He presented the burnt offeringThe burnt offering, or "olah" in Hebrew, was a central element of Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God. This offering was entirely consumed by fire, representing total surrender to God. The act of presenting the burnt offering was a priestly duty, emphasizing the role of the priest as a mediator between God and the people. This offering foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice, as He offered Himself wholly to God for the atonement of humanity's sins (
Hebrews 10:10).
and offered it according to the ordinance.
The phrase "according to the ordinance" underscores the importance of following God's specific instructions for worship. In Leviticus, God provided detailed laws for offerings, highlighting His holiness and the need for order in worship. This adherence to divine instruction reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience to God's commands (1 Samuel 15:22). The meticulous observance of these ordinances points to the perfect obedience of Christ, who fulfilled the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. In this chapter, Aaron is performing his priestly duties for the first time after being consecrated.
2.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the Law from God on Mount Sinai. He plays a supervisory role in ensuring that Aaron and his sons perform the sacrifices correctly.
3.
The TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites. It is the central place of worship and sacrifice during the wilderness period.
4.
The Burnt OfferingA type of sacrifice in which the entire animal is consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God.
5.
The IsraelitesThe people of God who are witnessing the inauguration of the priestly ministry and the sacrificial system that will mediate their relationship with God.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's OrdinanceAaron's offering of the burnt sacrifice "according to the ordinance" highlights the importance of following God's instructions precisely. In our lives, we are called to obey God's Word and His commands with the same diligence.
Symbolism of Total DedicationThe burnt offering represents total dedication to God. As believers, we are called to live lives fully surrendered to God, holding nothing back.
Role of the MediatorAaron's role as a mediator between God and the Israelites points to the necessity of a mediator in our relationship with God. Jesus Christ is our ultimate High Priest and mediator, bridging the gap between humanity and God.
The Presence of GodThe Tabernacle as the dwelling place of God among His people reminds us of the importance of God's presence in our lives. We are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, and God's presence dwells within us.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 9:16?
2.How does Leviticus 9:16 illustrate the importance of following God's specific instructions?
3.What can we learn about obedience from Aaron's actions in Leviticus 9:16?
4.How does Leviticus 9:16 connect to Jesus' role as our ultimate sacrifice?
5.In what ways can we apply the principle of obedience in our daily lives?
6.How does Leviticus 9:16 emphasize the need for precise worship practices today?
7.What is the significance of the goat offering in Leviticus 9:16?
8.How does Leviticus 9:16 relate to the concept of atonement?
9.Why was the goat chosen as a sin offering in Leviticus 9:16?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 9?
11.What does the Bible say about laying on hands?
12.In Leviticus 9:1-4, why would an omniscient God require detailed and repeated animal sacrifices, which clash with modern ethical concerns about animal cruelty?
13.In Leviticus 9:24, how do we reconcile the claim that fire miraculously consumed the offering with scientific explanations or natural phenomena?
14.In Leviticus 1:9, why is a 'pleasing aroma' significant to an omnipotent, immaterial God?What Does Leviticus 9:16 Mean
He presented• Aaron, newly consecrated as high priest (Leviticus 8:30), steps forward before the people.
• His public action marks the moment when priestly ministry passes from Moses’ sole oversight to the Aaronic line (Exodus 29:9).
•Hebrews 5:1 echoes this role: “Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God.”
• By simply “presenting” the victim, Aaron acknowledges that everything begins with obedience and offering ourselves to God’s command, just asRomans 12:1 urges believers to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice.”
the burnt offering• The burnt offering (Leviticus 1:3-9) was wholly consumed on the altar, symbolizing total surrender to the Lord.
• It followed Aaron’s sin offering (Leviticus 9:15), showing that forgiveness precedes full consecration.
•Genesis 22:13-14 foreshadows this sacrifice in the ram provided for Isaac, pointing ultimately to Christ’s complete offering of Himself (Ephesians 5:2).
and offered it• Aaron proceeds beyond mere presentation to active obedience—he actually places the animal on the altar fire.
•James 2:17 reminds us that faith is proved genuine by action; Aaron’s obedience mirrors that principle.
• The fragrant smoke rising (Leviticus 1:9) pictures worship ascending to God, parallelingRevelation 8:4 where the prayers of the saints rise like incense.
according to the ordinance• Aaron follows every detail laid out inLeviticus 1, underscoring that worship is acceptable only on God’s terms (John 4:24).
•Deuteronomy 12:32 cautions, “Do not add to or subtract from what I command you,” highlighting the importance of precise obedience.
• By adhering to the ordinance, Aaron models the future ministry of Christ, who fulfilled the Law perfectly (Matthew 5:17).
summaryLeviticus 9:16 shows Aaron faithfully carrying out his first burnt offering. He publicly presents the animal, places it entirely on the altar, and does so exactly as God prescribed. The verse underscores total surrender, active obedience, and precise conformity to God’s revealed will—truths that point forward to Christ’s perfect sacrifice and call believers to offer themselves wholly to the Lord.
(16)
And he brought the burnt offering.--That is, the yearling calf and the lamb (see
Leviticus 9:3), which he offered according to the rites prescribed in
Leviticus 1:3, &c. The same expression "manner," in the sense of prescribed ritual, also occurs in
Leviticus 5:10, where, like here, it is rendered in the Margin by "ordinance."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He presentedוַיַּקְרֵ֖ב(way·yaq·rêḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7126:To come near, approachthe burnt offeringהָעֹלָ֑ה(hā·‘ō·lāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5930:Whole burnt offeringand offered itוַֽיַּעֲשֶׂ֖הָ(way·ya·‘ă·śe·hā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makeaccording to the ordinance.כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃(kam·miš·pāṭ)Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941:A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style
Links
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OT Law: Leviticus 9:16 He presented the burnt offering and offered (Le Lv Lev.) 
