Leviticus 1 7

Leviticus 1:7 kjv

And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire upon the altar, and lay the wood in order upon the fire:

Leviticus 1:7 nkjv

The sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar, and lay the wood in order on the fire.

Leviticus 1:7 niv

The sons of Aaron the priest are to put fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire.

Leviticus 1:7 esv

and the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire.

Leviticus 1:7 nlt

The sons of Aaron the priest will build a wood fire on the altar.

Leviticus 1 verses

Leviticus 1 7 Meaning

Leviticus 1:7 outlines the initial specific duty of Aaron's priestly descendants in the process of presenting a burnt offering. It specifies that they are to place fire upon the altar, ensuring its presence and readiness, and then carefully arrange wood upon that fire. This act sets the stage for the animal sacrifice, highlighting the regulated and sacred procedures necessary for approaching God through the sacrificial system.

Leviticus 1 7 Context

Leviticus 1 describes the regulations for the burnt offering (Hebrew: 'olah), which was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God and making atonement for unintentional sins. Verses 1-9 detail the procedures for offerings from cattle, setting a precise framework for how a lay Israelite was to bring their sacrifice. Verse 7, in particular, focuses on the role of the priests—Aaron's sons—in preparing the altar. Historically, this system was established after the tabernacle's construction (Exodus 40) and consecrated the specific functions and duties within Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. It distinguished Yahweh's worship, which demanded precise order and consecration, from the often chaotic or impure practices of surrounding pagan religions.

Leviticus 1 7 Word analysis

• And: Hebrew waw (וְ). A connective particle, linking this priestly action directly to the preceding actions of the offerer (slaying and flaying the animal). It signifies continuation in the divinely ordered sequence of the sacrificial rite.

• the sons of Aaron: Hebrew B'nei Aharon (בְנֵי אַהֲרֹן). Refers specifically to the descendants of Aaron who were consecrated as priests. This highlights the hereditary and exclusive nature of the priestly office established by God, indicating that only those duly appointed were authorized to handle the sacred items and rites of the altar.

• the priest: Hebrew hakkohen (הַכֹּהֵן). Though following "sons of Aaron," this generally defines their lineage and office, specifying that the individuals acting are priests. Their role is not merely functional but tied to their consecrated identity.

• shall put fire: Hebrew natnu esh (נָתְנוּ אֵשׁ). The verb natan often means "to give" or "to place." Here, "put fire" indicates their specific responsibility for the presence of the fire on the altar. While a perpetual fire was commanded (Lev 6:12-13), this action implies adding to it, stoking it, or ensuring its readiness for the immense heat required for consuming the offering. This highlights the priests' active maintenance of the sacred flame, symbolic of God's acceptance.

• on the altar: Hebrew al hammizbeach (עַל הַמִּזְבֵּחַ). The mizbeach refers to the bronze altar of burnt offering, the central place for sacrifices. Its holiness and precise dimensions were prescribed (Exod 27:1-8), emphasizing that offerings were made at a specific, sanctified location appointed by God for communion and atonement.

• and lay the wood in order: Hebrew va'arakhu etzim (וְעָרְכוּ עֵצִים). 'arakh means "to arrange," "to set in order," or "to stack." This is not a haphazard piling of wood but a deliberate, methodical arrangement, ensuring proper airflow for combustion and complete consumption of the sacrifice. This precision underscores the sacredness and detailed nature of worship before a holy God. It stands in contrast to chaotic or carelessly prepared pagan worship.

• upon the fire: Hebrew al ha'esh (עַל הָאֵשׁ). Emphasizes that the wood is placed directly on the established fire, a necessary step for combustion to consume the sacrificial animal that would be laid on top of the wood. It reiterates the specific sequence and material conditions for the burnt offering to be effectual.

• Group analysis: "the sons of Aaron the priest": This phrase emphasizes divine institution and authorization. Only this lineage was set apart for priestly service, highlighting the specific, non-negotiable channels through which approach to God was permitted under the Old Covenant. Their authority derived solely from God's designation, not from personal merit or choice. This foreshadows Christ as the Divinely appointed High Priest.

• Group analysis: "shall put fire... and lay the wood in order": These two actions specify the meticulous preparatory duties of the priests. "Putting fire" relates to maintaining the divine element of consumption, while "laying the wood in order" relates to human precision and reverence. Both are crucial for the effectiveness of the burnt offering, illustrating that worship involves both God's power and human obedience and meticulousness. The "order" reflects God's character (1 Cor 14:40).

Leviticus 1 7 Bonus section

The precise actions mandated for the priests in this verse, even seemingly mundane ones like arranging wood, reveal that every detail of the Old Testament sacrificial system carried theological weight. It taught Israel that casual or self-initiated approaches to God were unacceptable; He stipulated the terms of communion. The emphasis on the priesthood as the specific human agents highlights the need for mediation in light of humanity's sinfulness. This meticulous care foreshadows the perfect and deliberate preparation of God's ultimate sacrifice, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled every requirement of the law and mediated access to God. Furthermore, the perpetual fire and ordered wood suggest that a consistent and prepared state of worship is essential. Just as the physical fire consumes the offering, spiritual fire—be it the Holy Spirit or passionate devotion—consumes the "living sacrifice" of the believer today.

Leviticus 1 7 Commentary

Leviticus 1:7 is a testament to the order and precision demanded in Israel's worship, particularly in the handling of the burnt offering. The assignment of this task to "the sons of Aaron the priest" underscores the exclusivity and divinely ordained nature of the priesthood. They were the intermediaries, entrusted with the sacred duty of preparing the means by which a lay Israelite could draw near to God. The act of "putting fire on the altar" signifies the perpetuation of God's presence and the means by which offerings were accepted, reminding them of the sanctity of the perpetual fire commanded in Leviticus 6:12-13. "Laying the wood in order" is not merely practical but a deeply symbolic act. It signifies the reverence, intentionality, and orderliness required in all approaches to a holy God. This precise arrangement ensured complete consumption, reflecting the complete dedication represented by the burnt offering. In a broader sense, this verse exemplifies that genuine worship involves careful adherence to divine instructions and a profound respect for the holy nature of God and the processes He ordains for fellowship and atonement.