portions, for they are given as your share and your sons' share out of the sacrifices of the fellowship offerings of the people of Israel. 15 The thigh that is presented and the breast that is waved, they must bring with the offerings of fat made by fire, to wave before Yahweh. They will be yours and your sons' with you as a share forever, as Yahweh has commanded." 16 Then Moses asked about the goat for the sin offering, and found that it was burned up. So he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the remaining sons of Aaron; he said, 17 "Why have you not eaten the sin offering in the area of the tabernacle, since it is most holy, and since Yahweh has given it to you to take away the iniquity of the assembly, to make atonement for them before him? 18 Look, its blood was not brought inside the tabernacle, so you should certainly have eaten it in the tabernacle area, as I commanded." 19 Then Aaron answered Moses, "See, today they made their sin offering and burnt offering before Yahweh, and this thing has happened to me today. If I had eaten the sin offering today, would it have been pleasing in the sight of Yahweh?" 20 When Moses heard that, he was satisfied.

Passage Translation (with notes)

8:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Take Aaron and his sons with him, the garments¹ and the anointing oil, the bull for the sin offering, the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread. 3 Assemble all the assembly at the entrance to the tent of meeting." 4 So Moses did as Yahweh commanded him, and the assembly came together at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 5 Then Moses said to the assembly, "This is what Yahweh has commanded to be done."

6 Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water.² 7 He put on Aaron the tunic and tied the sash around his waist, clothed him with the robe and put the ephod on him,³ and then he tied the ephod around him with the finely-woven waistband and bound it to him. 8 He placed the breastpiece on him, and in the breastpiece he put the Urim and the Thummim.⁴ 9 He set the turban on his head, and on the turban,⁵ in front, he set the golden plate, the holy crown,⁶ as Yahweh had commanded him.

10 Moses took the anointing oil, anointed the tabernacle and everything in it and set them apart to Yahweh.⁷ 11 He sprinkled the oil on the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all its utensils, and the washbasin and its base, to set them apart to Yahweh.⁸ 12 He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron's head and anointed him to set him apart.⁹ 13 Moses brought Aaron's sons and clothed them with tunics. He tied sashes around their waists and wrapped linen cloth around their heads, as Yahweh had commanded him.

14 Moses brought the bull for the sin offering,¹⁰ and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the bull that they had brought for the sin offering.¹¹ 15 He killed it, and he took the blood and put it on the horns of the altar with his finger, purified the altar, poured out the blood at the base of the altar, and set it apart for God in order to make atonement for it.¹² 16 He took all the fat that was on the inner parts, the covering of the liver, and the two kidneys and their fat, and Moses burned it all on the altar. 17 But the bull, its hide, its meat, and its dung he burned outside the camp, as Yahweh had commanded him.

18 Moses presented the ram for the burnt offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram.¹³ 19 He killed it and sprinkled its blood against every side of the altar.¹⁴ 20 He cut the ram into pieces and burned the head and the pieces and the fat. 21 He washed the inner parts and the legs with water, and he burned the whole ram on the altar. It was a burnt offering and produced a sweet aroma,¹⁵ an offering made by fire to Yahweh as Yahweh had commanded Moses.

22 Then Moses presented the other ram, the ram of consecration,¹⁶ and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram.¹⁷ 23 Aaron killed it, and Moses took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aaron's right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot.¹⁸ 24 He brought Aaron's sons, and he put some of the blood on the tip of their right ear, on the thumb of their right hand, and on the big toe of their right foot.¹⁹ Then Moses sprinkled its blood against every side of the altar. 25 He took the fat, the fat tail, all the fat that was on the inner parts, the covering of the liver, the two kidneys and their fat, and the right thigh. 26 Out of the basket of bread without yeast that was before Yahweh, he took one loaf without yeast, and one loaf of oiled bread, and one wafer, and placed them on the fat and on the right thigh. 27 He put it all in the hands of Aaron and in the hands of his sons and waved them before Yahweh as a wave offering.²⁰ 28 Then Moses took them from off their hands and burned them on the altar for the burnt offering. They were a consecration offering and produced a sweet aroma.²¹ It was an offering made by fire to Yahweh. 29 Moses took the breast and waved it as a wave offering to Yahweh. It was Moses' share of the ram for the priests' ordination, as Yahweh had commanded him.

30 Moses took some of the anointing oil and the blood that was on the altar; he sprinkled these on Aaron, on his clothes, on his sons, and on his sons' clothes with him. In this way he set apart Aaron and his clothes, and his sons and their clothes to Yahweh.

31 So Moses said to Aaron and to his sons, "Boil the meat at the entrance to the tent of meeting, and there eat it and the bread that is in the basket of consecration, as I commanded, saying, 'Aaron and his sons will eat it.'²² 32 Whatever remains of the meat and of the bread you must burn. 33 You must not go out from the entrance of the tent of meeting for seven days, until the days of your ordination are fulfilled. For Yahweh will consecrate you for seven days. 34 What has been done this day— Yahweh has commanded to be done to make atonement for you. 35 You will stay day and night for seven days at the entrance to the tent of meeting, and keep the command of Yahweh, so you will not die,²³ because this is what I have been commanded." 36 So Aaron and his sons did all the things which Yahweh had commanded them through Moses.

9:1 On the eighth day Moses called Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel. 2 He said to Aaron, "Take a calf from the herd for a sin offering, and a ram without blemish for a burnt offering, and offer them before Yahweh.²⁴ 3 You must speak to the people of Israel and say, 'Take a male goat for a sin offering and a calf and a lamb, both a year old and without blemish, for a burnt offering; 4 also take an ox and a ram for peace offerings to sacrifice before Yahweh,²⁵ and a grain offering mixed with oil, because today Yahweh will appear to you.'"²⁶ 5 So they brought all that Moses commanded to the tent of meeting, and all the assembly of Israel approached and stood before Yahweh.²⁷ 6 Then Moses said, "This is what Yahweh commanded you to do, so that his glory may appear to you."²⁸ 7 Moses said to Aaron, "Come near the altar and offer your sin offering and burnt offering, and make atonement for yourself and for the people, and offer the sacrifice for the people to make atonement for them,²⁹ as Yahweh has commanded."

