Leviticus 8:28 – “Then Moses took them from their hands and burned them on the altar on top of the burnt offering as an ordination offering, a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the LORD.”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 8:28 details a key part of the ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons, where Moses takes the portions of the sacrifice that were placed in their hands and burns them on the altar. This act was done on top of the burnt offering, signifying a complete and total offering to God. The burning of these portions is described as a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the Lord.
The term “pleasing aroma” indicates that the offering was acceptable and pleasing to God, not just in its physical sense but in what it represented—total dedication and consecration. The ordination offering was a special sacrifice, different from regular burnt offerings, because it was specifically intended to consecrate the priests for their service in the Tabernacle. By burning these portions, Moses was completing the ritual that set Aaron and his sons apart as God’s chosen servants, dedicated to the task of mediating between God and His people.
Historical Context
The events described in Leviticus 8 took place as the Israelites were establishing their worship practices in the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt. The construction of the Tabernacle and the ordination of the priests were essential steps in forming Israel’s identity as God’s chosen people. The priests were to serve as mediators between God and the people, making the ordination ceremony a critical event in the life of the nation.
In the ancient Israelite sacrificial system, offerings and sacrifices were central to worship. The ordination offering was unique in that it was part of the process of consecrating the priests, setting them apart for their sacred duties. The burning of the offering on the altar was a way of symbolizing that the priests were completely dedicated to God, and it marked the beginning of their official ministry.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Leviticus 8:28 emphasizes the importance of complete dedication to God in worship and service. The burning of the ordination offering on top of the burnt offering symbolizes the total commitment required of those who serve God. This verse teaches that true worship and service to God involve offering our entire selves to Him, holding nothing back.
The idea of a “pleasing aroma” also carries theological significance. It reflects the concept that God is pleased with offerings that come from a heart of genuine devotion and complete surrender. This verse challenges believers to consider whether their lives and offerings to God are marked by this same level of dedication and purity.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 8:28 is part of the detailed narrative describing the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests. The verse is structured to highlight the significance of the offering, emphasizing that it was burned on top of the burnt offering, making it a special and complete sacrifice to God. The phrase “pleasing aroma” is a recurring theme in the sacrificial system, indicating that the offering was acceptable and pleasing to God.
The verse also fits within the broader literary theme of Leviticus, which focuses on the holiness required in approaching God and the proper way to worship Him. The careful description of each step in the ordination process underscores the importance of following God’s instructions precisely and offering what is pure and holy to Him.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 1:9 – “You are to wash the internal organs and the legs with water, and the priest is to burn all of it on the altar. It is a burnt offering, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD.”
- Exodus 29:25 – “Then take them from their hands and burn them on the altar along with the burnt offering for a pleasing aroma to the LORD, a food offering presented to the LORD.”
- Romans 12:1 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Leviticus 8:28 serves as a reminder of the importance of total dedication in our relationship with God. Just as the ordination offering was burned on the altar as a symbol of complete consecration, believers are called to offer their entire lives to God in worship and service. This verse challenges Christians to consider whether they are fully dedicated to God in every area of their lives or if there are parts that they are holding back.
The verse also encourages believers to reflect on the quality of their offerings to God. Are our lives, actions, and sacrifices pleasing to God? Are they marked by the same level of dedication and purity that was required of the priests in the Old Testament? This verse invites us to examine our lives and strive to offer God what is truly pleasing to Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 8:28 reflects God’s love in His desire for a relationship with His people that is based on total dedication and consecration. By requiring the ordination offering, God was teaching the Israelites—and us—about the importance of giving our best to Him and living lives that are fully devoted to His service. This requirement is not about demanding perfection but about leading His people into a deeper, more genuine relationship with Him.
God’s love is also evident in the way He accepts offerings that are given with a pure heart and a spirit of total dedication. The phrase “pleasing aroma” indicates that God delights in the offerings of His people when they are given out of love and devotion.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 8:28 connects directly to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system. While Aaron and his sons offered the best portions of the ram as a wave offering, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. His sacrifice was not just a symbolic gesture but the ultimate act of love and dedication, given for the salvation of humanity.
In Christ, we see the fulfillment of the priestly role in the most complete way. Jesus is both the High Priest and the perfect offering, representing us before God and offering Himself for our sins. Through His sacrifice, believers are called to live lives of dedication, offering themselves wholly to God in response to His love.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the ordination offering in Leviticus 8:28 challenge you to consider whether you are offering the best of what you have to God in your own life?
- In what ways can you ensure that your offerings to God—whether they be your time, talents, or resources—are given with a heart of gratitude and dedication?
- How does understanding the role of the priests in the Old Testament deepen your appreciation for Jesus’ role as our High Priest and the perfect sacrifice?
- What steps can you take to live a life that reflects the dedication and holiness that God desires from His people?
Leviticus 8:28 invites us to reflect on the importance of offering our best to God in all aspects of our lives. It challenges us to consider how we can live lives that are fully dedicated to God’s will, following the example of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself completely for our salvation.