Definition: And he sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all his vessels, both the laver and his foot, to sanctify them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 8:11. It’s a really important story about God’s holiness and establishing a sacred space for worship. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is setting up a special altar – a place to offer things to him – and he’s doing it with incredible care and reverence. He’s making it completely holy. Let's look at each part: “And he sprinkled thereof upon the altar…” - This means God was sprinkling something – likely a mixture of herbs or offerings – onto the altar. Think of it like pouring a special, consecrated liquid onto the altar. “…seven times.” – This is key! It’s not just any seven. It's a specific, deliberate number. “And anointed the altar and all his vessels…” - This is where it gets really significant. He wasn't just sprinkling something; he was anointing the entire altar with a special oil or mixture. It’s like putting a protective layer of holiness on the altar itself. He’s making it look pristine and worthy of God. “Both the laver and his foot…” - This refers to two important parts of the altar: The Laver: A large, ceremonial bowl used for offering food and drink to God. It was a symbol of sacrifice and gratitude. His Foot: This is a very unusual detail – it suggests that God himself was involved in this act of holiness! It’s like saying “God himself is part of the offering.” So, what's the point ? The verse describes a ritual to make something holy and worthy of God. It shows God is incredibly focused on his own holiness and wanting to honor him through his creations. It highlights that God's presence and purpose are reflected in everything he does – even in the details of how he sets up his sacred spaces. In short, it’s a story about God’s absolute commitment to holiness and establishing a place where he is fully recognized and valued. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse was important in biblical history? Connect this story to other stories or themes in the Bible?