1 Chronicles 6:49 – “But Aaron and his descendants were the ones who presented offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense in connection with all that was done in the Most Holy Place, making atonement for Israel, in accordance with all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.”
Extended Explanation
This verse highlights the unique and significant role that Aaron and his descendants, the priests, had in the worship of Israel. Unlike the broader group of Levites, Aaron’s descendants were specifically tasked with offering sacrifices on the altar and performing duties in the Most Holy Place. The verse emphasizes their role in making atonement for the sins of Israel through the sacrificial system established by God.
The altar of burnt offering was where animal sacrifices were made, and the altar of incense was used for burning incense as a symbol of prayers rising to God. These were critical parts of Israel’s worship, as they symbolized both the cleansing of sin and the people’s communion with God. Aaron’s descendants acted as mediators between God and the people, following the instructions given by Moses.
Historical Context
Aaron, the brother of Moses, was chosen by God to be the first high priest, and his descendants were appointed to continue the priestly duties in Israel. The role of the priesthood was central to the spiritual life of Israel, as they were responsible for maintaining the sacrificial system, which provided a way for the people to be forgiven of their sins and restored to a right relationship with God.
The altar of burnt offering was located in the courtyard of the tabernacle, where sacrifices were made daily. The altar of incense, located inside the Holy Place, was used by the priests to offer incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies) to make atonement for the entire nation of Israel. This system was central to Israel’s worship until the temple was destroyed.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes the concept of atonement— the idea that sin separates people from God and that sacrifices are necessary to restore that relationship. Aaron and his descendants were tasked with making atonement for the people through the sacrifices they offered. This reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the need for a mediator between God and humanity.
The role of Aaron’s descendants as priests also points to the idea that access to God requires mediation. In the Old Testament, this mediation was carried out by the priests through the sacrificial system. However, it also foreshadows the ultimate mediation that would come through Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as our High Priest.
Literary Analysis
This verse serves as a contrast to the previous verses, which focused on the duties of the Levites. While the Levites had important responsibilities in maintaining the tabernacle and assisting with worship, this verse sets apart Aaron and his descendants as having a unique and higher role in the sacrificial system. The phrase “in accordance with all that Moses… commanded” emphasizes the divine authority behind these practices. The detailed structure of Israel’s worship system was not human invention but came directly from God through Moses.
The mention of both the altar of burnt offering and the altar of incense shows the completeness of the priestly duties, from offering sacrifices for sin to maintaining the ongoing relationship between God and His people through prayer and intercession.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 16 – Describes the Day of Atonement, when the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the people of Israel.
- Exodus 30:7-10 – Outlines the responsibilities of the priests in burning incense on the altar of incense.
- Hebrews 9:6-7 – Reflects on the Old Testament sacrificial system and how the high priest entered the Most Holy Place once a year to make atonement.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. In the Old Testament, the people relied on the priests to offer sacrifices on their behalf, but as believers in Christ, we know that Jesus has become the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Aaron and his descendants were a shadow of what was to come in Christ, who fulfilled the role of High Priest and made the perfect sacrifice for sin once and for all.
This verse also encourages believers to consider the importance of intercession and mediation. While Jesus is now our ultimate mediator, Christians are called to pray for one another, lifting each other up before God in a similar way to how the priests offered incense in the tabernacle.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is displayed in the way He provided a means for His people to be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with Him. He established the sacrificial system, not to burden the people, but to give them a way to deal with their sin and come near to Him. The fact that God made provision for atonement through the priests shows His desire to be in fellowship with His people, despite their sinfulness.
God’s love is also evident in how He points forward to the ultimate atonement that would come through Jesus Christ. The priestly system was temporary, but it pointed to a permanent solution—Jesus, who would make the final, perfect sacrifice for sin.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse clearly points to Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate High Priest in the book of Hebrews. Just as Aaron and his descendants made sacrifices and interceded for the people of Israel, Jesus offered Himself as the final sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 9:11-12 explains how Christ entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not with the blood of animals, but with His own blood, securing eternal redemption.
The entire priestly system, including the altars of burnt offering and incense, was a foreshadowing of Christ’s work on the cross and His role as our mediator before God. Through Jesus, believers now have direct access to God, no longer needing the mediation of a human priest.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the role of the priests in making atonement for Israel remind you of the seriousness of sin and the need for forgiveness?
- In what ways can you be reminded of the importance of prayer and intercession, just as the priests offered incense on behalf of the people?
- How does understanding Jesus as the ultimate High Priest change the way you approach God in your daily life?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus made the final and perfect atonement for your sins, offering you direct access to God?