8 So Aaron went near the altar and killed the calf for the sin offering, which was for himself. 9 The sons of Aaron presented the blood to him, and he dipped his finger into it and put it on the horns of the altar; then he poured out the blood at the base of the altar.³⁰ 10 However, he burned the fat, the kidneys, and the covering of the liver on the altar as a sin offering, as Yahweh had commanded Moses. 11 The meat and the hide he burned outside the camp. 12 Aaron killed the burnt offering, and his sons gave him the blood, which he splashed against every side of the altar. 13 Then they gave him the burnt offering, piece by piece, together with the head, and he burned them on the altar. 14 He washed the inner parts and the legs and burned them on top of the burnt offering on the altar.³¹

15 Aaron presented the people's sacrifice—a goat, then took it as the sacrifice for their sin and killed it; he sacrificed it for sin, as he had done with the first goat. 16 He presented the burnt offering and offered it as Yahweh had commanded. 17 He presented the grain offering; he filled his hand with it and burned it on the altar, along with the morning's burnt offering. 18 He killed also the ox and the ram, the sacrifice for the peace offering, which was for the people.³² Aaron's sons gave him the blood, which he sprinkled against every side of the altar. 19 However, they cut out the fat of the bull and the ram, the fat tail, the fat that covers the inner parts,³³ the kidneys, and the covering of the liver. 20 They took the parts that were cut out and put these on the breasts, and then Aaron burned the fat on the altar. 21 Aaron waved the breasts and the right thigh as a wave offering before Yahweh,³⁴ as Moses had commanded.

22 Then Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them; then he came down from offering the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offering. 23 Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, then came out again and blessed the people, and the glory of Yahweh appeared to all the people.³⁵ 24 Fire came out from Yahweh and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar.³⁶ When all the people saw this, they shouted and lay facedown.³⁷

10:1 Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, each took his censer, put fire in it, and then incense. Then they offered unapproved fire before Yahweh, which he had not commanded them to offer.³⁸ 2 So fire came out from before Yahweh and devoured them,³⁹ and they died before Yahweh. 3 Then Moses said to Aaron, "This is what Yahweh was talking about when he said, 'I will reveal my holiness to those who come near me. I will be glorified before all the people.'"⁴⁰ Aaron did not say anything. 4 Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them, "Come here and carry your brothers out of the camp from before the tabernacle." 5 So they came near and carried them, still wearing their priestly tunics, out of the camp, as Moses had instructed. 6 Then Moses said to Aaron and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his sons, "Do not let your hair on your heads hang loosely, and do not tear your clothes, so that you may not die,⁴¹ and so that Yahweh may not be angry with all the assembly. But allow your relatives, the entire house of Israel, to mourn for those whom the fire of Yahweh has set ablaze. 7 You must not go out from the entrance of the tent of meeting, or you will die, for the anointing oil of Yahweh is on you." So they acted according to Moses' instructions.

8 Yahweh spoke to Aaron, saying, 9 "Do not drink wine or strong drink, you, or your sons who remain with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, so you will not die.⁴² This will be a permanent statute throughout your people's generations, 10 to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean,⁴³ 11 so that you may teach the people of Israel all the statutes that Yahweh has commanded through Moses."

12 Moses spoke to Aaron and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his remaining sons, "Take the grain offering that remains from the offerings to Yahweh made by fire, and eat it without yeast beside the altar, for it is most holy.⁴⁴ 13 You must eat it in a holy place,⁴⁵ because it is your share and your sons' share of the offerings to Yahweh made by fire, for this is what I have been commanded to tell you. 14 The breast that is waved and the thigh that is presented to Yahweh, you must eat in a clean place acceptable to God.⁴⁶ You and your sons and daughters with you should eat those portions, for they are given as your share and your sons' share out of the sacrifices of the fellowship offerings of the people of Israel. 15 The thigh that is presented and the breast that is waved, they must bring with the offerings of fat made by fire, to wave before Yahweh. They will be yours and your sons' with you as a share forever, as Yahweh has commanded." 16 Then Moses asked about the goat for the sin offering, and found that it was burned up. So he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the remaining sons of Aaron; he said, 17 "Why have you not eaten the sin offering in the area of the tabernacle,⁴⁷ since it is most holy, and since Yahweh has given it to you to take away the iniquity of the assembly, to make atonement for them before him?⁴⁸ 18 Look, its blood was not brought inside the tabernacle, so you should certainly have eaten it in the tabernacle area, as I commanded." 19 Then Aaron answered Moses, "See, today they made their sin offering and burnt offering before Yahweh, and this thing has happened to me today.⁴⁹ If I had eaten the sin offering today, would it have been pleasing in the sight of Yahweh?"⁵⁰ 20 When Moses heard that, he was satisfied.

Introduction

Recite God's Word

The following verse summarizes the core teaching of this passage. Recite this verse out loud as a community until you have it memorized.

For I will make my great name holy, which you have profaned among the nations—in the midst of the nations, you profaned it. Then the nations will know that I am Yahweh—this is the Lord Yahweh's declaration—when you see that I am holy. Ezekiel 36:23

Sing Praise to God

Choose a song that speaks about redemption and God's holiness. Sing this song together as a community.

Observe the World

Take a moment to think about how the world views itself in light of God's holiness.

The world defines God's holiness as...

The world thinks of themselves as...

Read the Passage

God is holy and reveals the sinfulness of humanity. Read the following passage about the importance of understanding how God deals with humanity's sinfulness.

"Holy, holy, holy, is Yahweh of hosts! The whole earth is full of his glory." 4 The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voices of those who were crying out, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 Then I said, "Woe is me! For I am doomed because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, because my eyes have seen the King, Yahweh, Yahweh of hosts!" Isaiah 6:3-5

Discuss the Passage

After reading the passage, discuss what this passage says about sin and God's holiness. Use the following questions to guide your discussion as a community.

1. What do we learn about God's holiness in this passage?
2. What causes people not to have a reverence for God's holiness?
3. What was the response of Isaiah after the angels cried out, "Holy, Holy, Holy?"
4. Why do you think Isaiah would respond this way? How does God's holiness cause us to view sin?

Pray to God

Conclude this time together by praying for one another. Ask that God would use the upcoming study to give other members respect for God's holiness.

Sing Praise to God

Choose a song that speaks about man's sinfulness and God's righteousness. Sing this song together as a community.

Biblical Interpretation: Observing the Details of the Story

After reading the biblical passage, answer the following questions to familiarize yourself with the details of the text.

Observation Questions

Answer the following observation questions to gain a basic understanding of the text. Read the biblical passage as a community and answer these questions as a group.

Leviticus 8:1-2

What did Yahweh tell Moses to do with Aaron and his sons?

