Leviticus 6:8-23

Law of the Burned-Offering

Leviticus 6:8

Notice well the teaching of this paragraph, which has special reference to the fire, which was to be kept always burning upon the altar. Thrice is the injunction repeated, Leviticus 6:9; Leviticus 6:12. As it originally descended from God, Leviticus 9:24, so it was to be ever maintained by the watchful care of the priests. It is interesting to notice that a different Hebrew word is used for the fire that burned on the great brazen altar within the sacred enclosure from that which consumed the sin-offering without the camp, Leviticus 4:12. That symbolized the wrath of God against sin, while this symbolizes His love and grace, which descend to burn in human hearts. The Apostle was very conscious of the latter when he said: “The love of Christ constraineth us.” Whenever you feel the glow of that fire in your heart be sure to nurse it. Ask that it may burn hotly. See Song of Solomon 8:6. It must be fed by the continual fuel of God's Word, consumed and absorbed in meditation. But remember the teaching of the latter part of this paragraph: Only holy souls may partake aught of the Heavenly Bread. “Let a man examine himself!”