Leviticus Chapter 6 primarily focuses on additional instructions for priests regarding various offerings and the responsibilities associated with them, as well as laws concerning restitution for wrongs committed.
The chapter can be divided into two main sections: instructions for the priests about offerings (verses 1–7 in some translations, or 6:8–30 in Hebrew numbering) and laws about restitution and guilt offerings (verses 1–7 in Hebrew, or 5:20–26 in some translations). Below is a detailed description:
1. 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. Unlike other grain offerings, none of this is eaten, emphasizing its complete dedication to God. - Sin Offering (6:24–30):
The sin offering (introduced in Leviticus 4) is detailed here for priests. It is considered "most holy" and must be slaughtered in the same place as the burnt offering (before the altar). The priest who offers it eats the meat in a holy place, unless the blood is brought into the Tent of Meeting for atonement, in which case the animal is burned outside the camp. Any earthenware vessel used to cook the offering must be broken, and bronze vessels must be scoured, highlighting ritual purity. This offering atones for unintentional sins.
2. Laws on Restitution and Guilt Offerings (Leviticus 6:1–7, or 5:20–26 in some translations)
This section shifts to laws for the Israelites, addressing sins involving deceit or harm to others, which require a guilt offering and restitution. These verses are sometimes considered part of Leviticus 5 in certain translations but are included in Chapter 6 in the Hebrew text.
- Sins Requiring Restitution (6:1–5):
The text lists sins such as deceiving a neighbor about entrusted property, robbery, oppression, or lying about lost items. These are offenses against both another person and God. The guilty party must restore the full value of the stolen or damaged property, plus an additional one-fifth (20%) as compensation, paid to the wronged person or their kin. - Guilt Offering (6:6–7):
In addition to restitution, the offender must offer a guilt offering to God: a ram without blemish, of appropriate value, brought to the priest. This offering atones for the sin, securing forgiveness. The process emphasizes both reconciliation with the harmed party and restoration of the offender’s relationship with God.
Key Themes and Significance
- Holiness and Purity: The detailed instructions for priests underscore the need for ritual purity and reverence in approaching God. The "most holy" status of certain offerings and the requirement to eat them in a holy place reflect the sacredness of the priesthood.
- Atonement and Restitution: The guilt offering and restitution laws highlight the importance of making amends for wrongs, both socially (to the victim) and spiritually (to God). This dual responsibility reflects the integration of ethical and religious life.
- Continuous Worship: The perpetual fire on the altar symbolizes the Israelites’ ongoing commitment to God, with the priests maintaining this connection through their duties.
- Priestly Responsibility: The chapter emphasizes the priests’ role as mediators, ensuring offerings are performed correctly and maintaining the sanctity of the sanctuary.
