Leviticus 6 Study Notes
General
What command about the altar fire is repeated several times in 6:9-13?
Answer: It was to be kept burning continually and never allowed to go out
God commanded that the burnt offering (an offering wholly burned on the altar) stay on the altar through the night and that the altar fire never be allowed to die; the priest was to add wood every morning (6:9, 12-13). The command that the fire stay lit appears three times in these verses. The regular burnt offerings kept worship going day after day for generations (Exodus 29:42). Yet those daily sacrifices, repeated again and again, could never remove sin, while Christ offered one sacrifice and then sat down (Hebrews 10:11-12). His priestly work never stops, because He lives forever to pray for His people (Hebrews 7:25).
- Leviticus 6:9 (BSB)““Command Aaron and his sons that this is the law of the burnt offering: The burnt offering is to remain on the hearth of the altar all night, until morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar.”The burnt offering stays on the altar through the night while the fire keeps burning.
- Leviticus 6:12-13 (BSB)“The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it must not be extinguished. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it. The fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished.”The priest adds wood every morning, and the command that the fire must never go out is repeated.
- Exodus 29:42 (BSB)“For the generations to come, this burnt offering shall be made regularly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, where I will meet you to speak with you.”The burnt offering was to be made regularly for generations at the place where God would meet His people.
- Hebrews 10:11-12 (BSB)“Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.”The priests' repeated daily sacrifices could not remove sin, but Christ offered one sacrifice and sat down.
- Hebrews 7:25 (BSB)“Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”Christ's priestly work never ceases, for He lives forever interceding for His people.
Theological
What is repeatedly commanded concerning the altar fire in 6:9-13?
Answer: That it be kept burning perpetually and never extinguished
The burnt offering remains on the hearth through the night, the priest feeds the fire with wood each morning, and the perpetual burning of the altar fire is commanded three times (6:9, 12-13). The continual burnt offering sustained Israel's worship for generations (Exodus 29:42). Its very repetition exposed its insufficiency: priests stood daily offering sacrifices that could not remove sin, whereas Christ offered a single sacrifice and sat down (Hebrews 10:11-12). The perpetuity belongs now to His intercession, for He lives forever interceding (Hebrews 7:25).
- Leviticus 6:9 (BSB)““Command Aaron and his sons that this is the law of the burnt offering: The burnt offering is to remain on the hearth of the altar all night, until morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar.”The burnt offering stays on the altar through the night while the fire keeps burning.
- Leviticus 6:12-13 (BSB)“The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it must not be extinguished. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it. The fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished.”The priest adds wood every morning, and the command that the fire must never go out is repeated.
- Exodus 29:42 (BSB)“For the generations to come, this burnt offering shall be made regularly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, where I will meet you to speak with you.”The burnt offering was to be made regularly for generations at the place where God would meet His people.
- Hebrews 10:11-12 (BSB)“Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.”The priests' repeated daily sacrifices could not remove sin, but Christ offered one sacrifice and sat down.
- Hebrews 7:25 (BSB)“Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.”Christ's priestly work never ceases, for He lives forever interceding for His people.
General
What had to be done with a clay pot used to boil sin offering meat (6:28)?
Answer: It was to be broken
Utensils used with the sin offering could not simply go back to ordinary use. A clay pot used for boiling the meat had to be broken, while a bronze pot had to be scrubbed and washed out with water (6:28). In the same passage, a garment spattered with the sin offering's blood had to be washed in a sacred area (6:27). Leviticus treats clay pots the same way when something unclean touches them: they are broken, while other utensils can be rinsed (Leviticus 11:33; 15:12). Clay was destroyed; metal was cleaned.
- Leviticus 6:28 (BSB)“The clay pot in which the sin offering is boiled must be broken; if it is boiled in a bronze pot, the pot must be scoured and rinsed with water.”A clay pot used to boil the sin offering must be broken, while a bronze pot must be scrubbed and rinsed.
- Leviticus 11:33 (BSB)“If any of them falls into a clay pot, everything in it will be unclean; you must break the pot.”A clay pot defiled by an unclean creature likewise had to be broken.
- Leviticus 15:12 (BSB)“Any clay pot that the man with the discharge touches must be broken, and any wooden utensil must be rinsed with water.”A clay pot touched by a man with a discharge was broken, while a wooden utensil could be rinsed.
Theological
What does 6:28 require of an earthenware vessel used to boil the sin offering?
Answer: That it be broken
Contact with the most holy sin offering removed a vessel from common use: an earthenware pot is broken, and a bronze pot is scoured and rinsed clean (6:28), just as a blood-spattered garment must be laundered in a sacred area (6:27). Earthenware receives the same treatment when defiled by uncleanness (Leviticus 11:33; 15:12), whereas other utensils may be rinsed. The distinction turns on the material: clay is destroyed, metal is cleansed.
- Leviticus 6:28 (BSB)“The clay pot in which the sin offering is boiled must be broken; if it is boiled in a bronze pot, the pot must be scoured and rinsed with water.”A clay pot used to boil the sin offering must be broken, while a bronze pot must be scrubbed and rinsed.
- Leviticus 11:33 (BSB)“If any of them falls into a clay pot, everything in it will be unclean; you must break the pot.”A clay pot defiled by an unclean creature likewise had to be broken.
