Leviticus 9 describes the first full day of sacrifices in the tabernacle, when Aaron begins his priestly work and the LORD’s glory appears to all the people. These questions are for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study, and they move from what the text says, to what it means, to how it shapes everyday life. Each set can be used on its own or in order.
Leviticus 9 at a Glance
After seven days of preparation, Moses calls Aaron, his sons and the elders of Israel on the eighth day. Aaron offers a sin offering and a burnt offering for himself, then offers the sacrifices for the people, including a sin offering, burnt offering, grain offering and peace offerings. Each step is carried out as the LORD commanded through Moses.
The chapter closes with Aaron lifting his hands to bless the people, Moses and Aaron entering and leaving the Tent of Meeting, and fire coming from the LORD to consume the offering on the altar. The people respond with shouts and by falling on their faces.
Observation Questions
Use these questions first to slow the group down and let everyone point to what is actually written. Keep answers tied to the text before moving to meaning, and ask someone to read the relevant verses aloud when you begin each question.
Leviticus 9:6-7
6 Moses said, “This is the thing which the LORD commanded that you should do: and the LORD’s glory shall appear to you.” 7 Moses said to Aaron, “Draw near to the altar, and offer your sin offering, and your burnt offering, and make atonement for yourself, and for the people; and offer the offering of the people, and make atonement for them; as the LORD commanded.”
(WEB)
Reading these verses early helps the group see Moses’ command and Aaron’s responsibility at the heart of the chapter. They set up the entire sequence of sacrifices that follows.
Leviticus 9:8-9
8 So Aaron came near to the altar, and killed the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself. 9 The sons of Aaron presented the blood to him; and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put it on the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the base of the altar…
(WEB)
These verses describe Aaron’s first sin offering for himself. Reading them aloud brings out the detailed steps of the ritual and the importance of atonement before ministry.
Leviticus 9:22-23
22 Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people, and blessed them; and he came down from offering the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings. 23 Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Meeting, and came out, and blessed the people: and the LORD’s glory appeared to all the people.
(WEB)
Hearing the blessing and the entrance into the Tent of Meeting makes the turning point of the chapter clear. These verses show the priests blessing the people and the LORD’s glory appearing to all.
Leviticus 9:24
Fire came out from before the LORD, and consumed the burnt offering and the fat upon the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted, and fell on their faces.
(WEB)
This verse brings the chapter to its climax, with fire from the LORD and the people’s response. Reading it aloud helps the group feel the awe that the text intends to convey.
Leviticus 9:4
And a bull and a ram for peace offerings, to sacrifice before the LORD; and a meal offering mixed with oil: for today the LORD appears to you.’”
(WEB)
Reading Moses’ announcement that the LORD appears today gives the group a focal point for discussing expectation and God’s presence. It frames the whole day of worship described in the chapter.
Memory Verse for Leviticus 9
Leviticus 9:6
Moses said, “This is the thing which the LORD commanded that you should do: and the LORD’s glory shall appear to you.”
(WEB)
This verse states the purpose of the day plainly: God commanded these offerings, and his glory would appear. Memorizing it keeps the central truth of the chapter in view, that worship follows God’s word and that he makes himself known.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that you make yourself known to your people and that you give us a way to draw near to you. Forgive us for the pride and carelessness that keep us from serving you well, and help us to see our own need for cleansing as we come before you. Teach us to obey your word in the small and ordinary parts of our lives, and give us hearts that bless others in your name. Let your glory be seen among us, and give us reverence and joy when we recognize your presence. Amen.