Yahweh told Moses to take Aaron and his sons, the garments and the anointing oil, the bull, two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread to the entrance to the tent of meeting.

Leviticus 8:3-6

Who did Yahweh tell Moses to call to the entrance of the tent of meeting?

Yahweh told Moses to call all the assembly at the entrance of the tent of meeting.

Leviticus 8:7

What clothing did Moses put on Aaron?

Moses clothed Aaron with a tunic, sash, and robe.

Leviticus 8:8

What did Moses place in the breastpiece?

Moses placed the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece.

Leviticus 8:9

What was the holy crown?

The holy crown was the golden plate.

Leviticus 8:10-11

What did Moses anoint with the anointing oil?

Moses anointed the tabernacle and everything in it with the anointing oil.

Leviticus 8:12-13

How did Moses consecrate Aaron?

Moses consecrated Aaron by anointing him with anointing oil.

Leviticus 8:14

What did Moses do with the blood of the bull that was brought for the sin offering?

Moses took the blood and put it on the horns of the altar with his finger. He then poured out the blood at the base of the altar.

Leviticus 8:15-17

What did Moses do with the blood of the bull that was brought for the sin offering?

Moses took the blood and put it on the horns of the altar with his finger. He then poured out the blood at the base of the altar.

Leviticus 8:18

What did Moses do with the blood from the ram used for the burnt offering?

Moses killed the ram and splashed its blood against every side of the altar.

Leviticus 8:19-22

What did Moses do with the blood from the ram used for the burnt offering?

Moses killed the ram and splashed its blood against every side of the altar.

Leviticus 8:23-34

What did Moses do with some of the blood from the second ram, the ram of consecration?

Moses took some of the blood from the ram of consecration and placed it on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, the thumb of his right hand, and the big toe of his right foot.

Leviticus 8:35

How long were the priests to remain at the entrance to the tent of meeting?

The priests were to remain at the entrance to the tent of meeting for seven days and seven nights.

Leviticus 8:36

What was Aaron and his sons’ response to what Yahweh had asked them to do?

They did all the things God had commanded them through Moses.

Leviticus 9:1

On what day did Moses call Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel?

Moses called Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel on the eighth day.

Leviticus 9:2

What two animals did Moses ask Aaron and his sons to bring to offer to Yahweh?

Moses asked Aaron to bring a calf from the herd and a ram without blemish.

Leviticus 9:3

What animals did Moses ask Aaron to tell the people of Israel to bring to offer to Yahweh?

Moses asked Aaron to tell the people to bring a male goat, a calf, a lamb, an ox, and a ram to offer to Yahweh.

Leviticus 9:4-5

What animals did Moses ask Aaron to tell the people of Israel to bring to offer to Yahweh?

Moses asked Aaron to tell the people to bring a male goat, a calf, a lamb, an ox, and a ram to offer to Yahweh.

Leviticus 9:6-21

Why had Yahweh commanded them to do this?

Yahweh commanded them to do this so that his glory might appear to them.

Leviticus 9:22-23

What did Aaron do for the people after Aaron made the offerings, as Moses had said?

After Aaron made the offerings, he lifted up his hands and blessed the people.

Leviticus 9:24

What happened when the glory of Yahweh appeared to the people?

When the glory of Yahweh appeared to the people, fire came out and consumed the burnt offering and fat on the altar.

What did the people do when the fire came from Yahweh?

When the fire came out from Yahweh, the people shouted and lay facedown.

Leviticus 10:1

Who offered unapproved fire to Yahweh?

Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, offered unapproved fire to Yahweh.

Leviticus 10:2-3

What happened to these two men as a result of this act?

Fire came out from Yahweh and devoured them.

Leviticus 10:4-6

Who was called upon by Moses to carry the bodies out of the tabernacle?

Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel, the uncle of Aaron, were called by Moses to carry the bodies away.

Leviticus 10:7-8

What did Moses say to Aaron and his sons?

Moses told them that they should not go out of the tent of meeting or they would die.

Leviticus 10:9-15

What did Yahweh say to Aaron and his sons about what they should not drink?

Yahweh told Aaron and his sons they should not drink wine or strong drink before entering the house of meeting.

Leviticus 10:16-20

Why was Moses angry with Eleazer and Ithamar, the remaining sons of Aaron?

Moses was angry with Eleazer and Ithamar because they had let the goat for the sin offering burn up.

Translation Questions

Using the instructions below, generate translation questions to understand specific details of the passage. Use these questions to discuss how you might translate these specific elements of the text.

!EJ-Movement-1-Translation-Questions

Storycraft

Retell this story in your own words (i.e., orally, dramatization, or written/crafted story). Try to tell the story in an accurate way (true to the Bible), natural (words that common people would use), and reproducible (memorable for someone listening to repeat it on their own). After crafting this story, retell it in your family, your church community, or to some other person God has placed in your life.

Grammar and Translation Training: Synecdoche

Use the following exercise to learn about a specific grammar issue and its importance to understand the meaning of a text. This exercise will also help you develop skills to translate this issue accurately and naturally in your own language. If you need additional help on this translation topic, please reference translationAcademy.

Explanation of Translation Issue

Read (or listen) to the explanation of the translation issue. As a community, discuss your understanding of this translation issue and its importance for translating the text.

Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a speaker uses a part of something to refer to the whole thing, or uses the whole to refer to a part. Synecdoche is a type of metonymy, where the substituted item, and the item its associated with, exist in a part-whole or whole-part relationship.

Examples in Biblical Passages

Read (or listen) to the passages below. Use the explanation above to complete the following activity.

Review the explanation of synecdoche above. Identify the uses of synecdoche within each passage. Identify the substituted item and item it represents. They should exist in a part-whole or whole-part relationship. Consider the difference in meaning achieved, or emotion evoked, by using this figure of speech. Finally, discuss how the synecdoche contributes to the meaning of each passage.

Passage 1: Luke 1:46-47

46 Mary said, "My soul praises the Lord, 47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my savior.

Passage 2: Mark 2:24

24 The Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing something that is not lawful on the Sabbath day?"

Passage 3: Ecclesiastes 2:11

11 Then I looked on all the deeds that my hands had accomplished, and on the work that I had done, but again, everything was vapor and an attempt to shepherd the wind. There was no profit under the sun in it.

Passage 4: Matthew 5:29

29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is better for you that one of your body parts should perish than that your whole body should be thrown into hell.

