Definition: Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin offering, which [was] for himself.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Leviticus 9:8. It’s a really important story about God’s judgment and purification. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God is angry: The verse starts with God being very upset because of a terrible act – the offering of a calf (a sacred animal) was contaminated. Aaron is tasked: Aaron, one of the priests in the Israelite temple, is given a very important job: he needs to clean up this mess. He kills the calf: Aaron takes a sharp knife and kills the calf. It’s for himself: This is the crucial part. He doesn't kill it for anyone else – not for the temple, not for the people, not even for God. It was solely for his own benefit. What does this mean in a broader sense? This story is considered one of the first examples of God’s judgment against sin and idolatry . Here's what it highlights: Idolatry: The verse points to a time when the people were worshipping idols – things made by humans instead of God. It was a rejection of true worship. Atonement: This act is seen as a form of atonement - a way for God to make amends for the sin of idolatry and bring about purification. It’s a demonstration that God is serious about dealing with wrongdoing. Important Context (Briefly): This story happened during a time of great conflict in Israel. The people were practicing idolatry, and this event was a significant moment where God showed His power to punish them. In short, it's a dramatic example of God’s righteous wrath and his commitment to purifying the land and its people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this story in more detail?