- Leviticus 15:12 (BSB)“Any clay pot that the man with the discharge touches must be broken, and any wooden utensil must be rinsed with water.”A clay pot touched by a man with a discharge was broken, while a wooden utensil could be rinsed.
General
Which portion of a grain offering was burned on the altar (6:15)?
Answer: A single handful of its flour-and-oil mixture plus every bit of frankincense, as its memorial
The grain offering (a gift of flour, oil, and frankincense) was presented before the LORD beside the altar, and then the priest took a single handful of its flour-and-oil mixture along with every bit of the frankincense and burned it upon the altar as the memorial portion, a token standing for the whole offering, whose smoke pleased the LORD (6:14-15). This repeats the instruction first given in Leviticus 2:2. Scripture elsewhere links incense and offerings rising to God with prayer (Psalm 141:2), and an angel told Cornelius that his prayers and gifts had risen before God like a memorial (Acts 10:4).
- Leviticus 6:14-15 (BSB)“Now this is the law of the grain offering: Aaron’s sons shall present it before the LORD in front of the altar. The priest is to remove a handful of fine flour and olive oil, together with all the frankincense from the grain offering, and burn the memorial portion on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.”The priest burns a handful of flour and oil with all the frankincense as the memorial portion.
- Leviticus 2:2 (BSB)“and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.”The original instruction for the grain offering names the same handful and frankincense as the memorial portion.
- Psalm 141:2 (BSB)“May my prayer be set before You like incense; my uplifted hands, like the evening offering.”The psalmist compares prayer rising to God with incense and the evening offering.
- Acts 10:4 (BSB)“Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, “What is it, Lord?” The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God.”Cornelius' prayers and gifts rise before God as a memorial, using the same idea of remembrance.
Theological
According to 6:15, what portion of a grain offering is burned on the altar?
Answer: A handful from the oiled flour with the entire frankincense, as the memorial portion
The priest removes a handful from the oiled flour along with the entirety of the frankincense and burns it upon the altar as the memorial portion, representing the whole offering before the LORD (6:14-15), as first legislated in Leviticus 2:2. The imagery of ascending offering and incense is taken up for prayer in Psalm 141:2, and Cornelius' prayers and alms are said to have ascended before God as a memorial (Acts 10:4).
- Leviticus 6:14-15 (BSB)“Now this is the law of the grain offering: Aaron’s sons shall present it before the LORD in front of the altar. The priest is to remove a handful of fine flour and olive oil, together with all the frankincense from the grain offering, and burn the memorial portion on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.”The priest burns a handful of flour and oil with all the frankincense as the memorial portion.
- Leviticus 2:2 (BSB)“and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.”The original instruction for the grain offering names the same handful and frankincense as the memorial portion.
- Psalm 141:2 (BSB)“May my prayer be set before You like incense; my uplifted hands, like the evening offering.”The psalmist compares prayer rising to God with incense and the evening offering.
- Acts 10:4 (BSB)“Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, “What is it, Lord?” The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God.”Cornelius' prayers and gifts rise before God as a memorial, using the same idea of remembrance.
General
What was the result when the priest offered the unblemished ram for the guilty person (6:6-7)?
Answer: The priest made atonement for him and he was forgiven
After repaying his neighbor, the guilty person brought a flawless ram of the proper value to the priest. Through it the priest made atonement (the covering of sin so that the sinner is reconciled to God), and God promised that the man would be forgiven (6:6-7). This forgiveness was real, granted by God through the offering He appointed. Yet animal blood could not in itself remove sin (Hebrews 10:4); the ram pointed ahead to Christ. Isaiah foresaw the Servant's life given up as the true guilt offering (Isaiah 53:10), and Jesus, having offered Himself once for all, sat down at God's right hand (Hebrews 10:12).
- Leviticus 6:6-7 (BSB)“Then he must bring to the priest his guilt offering to the LORD: an unblemished ram of proper value from the flock. In this way the priest will make atonement for him before the LORD, and he will be forgiven for anything he may have done to incur guilt.””The guilty person brings a flawless ram, the priest makes atonement, and God promises forgiveness.
- Hebrews 10:4 (BSB)“because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”Animal blood could not in itself remove sin; it pointed beyond itself.
- Isaiah 53:10 (BSB)“Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.”The suffering Servant's own life is offered as a guilt offering.
- Hebrews 10:12 (BSB)“But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.”Christ offered a single sacrifice that is effective for all time and then sat down.
Theological
What does 6:6-7 say results from the guilt offering of an unblemished ram?
Answer: Atonement by the priest and forgiveness for the offender
The flawless ram of proper valuation is the means by which the priest makes atonement, and God pledges forgiveness to the offender (6:6-7). The forgiveness is genuine within the covenant, for God appointed the means. Yet animal blood could never itself remove sin (Hebrews 10:4); it was typological. Isaiah presents the Servant's soul as the true guilt offering (Isaiah 53:10), and Christ, having made one sacrifice of perpetual efficacy, is seated at God's right hand (Hebrews 10:12), the reparation to which every ram pointed.
- Leviticus 6:6-7 (BSB)“Then he must bring to the priest his guilt offering to the LORD: an unblemished ram of proper value from the flock. In this way the priest will make atonement for him before the LORD, and he will be forgiven for anything he may have done to incur guilt.””The guilty person brings a flawless ram, the priest makes atonement, and God promises forgiveness.