Passage 5: Romans 1:29

29 For his invisible qualities, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Passage 6: Hebrews 7:1

1 It was this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him.

Discovery of Your Own Language

*Now that you understand the basics of this language issue, discuss if your language works in this specific way. Then, talk about different ways

1. Does your language refer to things by using the whole to refer to the part or the part to refer to the whole? Discuss if people in your language can use synecdoche in a natural way.
2. How can you use your language to communicate in a similar way? *Discuss how speakers in your language can use synecdoche, or some other means, to refer to the part, using the whole, or to the whole, using the part.

Connecting Language and Theology

The study of language helps us understand theology. As a community, complete the following exercise to understand how this particular language concept teaches us more about the Christian faith.

Synecdoche allows speakers or writers to bring focus to the part or whole of something or some group. This often allows the emphasis of a particular point or idea. This ability is a God-given feature of language that the Bible uses to teach important things about God and man. Read the passages below. Identify the substituted item and the item it represents. To help with identification, each synecdoche has been placed in bold. They should exist in a part-whole or whole-part relationship. Consider how the use of this figure of speech might bring focus to the part or whole, evoke an emotional response, or enhance meaning in some way. Finally, discuss how each synecdoche contributes to a better understanding of the holiness of God, the sinfulness of man, or the need for sacrifice as atonement.

Leviticus 5:4-6

4 Or if anyone swears rashly with his lips to do evil, or to do good, whatever it is that a man swears rashly with an oath, even if he is unaware of it, when he learns about it, then he will be guilty, in any of these things. 5 When someone is guilty in any of these things, he must confess whatever sin he has committed. 6 Then he must bring his guilt offering to Yahweh for the sin that he has committed, a female animal from the flock, either a lamb or a goat, for a sin offering, and the priest will make atonement for him concerning his sin.

Leviticus 7:30-31

30 The offering for Yahweh to be made by fire, his own hands must bring it. He must bring the fat with the breast, so that the breast may be waved as a wave offering before Yahweh. 31 The priest must burn the fat on the altar, but the breast will belong to Aaron and his descendants.

Leviticus 22:25

25 You must not present the bread of your God from the hand of a foreigner. Those animals are deformed and have defects in them, they will not be accepted for you.

Leviticus 26:3-6

3 If you walk in my laws and keep my commandments and obey them, 4 then I will give you rain in its season; the land will yield its produce, and the trees of the field will yield their fruit. 5 Your threshing will continue to the time of the grape harvest, and the grape harvest will extend to the planting season. You will eat your bread to the full and live safely where you make your home in the land. 6 I will give peace in the land; you will lie down with nothing to make you afraid. I will take the dangerous animals away from the land, and the sword will not pass through your land.

Leviticus 26:40-42

Yet if they confess their sins and their fathers' sin, and their treason by which they were unfaithful to me, and also their walking against me— 41 which caused me to turn against them and I brought them into the land of their enemies—if their uncircumcised hearts become humbled, and if they accept the punishment for their sins, 42 then will I call to mind my covenant with Jacob, my covenant with Isaac, and my covenant with Abraham; also, I will call the land to mind.

Translation Suggestions

The following list provides some translation suggestions. Read (or listen) to these suggestions and discuss how your community will address this translation issue in your own language.

The Bible uses synecdoche often. Speakers of some languages are not familiar with synecdoche and they may not recognize it when they read it in the Bible. If they do not recognize the synecdoche, they will not understand the passage or, worse yet, they will get a wrong understanding of what the passage means. Whenever a synecdoche is used, people need to be able to understand what it represents. Here are a few translation strategies to consider when translating synecdoche.

1. If people would easily understand the metonym, consider using it as is.
2. Use the metonym along with the name of the thing it represents.
3. Use only the name of the thing the metonym represents.

Exploring Translation Further

If you need further help understanding this language topic, refer to the article in translationAcademy. Use this resource to strengthen your grasp of this translation issue.

Summary of Learning

At this point, you have explored an important feature of language and how this will help you translate more accurately and naturally. Summarize this language concept in your own words. Then compare what you wrote to the explanation above.

Synecdoche is...

These are some ways that we will translate synecdoche in our own language...

Application to the Biblical Text

Now that you better understand this language concept, apply what you learned to the biblical text.

In Leviticus 8-10, the author uses a few instances of synecdoche to describe the consecration of the priests, specifically of Aaron and his sons (8:27). Later, he uses another instance of synecdoche when giving instructions on how the people should behave after the punishment of Aaron's two sons (who were priests). Understanding these instances of synecdoche helps with the understanding of this narrative as a whole. Discuss the instances of synecdoche in Leviticus 8-10. Explore their contribution to the passage's meaning. Apply the principles in this training to clearly, accurately, and naturally translate synecdoche in this narrative.

Theological Dialogue: Discussing the Meaning of the Story

Take time to explore the meaning of the text together as a community. Use the following discussions as a way to grasp what truth the biblical passage teaches.

Discourse Questions

Use the following discourse questions to understand the meaning of the text. Pay attention to how the biblical passage itself addresses each question or theme.

1. How did God instruct the priests to consecrate themselves to his service? Leviticus 8:1-36
2. What was involved in Israel’s priests offering sacrifices to God? Leviticus 9:1-24
3. What mistake did Aaron’s sons make when they offered incense to the Lord? Leviticus 10:1-20
4. What role did atonement have in the formation of Israel’s priesthood? Leviticus 8:15, 34; 9:7; 10:17

Theological Questions

Answer the following theology questions as a community. Discuss what truths this biblical passage teaches.

1. The Need for a Mediator: What function did priests fulfill for Israel? Why the need for a mediator between Israel and God? Leviticus 8:1-36
2. Sacrificial Importance: For the people of Israel, what role did sacrifices have in maintaining a relationship with God? Leviticus 8:1-36; 9:1-24
3. Taking God Seriously: What are ways humans can rightly and wrongly approach/relate to God? Leviticus 9:1-24; 10:1-3
4. God's Holiness: What does it mean that God is a holy God? How do we see this characteristic of God in the story of Nadab and Abihu? Leviticus 10:1-20

!EJ-Movement-2-Drafting

Personal Reflection: Following the Teaching of the Story

Take a moment to allow this text to evaluate your own life and to consider how God would have you respond. After this reflection, use the quality checking questions to check your translation draft among the translation team.

Journal Reflection

Prayerfully think about the following personal reflection questions. Write/Record your answers and/or discuss them as a group.

