Leviticus 9

• eighth day: The priests completed the seven-day probation period as commanded in Leviticus 8:35.

• elders: See the study note on Leviticus 4:15.

At the start of the priests' ministry, several sacrifices were required. The priests offered a sin offering and a whole burnt offering. The people offered a sin offering, a burnt offering, a peace offering, and a grain offering. These sacrifices made sure that all sin was atoned for and the covenant with God was affirmed. The only sacrifice not included was the guilt offering.

Just as holiness describes God's character, the glory of the LORD shows God's power and majesty (see Ezekiel 1:28; 10:4). God's glory appeared:

• on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:16),

• at the dedication of the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34–35), and

• in Solomon's temple (1 Kings 8:11; 2 Chronicles 7:1).

But God's glory also fills the heavens (Psalm 19:1).

The New Testament describes Christ's glory as the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4), who showed God's glory to the world (John 1:14). God glorified Christ in his death and resurrection (John 17:1–5). See also Exodus 24:15–17.

your sin offering and your burnt offering: Before the high priest could make atonement for the people, he first had to be right with God himself.

• Both Aaron, the high priest , and his sons, the common priests, took part in the sin offering and the burnt offering (Leviticus 9:8–14). Their shared work made atonement effective for the whole priesthood.

• horns of the altar: See study note on Leviticus 4:25; see also Exodus 27:1–8.

the morning’s burnt offering: They offered a lamb as a whole burnt offering each morning and evening (Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 28:2–4).

blessed them: See Numbers 6:22–27.

Fire came out from the presence of the LORD: This showed that God accepted the offerings, the atonement, and the priesthood (Leviticus 9:7; compare 1 Kings 18:36–38).