- Hebrews 10:4 (BSB)“because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”Animal blood could not in itself remove sin; it pointed beyond itself.
- Isaiah 53:10 (BSB)“Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.”The suffering Servant's own life is offered as a guilt offering.
- Hebrews 10:12 (BSB)“But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.”Christ offered a single sacrifice that is effective for all time and then sat down.
General
What does 6:18 say happens to anything that touches the priests' most holy portions?
Answer: It becomes holy
The most holy offerings passed their holiness on to whatever came into contact with them (6:18), and the same is said of the sin offering's meat (6:27). The altar after its consecration worked the same way (Exodus 29:37), as did the tabernacle furnishings anointed with oil (Exodus 30:29). Holy things were not common things: whatever touched them came under God's claim and had to be treated as set apart for Him. Holy things were guarded so seriously that even the Levites who carried the holy objects were forbidden to touch them (Numbers 4:15).
- Leviticus 6:18 (BSB)“Any male among the sons of Aaron may eat it. This is a permanent portion from the food offerings to the LORD for the generations to come. Anything that touches them will become holy.””Any male descendant of Aaron may eat the grain offering portion, and whatever touches it becomes holy.
- Leviticus 6:27 (BSB)“Anything that touches its flesh will become holy, and if any of the blood is spattered on a garment, you must wash it in a holy place.”The same is said of the sin offering meat, and a garment spattered with its blood must be washed in a holy place.
- Exodus 29:37 (BSB)“For seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will become most holy; whatever touches the altar will be holy.”After its consecration the altar was most holy, and whatever touched it became holy.
- Exodus 30:29 (BSB)“You are to consecrate them so that they will be most holy. Whatever touches them shall be holy.”The anointed tabernacle furnishings likewise made holy whatever touched them.
- Numbers 4:15 (BSB)“When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.”Even the Levites who carried the holy objects were forbidden to touch them, showing how seriously holy things were guarded.
Theological
According to 6:18, what is the effect of contact with the priests' most holy portions?
Answer: The object becomes holy
Holiness in these offerings is communicable: whatever touches the most holy portions becomes holy (6:18), and the same applies to the sin offering's flesh (6:27). The consecrated altar (Exodus 29:37) and the anointed tabernacle furnishings (Exodus 30:29) share the property. What becomes holy passes into God's possession and may no longer be treated as common, and the holy objects were guarded so strictly that even the Levites who carried them could not touch them (Numbers 4:15).
- Leviticus 6:18 (BSB)“Any male among the sons of Aaron may eat it. This is a permanent portion from the food offerings to the LORD for the generations to come. Anything that touches them will become holy.””Any male descendant of Aaron may eat the grain offering portion, and whatever touches it becomes holy.
- Leviticus 6:27 (BSB)“Anything that touches its flesh will become holy, and if any of the blood is spattered on a garment, you must wash it in a holy place.”The same is said of the sin offering meat, and a garment spattered with its blood must be washed in a holy place.
- Exodus 29:37 (BSB)“For seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will become most holy; whatever touches the altar will be holy.”After its consecration the altar was most holy, and whatever touched it became holy.
- Exodus 30:29 (BSB)“You are to consecrate them so that they will be most holy. Whatever touches them shall be holy.”The anointed tabernacle furnishings likewise made holy whatever touched them.
- Numbers 4:15 (BSB)“When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.”Even the Levites who carried the holy objects were forbidden to touch them, showing how seriously holy things were guarded.
General
What happened to what remained of a grain offering after the memorial portion was burned (6:16-18)?
Answer: Aaron's male descendants ate it, made without yeast, in the tabernacle courtyard
The rest belonged to the priests. Aaron and the priests descended from him were to eat it unleavened (made without yeast) in a sacred area, the tabernacle courtyard, and any male descendant of Aaron could share in it (6:16-18). God calls it their share of His own food offerings and ranks it most holy (set apart to God in the highest degree), like the sin and guilt offerings (6:17). Leaven was never to be burned on the altar for the LORD (Leviticus 2:11). Because the priests had no land inheritance, God provided for them from the offerings (Deuteronomy 18:1), and Paul appeals to this very practice: altar workers received a share of its offerings (1 Corinthians 9:13).
- Leviticus 6:16-17 (BSB)“Aaron and his sons are to eat the remainder. It must be eaten without leaven in a holy place; they are to eat it in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting. It must not be baked with leaven; I have assigned it as their portion of My food offerings. It is most holy, like the sin offering and the guilt offering.”Aaron and his sons eat the rest of the grain offering unleavened in the tabernacle courtyard; it is most holy.
- Leviticus 2:11 (BSB)“No grain offering that you present to the LORD may be made with leaven, for you are not to burn any leaven or honey as a food offering to the LORD.”No leaven may be burned as an offering to the LORD, so the grain offering was made without it.
- Deuteronomy 18:1 (BSB)“The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance.”The priests had no land inheritance; the LORD's offerings were their provision.
- 1 Corinthians 9:13 (BSB)“Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings?”Paul points to this practice: those who ministered at the altar shared in its offerings.
Theological
What does 6:16-18 prescribe for what remains of a grain offering?