1. Do you have a tendency to view God in an overly formal way or an overly casual way? Why do you have such a tendency?
2. What areas of your life are not fully consecrated to the Lord?
3. How might you be guilty of taking God’s name in vain?
4. What blessings have you missed out on by not coming to God on his own terms?
5. What decisions and practices could help us live a life that takes God seriously?

!EJ-Movement-3-Checking

!EJ-Movement-4

!EJ-Movement-5

!EJ-Conclusion

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1. 8:2 the garments (L: the garments | S: their special clothes). Aaron and his sons were instructed to wear special clothes, which showed that they were priests. These garments were finely woven garments for ministering in the Holy place, created with great skill (Exodus 39:1-5). The fine linen and skillful design conveyed the importance, honor, and requirement of holiness for the priestly mediators between God and man. It also pointed to the holiness of God himself. Translate the garments to mean special clothes worn by Aaron and his sons since they were priests. ↩︎

2. 8:6 washed them with water (L: Moses... washed them with water | S: Moses... washed them). Moses washed Aaron and his sons with water. This is a symbolic action. It is a ritually cleaning that prepares them to become priests. It also symbolizes the need to be clean before a holy and righteous God. Translate washed them with water to mean Moses washed Aaron and his sons with water. ↩︎

3. 8:7 He put on Aaron the tunic and tied the sash around his waist, clothed him with the robe and put the ephod on him (L: And he put the tunic on him, and girded him with the sash, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him | S: He put the special tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, put on him the special robe, and put on him the sacred vest). Moses placed the priestly clothing on Aaron and his sons. These are special garments that Yahweh commanded the people to make for the priests. The term tunic refers to a garment worn next to the skin, under other clothing. The term sash refers to a long piece of cloth that is tied around the waist or chest. The term robe refers to an outer garment with long sleeves that a man or a woman can wear; it is similar to a coat. The term ephod refers to an apron-like garment worn by the Israelite priests. It had two parts, front and back, joined together at the shoulders and tied around the waist with a cloth belt. This special priestly clothing conveyed the great importance of the priest's role and their need to be holy before God. Translate tunic to mean a garment worn next to the skin, under other clothing. Translate sash to a long piece of cloth tied around the waist or chest. Translate robe to mean an outer garment with long sleeves that can be worn by a man or a woman. Translate ephod to mean an apron-like garment worn by the Israelite priests. ↩︎

4. 8:8 the Urim and the Thummim (L: the Urim and the Thummim | S: the two stones for him to use to determine what God wants). Moses placed the Urim and the Thummim inside the breastplate. These were two items, possibly stones, used by Israelite priests to determine God's will. God used items typically found in Ancient Near East culture to convey theological truth to Israel. He communicated with Israel in a way they could best understand. The priests mediated a relationship between sinful Israel and a holy God. Because of this relationship, Israel could know God's will. God also wants us to relate to him and seek his will for our lives. Translate the Urim and the Thummim to mean two items, possibly stones, used by Israelite priests to determine what God wants. ↩︎

5. 8:9 He set the turban on his head (L: *he set the turban on his head * | S: he wrapped the turban around Aaron’s head). Moses placed the turban on Aaron's head. A turban is a man's head covering, a long piece of cloth wrapped around the head. It is another item that marked Aaron and his sons as priests. Translate he set the turban on his head to mean Moses wrapped the turban around Aaron's head. ↩︎

6. 8:9 in front, he set the golden plate, the holy crown (L: on the front of its face—the golden rosette, the holy crown | S: He...fastened on the front of it the gold ornament the object that showed that he was dedicated to God) Moses placed the golden rosette in front of the turban. The golden rosette and the holy crown refer to the same thing. It was a plate of pure gold attached to the turban. This too signified Aaron's role as priest and one who had been consecrated before God. The priests had to be clean before they could approach God. Translate in front, he set the golden plate, the holy crown to mean Moses fastened a plate of pure gold to the front of the turban that he wrapped around Aaron's head. ↩︎

7. 8:10 set them apart to Yahweh (L: he set them apart | S: dedicated it all to Yahweh). Moses took the anointing oil and everything designated for the tabernacle and dedicated these items to Yahweh. The phrase set them apart means to separate from something to fulfill a certain purpose, and it often carries the idea of making something holy. Many of the items used in temple service were made holy. Since God is a holy God, the areas and items that come near him must be sanctified or consecrated before use. Believers must also be made holy before they can draw near to God. Jesus accomplishes this feat by consecrating us with his blood. Translate set them apart to Yahweh to mean Moses consecrated these things and dedicated them to Yahweh. ↩︎

8. 8:11 set them apart to Yahweh; see note on 8:10. ↩︎

9. 8:12 He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron's head and anointed him to set him apart (L: And he poured some of the anointing oil on the head of Aaron and anointed him to set him apart | S: He poured some of the oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him, to dedicate him to Yahweh). Moses anointed Aaron and set him apart just as he did the tabernacle and its items. The phrase set him apart means the same thing as in verses 10 and 11. Moses consecrated Aaron, the priest, so that he could minister before a holy God on behalf of Israel. For the believer today, Jesus fulfills this role as priest. However, he does not need to be set apart. He is intrinsically holy, being fully God himself. Translate He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron's head and anointed him to set him apart to mean Moses consecrated Aaron and dedicated him to Yahweh. ↩︎

10. 8:14 Moses brought the bull for the sin offering (L: And Moses brought the bull of the sin offering | S: Then he brought the bull for the offering to cause people to become acceptable to God). Moses brought a bull to be sacrificed as a sin offering for the altar. The main goal of this offering was to purify the altar itself, but it may have also served to purify Aaron and his sons. Translate Moses brought the bull for the sin offering to mean Moses brought a bull to be killed as a sin offering for the altar. ↩︎

11. 8:14 Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the bull that they had brought for the sin offering (L: Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the bull of the sin offering | S: Then Aaron and his sons put their hands on the bull’s head.) Aaron and his sons placed their hands on the bull's head. This symbolic action identifies Aaron and his sons with the animal they are offering. In this way, they are offering themselves to Yahweh through the animal. This act may indicate that Aaron and his sons are being sanctified along with the altar in this ceremony. Translate Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the bull that they had brought for the sin offering to mean Aaron and his sons identified themselves with the bull to be sacrificed by laying their hands on its head. ↩︎

