Leviticus 9:22–23

Context

Leviticus 8 records the seven-day ordination (the rite of installation into office) of Aaron and his sons as priests. Chapter 9 describes the following day, "the eighth day," when Aaron offers sacrifices himself for the first time. For himself and for the people, Aaron presented the sin offering (an offering for cleansing from sin), the burnt offering (an offering wholly consumed by fire), and the peace offering (an offering celebrating peace with God).

In verse 22, having finished the sacrifices, Aaron lifts up his hand toward the people, blesses them, and comes down from the altar. In verse 23, Moses and Aaron go together into the tabernacle of the congregation (the tabernacle), come out, and bless the people again; at that moment "the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people." In verse 24, fire comes out from before the LORD and consumes the offering on the altar, and the people shout and fall on their faces. Chapter 10 then recounts how Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu die after offering "strange fire."

Interpretation

• As the completion of the sacrificial system: Many commentators regard this scene as a climax in which the sacrificial ordinances received at Mount Sinai are put into practice for the first time, and God confirms His acceptance of them with glory and fire. They emphasize the sequence of sacrifice, blessing, and the appearing of glory.
• Traditional Jewish reading: The text does not disclose the content of the blessing. Later Jewish commentary preserves a tradition that identifies this blessing with the priestly blessing of Numbers 6:22–27.
• Christocentric reading: Protestant preaching and commentary sometimes read the image of the high priest lifting his hands to bless after completing the sacrifice as a type (a foreshadowing of what is to come) of Jesus Christ, who after His sacrifice on the cross lifted up His hands, blessed His disciples, and ascended. Luke 24:50–51 is cited in this connection. Some interpreters also connect the high priest's entering the sanctuary and coming out again with the Second Coming.

Questions of Application

The wording of the Korean Revised Version, which may be rendered "having finished … by blessing," can be read as though the blessing were the means by which the sacrifice was concluded. The Hebrew text, however, simply narrates the actions in sequence: he "lifted up his hand … and blessed them, and came down" after finishing the offerings.

Understandings differ as to how far this passage can be connected with the present-day benediction. Denominations that have continued the blessing ministry of the priest as part of church tradition see this scene as an example of an ordained minister pronouncing a blessing in the name of God. Those who emphasize the priesthood of all believers hold that Aaron's priesthood has been fulfilled in Christ, and so explain the pastor's benediction not as a priestly act of mediation but as part of the ministry of proclaiming the Word.

In the Korean Church

In most Korean churches, the pastor closes worship by raising both hands and pronouncing a benediction drawn from passages such as 2 Corinthians 13:14 (13:13 in Korean Bibles). This passage, together with Numbers 6, is frequently mentioned as the background for the practice. There has been a long-standing debate among churches and denominations over whether the benediction should end with a declarative formula ("…be with you") or a petitionary formula ("we pray that…").

Related Passages

• Numbers 6:22–27
• Luke 24:50–51
• Exodus 40:34–35
• Hebrews 9:27
• 2 Corinthians 13:14