Resource > Expository Notes on the Bible (Constable) >
Leviticus >
Exposition >
I. The public worship of the Israelites chs. 1--16 >
B. The institution of the Aaronic priesthood chs. 8-10 >
2. The entrance of Aaron and his sons into their office ch. 9 >
Moses' commands to Aaron and the congregation and their obedience 9:1-6
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Ironically the first sacrifice Aaron had to offer was a calf, as if to atone for making the golden calf (cf. Exod. 32). The sinfulness of man is clear in that Aaron had to offer many different offerings to cover his sins and the sins of the people. Aaron had to bring offerings in addition to all those that Moses had offered the previous seven days. This indicated again that the Levitical offerings did not provide a permanent covering for sin (cf. Heb. 10:1). The purpose of these sacrifices was that the glory of the Lord might appear to His people (vv. 4, 6; cf. Exod. 16:10). The glory of the Lord is His visible presence (in symbol) among His people (cf. Exod. 24:16-17).