12. 8:15 he...set it apart for God in order to make atonement for it (L: he set it apart to make atonement upon it | S: he caused it to be a suitable place for burning sacrifices for sin). Moses killed the bull, put its blood on the altar's corners, and poured it at the altar's base. These symbolic actions set apart and consecrated the altar to make it suitable for burning sacrifices for sin. The place where atonement occurs must be made holy before God. Jesus would later fulfill this role by his death on the cross. Translate he...set it apart for God in order to make atonement for it to mean Moses consecrated the altar for use by placing the blood of the sacrificed bull on its corners and by pouring out the bull's blood at its base. ↩︎

13. 8:18 Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram; see note on 8:14. ↩︎

14. 8:19 He killed it and sprinkled its blood against every side of the altar. This seems to serve the same function as sprinkling the bull's blood on the corners of the altar. See note on 8:15. ↩︎

15. 8:21 It was a burnt offering and produced a sweet aroma (L: It was a burnt offering, a sweet aroma | S: the aroma of the smoke was pleasing to Yahweh). The burnt offering was pleasing and acceptable to the Lord. Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the burning sacrifice. It does not mean that God actually enjoyed the smell. When we obey the Lord and acknowledge his holiness, it is pleasing to God. We relate to him properly when we honor him as he deserves. Translate It was a burnt offering and produced a sweet aroma to mean Yahweh was pleased that the sacrifice was done correctly and with the sincere worshiper who offered the sacrifice. ↩︎

16. 8:22 Moses presented the other ram, the ram of consecration (L: And he brought near the second ram, the ram of consecration | S: Then he brought the other ram, the one for consecrating the priests). Moses brought a second ram to sacrifice. This would complete the ordination ceremony. After this sacrifice, Aaron and his sons would be fully consecrated and ready to serve. Translate Moses presented the other ram, the ram of consecration to mean Moses brought a second ram to consecrate Aaron and his sons and complete their ordination as priests. ↩︎

17. 8:22 Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram. See note on 8:14. ↩︎

18. 8:23 Moses took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aaron's right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot (L: Moses...took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, and on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot | S: Moses slaughtered that ram, caught some of its blood in a bowl, and put some of that blood on the lobes of the right ears, the thumbs of the right hands, and the big toes of the right feet of Aaron and his sons to indicate that what they listened to and what they did and where they went should be directed by Yahweh.) After slaughtering the ram, Moses took some of its blood and placed it on various parts of Aaron's body. Putting the blood on Aaron's right ear, right thumb, and right big toe are symbolic actions indicating that the priest was entirely dedicated to serving the Lord. They may also indicate that what the priests listened to, what they did, and where they went should be directed by Yahweh. Believers should present their entire bodies as set apart for the Lord, as instruments of righteousness for his service. Translate Moses took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aaron's right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot to mean Moses put some of the ram's blood on the lobes of the right ears, the thumbs of the right hands, and the big toes of the right feet of Aaron to show that the priest was entirely dedicated to the service of the Lord. ↩︎

19. 8:24 He brought Aaron's sons, and he put some of the blood on the tip of their right ear, on the thumb of their right hand, and on the big toe of their right foot. See note on 8:23. ↩︎

20. 8:27 He put it all in the hands of Aaron and in the hands of his sons and waved them before Yahweh as a wave offering (L: he put it all in the hands of Aaron and in the hands of his sons and waved them before the face of Yahweh as a wave offering. | S: He put those on top of the portions of fat, and put them into the hands of Aaron and his sons. Then they lifted them up in the presence of Yahweh to show that it was an offering that belonged to him.) Moses gave Aaron and his sons the unleavened bread (bread without yeast), one loaf of oiled bread, one wafer, the fat, and the right thigh. Here, hands represent the whole person. Moses gave all these things to Aaron and his sons. Aaron and his sons then raised these things up in the presence of Yahweh to show that it was an offering that belonged to him. They joyously entered their new role as priests. Translate He put it all in the hands of Aaron and in the hands of his sons and waved them before Yahweh as a wave offering to mean Moses gave all these things to Aaron and his sons, who waved them before Yahweh as a wave offering. ↩︎

21. 8:28 They were a consecration offering and produced a sweet aroma. See note on 8:21. ↩︎

22. 8:31 the bread that is in the basket of consecration (L: the bread that is in the basket of consecration | S: the bread that is in the basket) Moses commanded Aaron and his sons to boil the leftover meat, eat that meat, and eat the bread in the basket of consecration. These are all symbolic actions depicting the consecration of Aaron and his sons. Translate the bread that is in the basket of consecration to mean the bread that is in the basket which contains offerings used while consecrating Aaron and his sons. ↩︎

23. 8:35 You will stay day and night for seven days at the entrance to the tent of meeting, and keep the command of Yahweh, so you will not die (L: And at the entrance of the tent of meeting you will stay day and night for seven days. And you will keep the command of Yahweh, and you will not die | S: You must stay at the entrance to the sacred tent for seven days and seven nights and do what Yahweh requires, in order that you will not die because of disobeying him). Moses commanded Aaron and his sons to stay at the entrance to the tent of meeting for seven days and obey all that God commanded to complete the ordination process. The consequence of disobedience was death. The severity of this penalty reveals the need to take God seriously. Humans disrespect the holiness of God at their peril. Translate You will stay day and night for seven days at the entrance to the tent of meeting, and keep the command of Yahweh, so you will not die to mean stay at the tent of meeting for seven days and obey all of Yahweh's commands, or God will take your life. ↩︎

24. 9:2 offer them before Yahweh (L: offer them before the face of Yahweh | S: offer them to Yahweh). Moses instructed Aaron and his sons to make additional sacrifices on day eight, right after the seven-day ordination ceremony concluded. The phrase before Yahweh means in the presence of Yahweh. Due to the closeness of the priests to the presence of the Lord, it was especially important that their sin be covered. Those who serve the Lord in similar ways today must also be above reproach. The holiness of the Lord and his servants is a serious matter. Translate offer them before Yahweh to mean offer the sin offering and the burnt offering in the presence of Yahweh. ↩︎

25. 9:4 before Yahweh. See note on 9:2. ↩︎

26. 9:4 because today Yahweh will appear to you (L: because today Yahweh will appear to you | S: because today Yahweh is going to appear to you). Moses instructs Aaron and his sons precisely what to say to the people. If they follow these instructions, the Lord will appear to them, and they will know that their sacrifices are accepted. Although God is invisible, he physically manifests himself at key times throughout Scripture. This reveals his presence in a special and powerful way. The ultimate goal of the priests and sacrifices was to facilitate closeness with God by removing the barrier of sin which stood in the way. Jesus Christ has permanently removed the barrier of sin through his atoning death on the cross. All who come to him can enjoy God's presence forever. Translate because today Yahweh will appear to you to mean Yahweh will manifest himself physically to you today. ↩︎

