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Book of Leviticus - Chapter 8 - Verse 20

8:20
And he cut the ram into pieces; and Moses burnt the head, and the pieces, and the fat.

Meaning

In this verse, Moses is following the instructions given to him by God for the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. The act of cutting the ram into pieces and burning certain parts symbolizes the dedication and purification of the priests for their service to God. By burning the head, pieces, and fat of the ram, Moses is demonstrating a ritualistic act that signifies the total surrender and offering of the priests' lives to God. The burning of the head represents the leadership and wisdom that the priests will need in their roles, while the burning of the fat symbolizes the richness and abundance of their service to God. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of obedience and commitment in serving God, as well as the symbolic significance of each ritualistic action in the consecration process.

Theological Overview

In this verse, we see a clear depiction of a sacrificial offering made to the Lord by Moses. The act of cutting the ram into pieces and burning them was a common practice in ancient Israelite sacrificial rituals. The burning of the head, pieces, and fat was significant in the theological interpretation of the offering. The burning of the head symbolized the dedication and consecration of the ram to God, acknowledging His sovereignty over all creation. The burning of the pieces symbolized the complete surrender and submission of the ram to God's will. Lastly, the burning of the fat was seen as a symbol of the richness of the offering, representing the best of what was given to the Lord. This act of sacrifice was not merely a physical ritual but carried deep theological meaning, emphasizing the Israelites' dependence on God and their desire to express their gratitude and devotion to Him through their actions.

American Standard Version

And he cut the ram into its pieces; and Moses burnt the head, and the pieces, and the fat.
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