Leviticus 6: Offering Procedures

Instructions for Priests on Offerings (Leviticus 6:8–30) This section provides specific guidelines for the priests on how to handle different types of offerings, emphasizing their proper execution and the priests' responsibilities. These instructions are directed to Aaron and his sons, who served as priests. Burnt Offering (6:8–13): The chapter begins with God instructing Moses to tell Aaron and his sons about the burnt offering, which was introduced earlier (Leviticus 1). The offering, typically an animal, is to be burned entirely on the altar throughout the night until morning, with the fire kept burning continuously. The priest, wearing linen garments, must remove the ashes to a clean place outside the camp and ensure the altar fire never goes out, symbolizing constant devotion to God.. Grain Offering (6:14–18): Next, the text addresses the grain offering (described in Leviticus 2), which consists of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. The priests are to burn a portion on the altar as a "memorial portion" to God, while the remainder is to be eaten by Aaron and his sons in a holy place (the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting). It must be unleavened and is considered a "most holy" portion, reserved for the male priests. This offering underscores the priests’ role in mediating between God and the people.. Priests’ Grain Offering at Anointing (6:19–23): A special grain offering is described for the day a priest is anointed, likely referring to the high priest’s initiation. The high priest must offer a tenth of an ephah (about 2 liters) of fine flour, half in the morning and half in the evening, fully burned on the altar.