27. 9:5 stood before Yahweh. See note on 9:2. ↩︎

28. 9:6 so that his glory may appear to you (L: so the glory of Yahweh may appear to you | S: in order that his glory will appear to you). Moses stated that if the people did as instructed, the glory of the Lord would appear to them. Here, the term glory represents the presence of Yahweh. God's presence would be shown to the people in a physical, visible way. God wants to relate to people closely. Once the barrier of sin is removed, this intimate relationship between God and people can take place. Translate so that his glory may appear to you to mean so that Yahweh may show you the glory of his presence. ↩︎

29. 9:7 make atonement for yourself and for the people (L: make atonement for yourself and for the people | S: Because of those offerings, God will forgive you and the people for the sins that you have committed.) Moses commanded Aaron to make atonement for himself and the people. Although instructions about the sacrifices were to be given directly to the people, the priests would ultimately carry these sacrifices out. The term atonement means sacrifice to pay for sin. After making offerings to atone for their own sins, the priests made offerings to atone for the sins of the people. Translate make atonement for yourself and for the people to mean provide offerings so that God will forgive you and the people for the sins that you have committed. ↩︎

30. 9:9 He killed it and sprinkled its blood against every side of the altar. See note on 8:15. ↩︎

31. 9:14 He washed the inner parts and the legs and burned them on top of the burnt offering on the altar. (L: *And he washed the inner parts and the legs and burned them on top of the burnt offering on the altar. * | S: He washed the inner parts and the legs of the animal, and he burned them on the altar, on top of the other pieces of the animal). Aaron carried out Moses' instructions exactly. The phrase the inner parts refers to the stomach and intestines of the animals. These were washed and burned on top of the burnt offering. Aaron did everything exactly as the Lord commanded. God's servants must obey his commands. It is one way they acknowledge the holiness and righteousness of God. Translate He washed the inner parts and the legs and burned them on top of the burnt offering on the altar to mean he washed the inner parts and the legs and burned them on top of the burnt offering on the altar. ↩︎

32. 9:18 the sacrifice for the peace offering, which was for the people (L: the sacrifice of the peace offerings, which was for the people | S: the ram to be an offering for the Israelite people to promise friendship with Yahweh). Aaron offered several sacrifices for the people. The first was to deal with sin. Those that followed signified renewed fellowship with Yahweh. The peace offering was a ram offered for the Israelite people to promise friendship with Yahweh. Only after dealing with sin can fellowship with God be renewed. The order of these sacrifices models the process of dealing with sin followed by reconciliation. Translate the sacrifice for the peace offering, which was for the people to mean the ram to be an offering for the Israelite people to promise friendship with Yahweh. ↩︎

33. 9:19 inner parts, see note on 9:14 ↩︎

34. 9:21 before Yahweh, see note on 9:2. ↩︎

35. 9:23 the glory of Yahweh appeared to all the people (L: the glory of Yahweh appeared to all the people | S: suddenly the glory of Yahweh appeared to all the people). See note on 9:6. What was promised to the people took place. Since the sacrifices were made properly and with a sincere heart, Yahweh displayed his glory for the people to see. ↩︎

36. 9:24 Fire came out from Yahweh and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar (L: fire came out from before the face of Yahweh and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar | S: A fire from Yahweh appeared and burned up the entire offering, together with the fat that was on the altar). The glory of Yahweh appeared to all the people in the form of a consuming fire. The fire burned up the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. This showed that the Lord accepted the offerings from Aaron given for the priests and the people. Obedience shows that we love God, desire fellowship with him, and take his holiness and all his commands seriously. Translate Fire came out from Yahweh and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar to mean Yahweh sent a fire that consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. ↩︎

37. 9:24 they shouted and lay facedown (L: the people...shouted and fell upon their faces | S: , they shouted joyfully and prostrated themselves on the ground to worship Yahweh). After seeing the glory of the Lord, the people fell facedown and began to worship. To lay with their face on the ground is a symbolic action. It is a sign of respect, honor, and worship. When followers of God are in his presence, worship is the natural response. It is an honor and joy to be in the presence of God. Translate they shouted and lay facedown to mean they shouted joyfully and lay with their faces to the ground. ↩︎

38. 10:1 Then they offered unapproved fire before Yahweh, which he had not commanded them to offer. (L: they offered before the face of Yahweh unfamiliar fire that he had not commanded them | S: * but this fire was not acceptable to Yahweh because it was not the kind that he had commanded them to burn*). Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, committed an unauthorized act as priests. They placed burning coals on a censor while ministering to Yahweh, which the Lord had not commanded them to do. The phrase unfamiliar fire refers to the unauthorized use of burning coals in the censor in a way the Lord didn't command. Such an act displayed great disrespect for the Lord and treated him as though he was not holy. When people willfully disrespect the clear commands of God, they show disdain for God himself. Translate Then they offered unapproved fire before Yahweh, which he had not commanded them to offer. to mean that Yahweh did not approve of their offering because it was not according to what he commanded them to offer. ↩︎

39. 10:2 So fire came out from before Yahweh and devoured them (L: And fire went out from before the face of Yahweh and it devoured them | S: So suddenly a fire from Yahweh appeared and burned them up). Because of their sin, Yahweh sent down fire, killing both Nadab and Abihu. The phrase devoured them means that the fire completely burned the men up. This was the punishment for their blatant disregard for God's commands. Nadab and Abihu failed to relate to God in the proper way. When followers of God fail to treat God as holy, the consequences can be grave. Translate So fire came out from before Yahweh and devoured them to mean Yahweh sent a fire which burned up Nadab and Abihu because of their sin. ↩︎

40. 10:3 I will reveal my holiness to those who come near me. I will be glorified before all the people (L: Among those who come near me I will show myself as set apart. And on the faces of all the people I will be glorified | S: Those priests who come near to me— I will show them that they must honor me; in the presence of all the people I am the one whom they must honor). Moses explained why Yahweh punished Nadab and Abihu by burning them up with fire. Since the priests were so near to God and responsible for mediating between him and the people, they bore a special responsibility to treat God and his commands as holy. If they failed to do this, the people would fail as well. So the punishment for this failure was grave. The leaders among God's people must always respect the holiness of God. Failure to do so can lead others astray. Translate I will reveal my holiness to those who come near me. I will be glorified before all the people to mean I will show the priests that they must honor me; I will be honored in the presence of all the people, using a quote within a quote or a indirect quote in your language. ↩︎