Answer: Its consumption, unleavened, by the male priests in the tabernacle court
The remainder is the priests' allotted portion: Aaron and his male descendants eat it without leaven in the sacred precinct of the tabernacle court, and any male descendant of Aaron may partake (6:16-18). God designates it their portion of His food offerings and classes it as most holy alongside the sin and guilt offerings (6:17). Leaven was excluded from what was burned to the LORD (Leviticus 2:11). Since the priestly tribe had no territorial inheritance, the offerings were their provision (Deuteronomy 18:1), a principle Paul invokes for ministerial support (1 Corinthians 9:13).
- Leviticus 6:16-17 (BSB)“Aaron and his sons are to eat the remainder. It must be eaten without leaven in a holy place; they are to eat it in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting. It must not be baked with leaven; I have assigned it as their portion of My food offerings. It is most holy, like the sin offering and the guilt offering.”Aaron and his sons eat the rest of the grain offering unleavened in the tabernacle courtyard; it is most holy.
- Leviticus 2:11 (BSB)“No grain offering that you present to the LORD may be made with leaven, for you are not to burn any leaven or honey as a food offering to the LORD.”No leaven may be burned as an offering to the LORD, so the grain offering was made without it.
- Deuteronomy 18:1 (BSB)“The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance.”The priests had no land inheritance; the LORD's offerings were their provision.
- 1 Corinthians 9:13 (BSB)“Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings?”Paul points to this practice: those who ministered at the altar shared in its offerings.
General
True or False: A grain offering made for a priest was to be burned completely rather than eaten (6:22-23).
Answer: True
This is true. With an ordinary grain offering, the priests ate what remained after the memorial portion was burned. But every grain offering made for a priest went wholly to the LORD: it was burned completely, and none of it was eaten (6:22-23). The priests who served Israel were sinful men who needed offerings for their own sins (Hebrews 5:1-3). That is why Christ is the High Priest we need: holy, blameless, and without any sin that required an offering for Himself (Hebrews 7:26).
- Leviticus 6:22-23 (BSB)“The priest, who is one of Aaron’s sons and will be anointed to take his place, is to prepare it. As a permanent portion for the LORD, it must be burned completely. Every grain offering for a priest shall be burned completely; it is not to be eaten.””The priest's grain offering is a permanent portion for the LORD, burned completely and never eaten.
- Hebrews 5:1-3 (BSB)“Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness. That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.”Earthly high priests were themselves weak and had to offer sacrifices for their own sins.
- Hebrews 7:26 (BSB)“Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.”Christ is the High Priest we need, holy and innocent, with no sin of His own to offer for.
Theological
True or False: According to 6:22-23, the grain offering of a priest is wholly burned and not eaten.
Answer: True
This is true. Whereas the remainder of a lay grain offering became priestly food, the grain offering of a priest is devoted entirely to the LORD, burned completely, and not eaten (6:22-23). The regulation assumes that the Levitical priests were themselves sinners who had to offer for their own sins (Hebrews 5:1-3), in contrast to Christ, the sinless High Priest, holy and undefiled (Hebrews 7:26).
- Leviticus 6:22-23 (BSB)“The priest, who is one of Aaron’s sons and will be anointed to take his place, is to prepare it. As a permanent portion for the LORD, it must be burned completely. Every grain offering for a priest shall be burned completely; it is not to be eaten.””The priest's grain offering is a permanent portion for the LORD, burned completely and never eaten.
- Hebrews 5:1-3 (BSB)“Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness. That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.”Earthly high priests were themselves weak and had to offer sacrifices for their own sins.
- Hebrews 7:26 (BSB)“Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.”Christ is the High Priest we need, holy and innocent, with no sin of His own to offer for.
General
What regular offering does 6:20 require, beginning on the day of anointing?
Answer: One-tenth ephah of choice flour, split between morning and evening
Beginning on the day of anointing (being set apart with oil for priestly service), a grain offering was to be made regularly: one-tenth ephah (about two quarts) of choice flour, griddle-cooked with oil, well kneaded and broken into pieces, and divided between morning and evening (6:20-21). Each priest anointed after Aaron was to prepare it too (6:22). This followed the same rhythm as the daily burnt offering, a lamb each morning and another at twilight (Exodus 29:38-39). Israel's high priests had to keep making offerings, first for their own sins; Jesus, our High Priest, has no such need, because He offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 7:27).
- Leviticus 6:20-21 (BSB)““This is the offering that Aaron and his sons must present to the LORD on the day he is anointed: a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a regular grain offering, half of it in the morning and half in the evening. It shall be prepared with oil on a griddle; you are to bring it well-kneaded and present it as a grain offering broken in pieces, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.”From the day of anointing, a tenth of an ephah of flour is offered regularly, half in the morning and half in the evening, prepared with oil on a griddle.
- Exodus 29:38-39 (BSB)“This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar, each day: two lambs that are a year old. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight.”The daily burnt offering followed the same morning-and-evening rhythm.
- Hebrews 7:27 (BSB)“Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself.”Earthly high priests offered daily for their own sins and the people's; Christ offered Himself once for all.
Theological
What standing offering does 6:20 prescribe from the day of the priest's anointing?
Answer: One-tenth ephah of choice flour, divided between morning and evening
From the day of anointing a grain offering is instituted as a regular observance: one-tenth ephah of choice flour, griddle-prepared with oil, well kneaded and broken, and divided between morning and evening (6:20-21), to be continued by each anointed successor (6:22). Its rhythm matches the daily morning and twilight burnt offering (Exodus 29:38-39). The Levitical high priest's continual offering, first on his own behalf, contrasts with Christ, who has no such necessity and offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 7:27).
