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Aaron and his sons stayed for seven days at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting in the presence of God as they had been instructed (8:35-36). Now on the eighth day they offer to God the first sacrifices on behalf of the people. In keeping with his role as God’s spokesman, Moses promises the people that God will appear to them that day (v.4).
The public offerings are described in vv.7-21. Aaron and his sons present a sin offering, a burnt offering, and two peace offerings. The opening sentence (v.7) makes clear that the sacrifices are to make atonement for the people. The priests present the offerings as they are instructed, and Aaron concludes the ceremony by lifting his hands and blessing the people (v.22).
At this point, Moses and Aaron go into the Tent of Meeting where they enter God’s presence. Having been blessed by God, they return outside and bless the people as they come out of the tabernacle (v.23). At the moment, the glory of God appears to all the people. Fire from the presence of God consumes what is left of the sacrifices Aaron had offered. Spontaneously, the people shout for joy and fall prostrate before God.
The central lesson here is that God forgives his people who make offerings in the way he instructs. In the NT, atonement for sin has been accomplished through the death of Jesus. A clear explanation of this basic biblical truth can be found in John Wesley’s sermon “Salvation by Faith.”