Fire came out from the Lord to consume the offering as a visible sign of His acceptance and presence. This divine act confirmed that the priests’ consecration was valid and that the sacrificial system they were now administering was established by God Himself.
Leviticus 9:24 says:
“And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.”
This dramatic moment showed that God had accepted the offering and that His glory was now dwelling among His people. It was a reassurance to both the priests and the congregation that their worship was pleasing when conducted according to God’s command.
The fire also symbolizes God’s holiness and power. It marked the beginning of the priestly ministry under the Law and served as a warning that His worship must be approached with reverence and obedience.
This fire was not man-made; it came from heaven. Later, when Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized fire, they were consumed by a similar fire in judgment (Leviticus 10:1–2), showing the danger of departing from God’s pattern.
The divine fire in Leviticus 9 foreshadowed the greater acceptance of Christ’s offering, which was fully pleasing to the Father. It teaches that true worship must be in spirit and in truth, and that God alone determines what is acceptable in His sight.