- Leviticus 6:20-21 (BSB)““This is the offering that Aaron and his sons must present to the LORD on the day he is anointed: a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a regular grain offering, half of it in the morning and half in the evening. It shall be prepared with oil on a griddle; you are to bring it well-kneaded and present it as a grain offering broken in pieces, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.”From the day of anointing, a tenth of an ephah of flour is offered regularly, half in the morning and half in the evening, prepared with oil on a griddle.
- Exodus 29:38-39 (BSB)“This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar, each day: two lambs that are a year old. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight.”The daily burnt offering followed the same morning-and-evening rhythm.
- Hebrews 7:27 (BSB)“Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself.”Earthly high priests offered daily for their own sins and the people's; Christ offered Himself once for all.
General
How did the priest deal with the ashes from the burnt offering (6:10-11)?
Answer: Wearing linen, he set them beside the altar, then changed clothes and carried them to a clean spot beyond the camp
Even the ashes were handled with care. Dressed in his linen garments, robe and undergarments alike, the priest removed the ashes from the altar and placed them next to it. Next he changed into other clothes and carried them to a spot beyond the camp that was ceremonially clean (fit for holy use) (6:10-11). The linen undergarments were part of the clothing God required when priests approached the altar (Exodus 28:42-43), and on the Day of Atonement Aaron also changed out of his linen garments between tasks (Leviticus 16:23-24). The same clean place beyond the camp received the carcass of the bull offered for sin (Leviticus 4:11-12). Everything connected with the altar was treated as belonging to a holy God.
- Leviticus 6:10-11 (BSB)“And the priest shall put on his linen robe and linen undergarments, and he shall remove from the altar the ashes of the burnt offering that the fire has consumed and place them beside it. Then he must take off his garments, put on other clothes, and carry the ashes outside the camp to a ceremonially clean place.”The priest, in linen garments, removes the ashes, then changes clothes and carries them out of the camp to a clean place.
- Exodus 28:42-43 (BSB)“Make linen undergarments to cover their bare flesh, extending from waist to thigh. Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants.”Linen undergarments were required whenever priests approached the altar to minister.
- Leviticus 16:23-24 (BSB)“Then Aaron is to enter the Tent of Meeting, take off the linen garments he put on before entering the Most Holy Place, and leave them there. He is to bathe himself with water in a holy place and put on his own clothes. Then he must go out and sacrifice his burnt offering and the people’s burnt offering to make atonement for himself and for the people.”On the Day of Atonement Aaron likewise changes out of his linen garments into his own clothes between tasks.
- Leviticus 4:11-12 (BSB)“But the hide of the bull and all its flesh, with its head and legs and its entrails and dung— all the rest of the bull—he must take outside the camp to a ceremonially clean place where the ashes are poured out, and there he must burn it on a wood fire on the ash heap.”The same clean place beyond the camp, where the ashes are poured out, receives the remains of the sin offering bull.
Theological
What procedure does 6:10-11 prescribe for the burnt offering's ashes?
Answer: Removal in linen vestments to beside the altar, then a change of garments and transport to a clean site beyond the camp
In his linen vestments the priest removes the ashes and places them beside the altar; he then changes into other garments and conveys them to a clean site beyond the camp, one fit for holy use (6:10-11). The linen undergarments were mandated for altar ministry (Exodus 28:42-43), and the change of garments between holy and ordinary tasks parallels Aaron's procedure on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:23-24). The clean ash deposit beyond the camp is the same site that receives the carcass of the bull offered for sin (Leviticus 4:11-12). Even the residue of sacrifice is governed by the holiness of the altar.
- Leviticus 6:10-11 (BSB)“And the priest shall put on his linen robe and linen undergarments, and he shall remove from the altar the ashes of the burnt offering that the fire has consumed and place them beside it. Then he must take off his garments, put on other clothes, and carry the ashes outside the camp to a ceremonially clean place.”The priest, in linen garments, removes the ashes, then changes clothes and carries them out of the camp to a clean place.
- Exodus 28:42-43 (BSB)“Make linen undergarments to cover their bare flesh, extending from waist to thigh. Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants.”Linen undergarments were required whenever priests approached the altar to minister.
- Leviticus 16:23-24 (BSB)“Then Aaron is to enter the Tent of Meeting, take off the linen garments he put on before entering the Most Holy Place, and leave them there. He is to bathe himself with water in a holy place and put on his own clothes. Then he must go out and sacrifice his burnt offering and the people’s burnt offering to make atonement for himself and for the people.”On the Day of Atonement Aaron likewise changes out of his linen garments into his own clothes between tasks.
- Leviticus 4:11-12 (BSB)“But the hide of the bull and all its flesh, with its head and legs and its entrails and dung— all the rest of the bull—he must take outside the camp to a ceremonially clean place where the ashes are poured out, and there he must burn it on a wood fire on the ash heap.”The same clean place beyond the camp, where the ashes are poured out, receives the remains of the sin offering bull.
General
True or False: According to 6:4-6, the guilty person brought his guilt offering first, and repaying his neighbor could wait until later.
