Meaning of Leviticus 9:21

This verse describes a crucial moment in the inauguration of the Levitical priesthood, specifically Aaron's first priestly duties following the consecration described in the preceding verses. The act of waving the "breasts and the right thigh" (Hebrew: chazeh and yarech yamin) before the Lord was a prescribed ritual within the burnt offering and peace offering sacrifices. This specific gesture, along with the presentation of other portions to God, signified the presentation of the sacrifice's best parts to God as a token of devotion, thanksgiving, and communion. It was a public demonstration of obedience to divine command and a symbolic act of offering the totality of the people's fellowship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and provision.

Context and Background

Leviticus 9 details the initial days of Aaron and his sons serving as priests. Following their seven-day consecration period (Leviticus 8), Moses instructed Aaron to present offerings for himself and for the people. Chapter 9 culminates with Aaron performing these sacrifices, demonstrating God's acceptance through fire from heaven consuming the burnt offering. Verse 21 specifically addresses the finalization of the peace offering, where certain portions were designated for the priests to eat after being waved before the Lord. The "breasts and the right thigh" were particularly significant, often reserved for the officiating priest and his family, signifying a portion of the fellowship meal shared with God.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Mandate and Obedience: The verse underscores the importance of following God's precise instructions for worship. Aaron's action is explicitly linked to Moses' command, highlighting that true worship is rooted in obedience to God's word.
• Presentation and Offering: The act of waving is a symbolic presentation of the sacrifice to God. It signifies that the offering belongs to Him and is received by Him.
• Communion and Fellowship: The peace offering, of which this waving was a part, was also a meal. Waving these portions before God was a prelude to the priestly family sharing in a sacred meal, symbolizing communion with God.
• Priesthood and Mediation: This act is performed by Aaron in his capacity as the newly ordained High Priest, signifying his role as mediator between God and the people, presenting their offerings and securing their acceptance.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this act prefigures the mediatorial work of Christ. Just as Aaron presented these physical offerings, Christ, our High Priest, presented Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. The waving of the portions can be seen as a symbolic representation of Christ's ascension and presentation of His atoning work before the Father. For believers today, this verse reminds us that our worship and service should be characterized by obedience and a desire for communion with God. Our "offerings" of praise, prayer, and good works are to be presented to God through Christ, with the understanding that our acceptance comes through His finished work.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This event is foundational to the entire sacrificial system outlined in Leviticus, which in turn points towards the coming of Jesus Christ. The Levitical priesthood and its rituals were temporary, serving as a shadow of the reality found in Christ. The peace offering, in particular, foreshadows the reconciliation and fellowship believers have with God through the sacrifice of Jesus. The "breasts" can symbolize the heart and affections offered to God, and the "right thigh" the strength and power, all belonging to Him.

Analogies

Imagine a child presenting a handmade gift to their parent. The child offers their best effort, their creativity, and their affection. Similarly, Aaron, as a representative, is presenting the best parts of the sacrifice, signifying the people's best affections and thanks to God. Another analogy could be a formal presentation of a proposal to a dignitary; the most important sections are highlighted and formally submitted for approval.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 29:26-27: These verses detail the command for the breast of the ram of consecration to be waved as a wave offering and for the thigh to be raised as a heave offering, directly preceding and informing the action in Leviticus 9:21.
• Hebrews 9:11-14: This New Testament passage explicitly draws a parallel between the Levitical priesthood and sacrifices and the superior priesthood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, highlighting the symbolic nature of the Old Testament rituals.
• 1 Peter 2:5: This verse speaks of believers being "a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ," connecting the concept of priestly offering to believers today.
• Psalm 40:6-8: This psalm expresses a longing for obedience and a willingness to offer oneself to God, mirroring the spirit of the sacrificial system and its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's obedience.