41. 10:6 Do not let your hair on your heads hang loosely, and do not tear your clothes, so that you may not die (L: Do not let your heads be unbound, and do not tear your clothes, and you will not die | S: You are sad because Nadab and Abihu died, but you must act like you always do. Do not allow the hair on your heads to remain uncombed, and do not tear your clothes. If you do, Yahweh will be angry with all the people). Moses instructed Aaron and the other priests not to mourn the death of Nadab and Abihu as they typically would. Keeping one's hair unkept, and tearing one's close, were symbolic actions in Jewish culture. They signified that the person was in mourning. Although the people were allowed to mourn the deaths of Nadab and Abihu, the priests were instructed not to. God's holiness was vindicated, and this was not something the priests should mourn. If they disobeyed this command, it would also lead to their death. When God's people are purified because of his loving discipline, it is not the cause for mourning but for praise. God must be regarded as holy by his people. Translate Do not let your hair on your heads hang loosely, and do not tear your clothes, so that you may not die to mean do not show any outward signs of grief or mourning, or else you will die. ↩︎

42. 10:9 so you will not die (L: Do not drink wine or intoxicating drink, you, or your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, and you will not die | S: You and your two sons who are still alive must not drink wine or other fermented drinks before you enter the sacred tent. If you do that, you will die.) God spoke to Aaron directly and told him that priests were not to be intoxicated or drunk when they entered the sacred tent. The phrase so you will not die is another way of saying that the punishment for breaking this rule would be death. This punishment shows the seriousness of this crime. To be intoxicated while ministering for the Lord is a grievous offense. Such a sin shows a disregard for the holiness of God. Translate so you will not die to mean so Yahweh will not cause you to die for breaking this important rule. ↩︎

43. 10:10 to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean (L: so to distinguish between the set apart and the common, and between the unclean and the clean | S: you must do that in order to learn what things are holy and what things are not holy; you must also learn what things I will accept what I will not accept). God stated that the purpose of this rule was to help the priests, and the people, know the difference between what is holy and what is not. Teaching the people this distinction is one of the major goals of the rules, prohibitions, and practices found in Leviticus. The phrase the holy and the common means what is holy and what is common. The phrase the unclean and the clean means what God will not accept and what he will accept. It is very important that the people of God understand the difference between God and man. When they don't, they fail to worship and relate to him properly. Unlike man, God is holy by nature. He is worthy of our honor, praise, and utmost reverence and respect. Translate to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean to mean to know the difference between what is holy and what is common, and between what God will not accept and what he will accept. ↩︎

44. 10:12 eat it without yeast beside the altar, for it is most holy (L: eat it without yeast beside the altar, for it is the holiest holy thing | S: eat it alongside the altar. It should not be eaten elsewhere because it is very holy). Moses instructed Aaron and his remaining sons to eat the food sacrificed to Yahweh properly. There were many rules on properly handling holy, common, clean, and unclean items. It was important that the priests understood them. The sacrificial system, and all its associated rules, taught important truths about God and his plan to save mankind from sin. When they were not followed, these truths were not seen as clearly. Translate eat it without yeast beside the altar, for it is most holy to mean eat it without yeast beside the altar, which is a holy place because the grain offering is considered most holy. ↩︎

45. 10:13 You must eat it in a holy place, see note on 10:12 ↩︎

46. 10:14 you must eat in a clean place acceptable to God (L: you must eat in a clean place | S: Eat them in any place that is holy). Moses instructed Aaron and his sons to eat the thigh and breast wave offerings in a clean place. The phrase clean place refers to a place that is fit to be used for God’s purposes, spoken of as if it were physically clean. It does not mean the place was physically clean, although this may have also been true. The term clean had a special meaning within the sacrificial system. Special rules governed how things or animals or places became clean or unclean. Some things were always clean. Some things could change back and forth. These systems point to the holiness of God, the seriousness of sin, and the requirements for removing sin so that man could relate properly to God. Translate you must eat in a clean place acceptable to God to mean you must eat the breast and thigh in a ceremonially clean place. ↩︎

47. 10:17 Why have you not eaten the sin offering in the area of the tabernacle (L: Why have you not eaten the sin offering in the holy place | S: Why did you not eat near the sacred tent the meat of the sin offering?) Moses rebuked Aaron because he broke the rules regarding the proper eating of sacrificed items by the priests. The question Why have you not eaten the sin offering in the area of the tabernacle is actually a rebuke. It means You should have eaten the sin offering in the area of the tabernacle. According to the instructions from God, if the blood of the animals used in the sin offering had not been used in the inner part of the sanctuary, the priests were supposed to eat these items. This practice was an important part of the atonement process. Translate Why have you not eaten the sin offering in the area of the tabernacle to mean you should have eaten the sin offering in the area of the tabernacle. ↩︎

48. 10:17 to make atonement for them before him; see note on 10:17 above. ↩︎

49. 10:19 this thing has happened to me today (L: such things as these have happened to me | S: But think about the terrible thing that happened to my other two sons!) Aaron asked Moses to consider the death of Nadab and Abihu, which had happened that same day. The implication of the phrase this thing has happened to me today is this tragedy, the loss of my two sons, has happened to me today. Aaron did not believe it was right to partake of the sacrificed food on the day of his sons' death. Aaron also believed God would disapprove of that action. Unlike his sons, Aaron's decision to break God's rule did not come from a heart of willful disobedience. Although he may have been wrong, his motives were in the right place. God cares much about our motives when we follow his rules. We must treat God as holy with our heads and our hearts. Translate this thing has happened to me today to mean but consider what happened to my two sons, Nadab and Abihu, today. ↩︎

50. 10:20 When Moses heard that, he was satisfied (L: And Moses heard and it was good in his eyes. | S: When Moses heard that, he was satisfied and said nothing more) Moses accepted Aaron's explanation for his actions. The phrase he was satisfied means Moses considered Aaron's reasons for not eating the meat to be valid. Yahweh is not a capricious God who cares more about rules than people. Although he instructed the priests not to mourn in the traditional ways for Nadab and Abihu, he has compassion for Aaron, who had just lost two of his sons. Aaron's motive for not eating the sacrificed meat was not to dishonor God. It was to honor the memory of his sons but not their actions. God wants people to worship him with their heads and their hearts. Motives matter to God as much as actions. Translate When Moses heard that, he was satisfied to mean Moses accepted Aaron's explanation for his actions. ↩︎