Answer: False
This is false. The order in 6:5-6 is repayment to the rightful owner the same day guilt is admitted, and then the guilt offering brought to the priest. Making things right with the person wronged was not left for later; it came before approaching God with the offering. Jesus taught the same order: someone bringing a gift to the altar who remembers that a brother holds a grievance against him should leave the gift, make peace with the brother, and only then return to offer it (Matthew 5:23-24). The LORD values doing right and acting justly above sacrifice (Proverbs 21:3).
- Leviticus 6:5-6 (BSB)“or anything else about which he has sworn falsely. He must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value, and pay it to the owner on the day he acknowledges his guilt. Then he must bring to the priest his guilt offering to the LORD: an unblemished ram of proper value from the flock.”Repayment to the owner comes on the day guilt is admitted, and then the guilt offering is brought to the priest.
- Matthew 5:23-24 (BSB)“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”Jesus teaches that reconciliation with a wronged brother comes before offering a gift at the altar.
- Proverbs 21:3 (BSB)“To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice.”Doing what is right and just pleases the LORD more than sacrifice offered without it.
Theological
True or False: In 6:4-6, the guilt offering is presented first, and restitution to the injured party may follow at a later time.
Answer: False
This is false. The sequence in 6:5-6 places restitution to the rightful owner the same day guilt is acknowledged, followed by bringing the guilt offering before the priest. Reparation toward the neighbor accompanies and precedes the approach to God. Jesus applies the same order to altar worship, requiring reconciliation with an offended brother before the gift is offered (Matthew 5:23-24), and Proverbs ranks righteousness and justice above sacrifice (Proverbs 21:3).
- Leviticus 6:5-6 (BSB)“or anything else about which he has sworn falsely. He must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value, and pay it to the owner on the day he acknowledges his guilt. Then he must bring to the priest his guilt offering to the LORD: an unblemished ram of proper value from the flock.”Repayment to the owner comes on the day guilt is admitted, and then the guilt offering is brought to the priest.
- Matthew 5:23-24 (BSB)“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”Jesus teaches that reconciliation with a wronged brother comes before offering a gift at the altar.
- Proverbs 21:3 (BSB)“To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice.”Doing what is right and just pleases the LORD more than sacrifice offered without it.
General
What did the guilty person have to give back to the neighbor he had wronged (6:4-5)?
Answer: The full amount plus an extra fifth
Before anything else, the guilty person had to put things right with the one he had harmed. He gave back whatever he had stolen, extorted, or dishonestly kept, made full restitution (repayment), added one fifth more on top, and handed it to its rightful owner the same day he admitted his guilt (6:4-5). Numbers repeats the rule: confession, full repayment, and an extra fifth to the person wronged (Numbers 5:6-7), and the same extra fifth applied when someone wronged the LORD's holy things (Leviticus 5:16). Real repentance deals honestly with the harm done to others, as Zacchaeus showed when he promised to repay those he had cheated four times over (Luke 19:8).
- Leviticus 6:4-5 (BSB)“once he has sinned and becomes guilty, he must return what he has stolen or taken by extortion, or the deposit entrusted to him, or the lost property he found, or anything else about which he has sworn falsely. He must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value, and pay it to the owner on the day he acknowledges his guilt.”The guilty person must return what he wrongfully took or kept, add a fifth, and pay the owner on the day he admits his guilt.
- Numbers 5:6-7 (BSB)““Tell the Israelites that when a man or woman acts unfaithfully against the LORD by committing any sin against another, that person is guilty and must confess the sin he has committed. He must make full restitution, add a fifth to its value, and give all this to the one he has wronged.”Restates the requirement of confession, full repayment, and an added fifth given to the person wronged.
- Leviticus 5:16 (BSB)“Regarding any holy thing he has harmed, he must make restitution by adding a fifth of its value to it and giving it to the priest, who will make atonement on his behalf with the ram as a guilt offering, and he will be forgiven.”The same added fifth applies when someone has wronged the LORD's holy things.
- Luke 19:8 (BSB)“But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.””Zacchaeus shows repentance by promising to repay those he had cheated far beyond what he took.
Theological
What restitution does 6:4-5 require of the one who has defrauded his neighbor?
Answer: Full restoration of the principal plus one fifth, paid to the owner
The guilty party must restore the principal in full, add one fifth, and render it to the injured owner the same day he confesses his guilt (6:4-5). Numbers restates the same pattern of confession, full restitution, and an added fifth (Numbers 5:6-7), and the identical surcharge applies to trespass against the LORD's holy things (Leviticus 5:16). Repentance is not merely inward; it makes concrete amends, as Zacchaeus' fourfold repayment illustrates (Luke 19:8).
- Leviticus 6:4-5 (BSB)“once he has sinned and becomes guilty, he must return what he has stolen or taken by extortion, or the deposit entrusted to him, or the lost property he found, or anything else about which he has sworn falsely. He must make restitution in full, add a fifth of the value, and pay it to the owner on the day he acknowledges his guilt.”The guilty person must return what he wrongfully took or kept, add a fifth, and pay the owner on the day he admits his guilt.
- Numbers 5:6-7 (BSB)““Tell the Israelites that when a man or woman acts unfaithfully against the LORD by committing any sin against another, that person is guilty and must confess the sin he has committed. He must make full restitution, add a fifth to its value, and give all this to the one he has wronged.”Restates the requirement of confession, full repayment, and an added fifth given to the person wronged.
