Meaning of Leviticus 9:20

This verse, Leviticus 9:20, describes a crucial moment in the inauguration of Aaron and his sons as priests, specifically detailing the final steps of offering a sin offering. The "breasts" here refer to the breastpiece of the officiating priest, which would have been presented along with the other parts of the sin offering. The act of placing these parts on the breastpiece and then burning the fat on the altar signified the complete presentation of the sacrifice to God, acknowledging sin and seeking atonement. This was not merely a ritualistic act but a profound demonstration of God's prescribed method for reconciliation between a holy God and a sinful people, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a blood sacrifice.

Context and Background

Leviticus chapter 9 marks the beginning of priestly ministry for Aaron and his sons, following God's detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and the establishment of the sacrificial system. Prior to this, Moses had been the primary mediator. Now, God is officially consecrating His chosen priests to serve Him. Chapter 9 outlines the specific sacrifices that were to be offered for the people and for the priests themselves, signifying their transition into their sacred roles. The sin offering mentioned in verse 20 is particularly significant as it addresses the inherent sinfulness of both the priests and the congregation, requiring a propitiation before God.

Key Themes and Messages

• Atonement and Reconciliation: The primary theme is atonement for sin. The sin offering was designed to make amends for transgressions, restoring the broken relationship between God and His people.
• Holiness and Purity: The meticulous nature of the sacrificial instructions underscores God's absolute holiness and the need for purity in approaching Him.
• Divine Authority and Order: The verse highlights God's direct command and His established order for worship and mediation. These rituals were not arbitrary but divinely ordained.
• The Role of the Priesthood: It emphasizes the critical role of the priests as mediators, acting on behalf of the people before God.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse points to the need for a sacrifice to cover sin. In the Old Testament, this was a temporary measure, a shadow of a greater reality. For believers today, this act foreshadows the ultimate sin offering: Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross is the perfect and final atonement for the sins of all who believe. The placing of the offering parts and the burning of the fat symbolize the complete surrender and acceptance of the sacrifice by God, a concept mirrored in Christ's perfect obedience and the Father's acceptance of His atoning work.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Leviticus 9:20 is foundational to understanding the entire sacrificial system described in the Old Testament. This system, culminating in the New Testament with the sacrifice of Jesus, forms a continuous narrative of God's plan for redemption. The Levitical offerings, including the sin offering, are consistently presented as types and shadows that find their antitype in Christ. The book of Hebrews, in particular, extensively explains how Christ's priesthood and sacrifice fulfill and supersede the Old Testament system.

Analogies

One analogy for this act is a doctor meticulously preparing a life-saving medicine. Each ingredient and step is crucial for the medicine to be effective. Similarly, the precise instructions for the sin offering, including the placement of its parts and the burning of the fat, were essential for its divine efficacy in atoning for sin. Another analogy could be a king receiving a formal petition from his subjects. The petition, along with specific seals and accompanying gifts, must be presented in a prescribed manner to be considered. The priestly offering, in this sense, was the divinely appointed way for sinful humanity to present their plea for mercy to the King of kings.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 29:10-14: This passage outlines the instructions for the sin offering specifically for the consecration of Aaron and his sons, providing the immediate context for Leviticus 9.
• Hebrews 9:22: This New Testament verse directly connects the Old Testament sacrificial system to the need for blood for atonement: "Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins."
• Romans 3:23-25: This passage explains how God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood, to demonstrate his righteousness.
• 1 John 2:2: This verse highlights Christ's role as the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.