- Leviticus 5:16 (BSB)“Regarding any holy thing he has harmed, he must make restitution by adding a fifth of its value to it and giving it to the priest, who will make atonement on his behalf with the ram as a guilt offering, and he will be forgiven.”The same added fifth applies when someone has wronged the LORD's holy things.
- Luke 19:8 (BSB)“But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.””Zacchaeus shows repentance by promising to repay those he had cheated far beyond what he took.
General
Which sin offerings were never eaten but burned instead (6:30)?
Answer: Those whose blood was carried inside the tabernacle for atonement in the sanctuary
The priests normally ate the sin offering, but not when its blood had been carried inside the tabernacle for atonement in the sanctuary; then the animal was burned (6:30). On the Day of Atonement, for example, the sin offerings whose blood entered the inner sanctuary were taken beyond the camp and burned up (Leviticus 16:27). Moses later applied this rule when Aaron's sons failed to eat a sin offering even though its blood had not been brought inside (Leviticus 10:18). Hebrews connects this to Jesus: the bodies of animals whose blood the high priest brought into the sanctuary were burned beyond the camp; in the same way Jesus suffered beyond the city gate so as to make His people holy through His own blood (Hebrews 13:11-12).
- Leviticus 6:30 (BSB)“But no sin offering may be eaten if its blood has been brought into the Tent of Meeting to make atonement in the Holy Place; it must be burned.”A sin offering whose blood is brought inside the Tent of Meeting to make atonement is burned, not eaten.
- Leviticus 16:27 (BSB)“The bull for the sin offering and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought into the Most Holy Place to make atonement, must be taken outside the camp; and their hides, flesh, and dung must be burned up.”The Day of Atonement sin offerings, whose blood entered the Most Holy Place, were burned up beyond the camp.
- Leviticus 10:18 (BSB)“Since its blood was not brought inside the holy place, you should have eaten it in the sanctuary area, as I commanded.””Moses applies this rule: because the blood had not been brought inside, the priests should have eaten the offering.
- Hebrews 13:11-12 (BSB)“Although the high priest brings the blood of animals into the Holy Place as a sacrifice for sin, the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, to sanctify the people by His own blood.”Hebrews sees Jesus' suffering beyond the city gate as the fulfillment of sin offerings burned beyond the camp.
Theological
According to 6:30, which sin offerings are excluded from priestly consumption?
Answer: Those whose blood is brought into the tabernacle for atonement within the sanctuary
When the blood of a sin offering is brought within the tabernacle for atonement in the sanctuary, its flesh may not be eaten but must be burned (6:30). The Day of Atonement sin offerings are the paradigm case, their carcasses burned beyond the camp (Leviticus 16:27), and Moses invokes the rule in 10:18 when the blood had not been brought inside. Hebrews draws the typology: as the bodies of those sin offerings were burned beyond the camp, so Jesus suffered beyond the city gate so as to sanctify His people through His own blood (Hebrews 13:11-12).
- Leviticus 6:30 (BSB)“But no sin offering may be eaten if its blood has been brought into the Tent of Meeting to make atonement in the Holy Place; it must be burned.”A sin offering whose blood is brought inside the Tent of Meeting to make atonement is burned, not eaten.
- Leviticus 16:27 (BSB)“The bull for the sin offering and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought into the Most Holy Place to make atonement, must be taken outside the camp; and their hides, flesh, and dung must be burned up.”The Day of Atonement sin offerings, whose blood entered the Most Holy Place, were burned up beyond the camp.
- Leviticus 10:18 (BSB)“Since its blood was not brought inside the holy place, you should have eaten it in the sanctuary area, as I commanded.””Moses applies this rule: because the blood had not been brought inside, the priests should have eaten the offering.
- Hebrews 13:11-12 (BSB)“Although the high priest brings the blood of animals into the Holy Place as a sacrifice for sin, the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate, to sanctify the people by His own blood.”Hebrews sees Jesus' suffering beyond the city gate as the fulfillment of sin offerings burned beyond the camp.
General
Where was the sin offering to be slaughtered (6:25)?
Answer: At the same spot used for killing burnt offerings
The sin offering (an offering to atone for sin and cleanse its defilement) was killed before the LORD at the very spot where burnt offerings were killed (6:25), which for an animal from the flock was the altar's northern side (Leviticus 1:11). Chapter 4 gives the same instruction when an ordinary Israelite brings a sin offering (Leviticus 4:29). Because of its great holiness, the officiating priest ate it in the tabernacle courtyard (6:26), and any male priest could share it (6:29). Eating it was part of the priests' work of making atonement for the people (Leviticus 10:17).
- Leviticus 6:25-26 (BSB)““Tell Aaron and his sons that this is the law of the sin offering: In the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered, the sin offering shall be slaughtered before the LORD; it is most holy. The priest who offers it shall eat it; it must be eaten in a holy place, in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting.”The sin offering is slaughtered at the burnt offering's place and eaten by the officiating priest in the courtyard.
- Leviticus 1:11 (BSB)“He shall slaughter it on the north side of the altar before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests are to splatter its blood against the altar on all sides.”Burnt offerings from the flock were killed at the altar's north side.
- Leviticus 4:29 (BSB)“He is to lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it at the place of the burnt offering.”The sin offering of an ordinary Israelite was slaughtered at the place of the burnt offering.
- Leviticus 10:17 (BSB)““Why didn’t you eat the sin offering in the holy place? For it is most holy; it was given to you to take away the guilt of the congregation by making atonement for them before the LORD.”The priests' eating of the sin offering was tied to their work of making atonement for the congregation.
Theological
What does 6:25 prescribe as the sin offering's place of slaughter?
Answer: The site where burnt offerings were slaughtered
The sin offering's slaughter takes place in the LORD's presence at the site appointed for the burnt offering (6:25), which for flock animals lay to the altar's north (Leviticus 1:11), consistent with the procedure prescribed in chapter 4 for an individual Israelite (Leviticus 4:29). As most holy, it is eaten by the officiating priest in the tabernacle court (6:26) and may be shared by any male priest (6:29). The priestly consumption was itself bound up with the ministry of atonement for the congregation (Leviticus 10:17).
- Leviticus 6:25-26 (BSB)““Tell Aaron and his sons that this is the law of the sin offering: In the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered, the sin offering shall be slaughtered before the LORD; it is most holy. The priest who offers it shall eat it; it must be eaten in a holy place, in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting.”The sin offering is slaughtered at the burnt offering's place and eaten by the officiating priest in the courtyard.
- Leviticus 1:11 (BSB)“He shall slaughter it on the north side of the altar before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests are to splatter its blood against the altar on all sides.”Burnt offerings from the flock were killed at the altar's north side.
- Leviticus 4:29 (BSB)“He is to lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it at the place of the burnt offering.”The sin offering of an ordinary Israelite was slaughtered at the place of the burnt offering.
- Leviticus 10:17 (BSB)““Why didn’t you eat the sin offering in the holy place? For it is most holy; it was given to you to take away the guilt of the congregation by making atonement for them before the LORD.”The priests' eating of the sin offering was tied to their work of making atonement for the congregation.
General
In 6:2, how does God describe someone who cheats his neighbor over property left in his care?
Answer: As someone who has been unfaithful to the LORD Himself
The rules for the guilt offering (an offering to make amends for a wrong that caused loss or harm) go on to cover sins against a neighbor: lying about something left in one's keeping, robbery, extortion, keeping lost property and swearing falsely about it (6:2-3). God counts every one of these as unfaithfulness toward Himself. To wrong a person is also to sin against the God who commands us to deal honestly with others. David confessed that his sin was ultimately against God (Psalm 51:4), Joseph refused to wrong his master because it would be a sin against God (Genesis 39:9), and Numbers repeats that sinning against another person is unfaithfulness toward the LORD (Numbers 5:6-7).
- Leviticus 6:2-3 (BSB)““If someone sins and acts unfaithfully against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor in regard to a deposit or security entrusted to him or stolen, or if he extorts his neighbor or finds lost property and lies about it and swears falsely, or if he commits any such sin that a man might commit—”God lists sins against a neighbor, such as deceit over a deposit, robbery, extortion, and lying about lost property, and calls them unfaithfulness against Himself.
- Psalm 51:4 (BSB)“Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge.”David confesses that his sin, though it harmed others, was above all a sin against God.
- Genesis 39:9 (BSB)“No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?””Joseph refuses to wrong his master because doing so would be a sin against God.
- Numbers 5:6-7 (BSB)““Tell the Israelites that when a man or woman acts unfaithfully against the LORD by committing any sin against another, that person is guilty and must confess the sin he has committed. He must make full restitution, add a fifth to its value, and give all this to the one he has wronged.”Repeats the principle that a sin against another person is unfaithfulness against the LORD.
Theological
According to 6:2, what is the fundamental character of defrauding one's neighbor?
Answer: An act of unfaithfulness toward the LORD
The guilt offering legislation extends to offenses against a neighbor: deceit concerning a deposit or pledge, robbery, extortion, and retaining lost property under false oath (6:2-3). God classifies each as unfaithfulness toward Himself, so horizontal sin is never merely horizontal. David's confession locates his sin first before God (Psalm 51:4), Joseph refuses adultery as sin against God (Genesis 39:9), and Numbers restates the principle that wronging another is unfaithfulness toward the LORD (Numbers 5:6-7).
- Leviticus 6:2-3 (BSB)““If someone sins and acts unfaithfully against the LORD by deceiving his neighbor in regard to a deposit or security entrusted to him or stolen, or if he extorts his neighbor or finds lost property and lies about it and swears falsely, or if he commits any such sin that a man might commit—”God lists sins against a neighbor, such as deceit over a deposit, robbery, extortion, and lying about lost property, and calls them unfaithfulness against Himself.
- Psalm 51:4 (BSB)“Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge.”David confesses that his sin, though it harmed others, was above all a sin against God.
- Genesis 39:9 (BSB)“No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?””Joseph refuses to wrong his master because doing so would be a sin against God.
- Numbers 5:6-7 (BSB)““Tell the Israelites that when a man or woman acts unfaithfully against the LORD by committing any sin against another, that person is guilty and must confess the sin he has committed. He must make full restitution, add a fifth to its value, and give all this to the one he has wronged.”Repeats the principle that a sin against another person is unfaithfulness against the LORD.