How does the bull's sacrifice in Leviticus 4:4 foreshadow Christ's atonement? “He shall bring the bull to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, lay his hand on the bull’s head, and slaughter it before the LORD.” Context of the Sin Offering • Sin offering (Heb. chattat) covers unintentional sin (Leviticus 4:2). • When an anointed priest sins, a young bull without defect is required (Leviticus 4:3). • The costliness of the animal underscores the seriousness of sin, especially when leadership is involved. Essential Actions in 4:4 • The worshiper brings the bull to the tent entrance—an open, God-ward acknowledgment of guilt. • Hands are pressed on the bull’s head—identifying with the sacrifice and transferring guilt. • The bull is slaughtered before the LORD—its blood will make atonement. How Each Action Points to Christ’s Atonement 1. Spotless victim – Bull: “without defect” (Leviticus 4:3). – Christ: “a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:19). 2. Willing presentation – Bull led to the tent; Christ “set His face toward Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). 3. Substitution and imputation – Hand-laying transfers guilt; “the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6). 4. Shedding of blood – “For the life of the flesh is in the blood” (Leviticus 17:11). – “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). 5. Priestly dimension – Bull atones for the priest; Jesus is both High Priest and sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-12). 6. Perfect efficacy – Bull’s blood sprinkled seven times (Leviticus 4:6); Christ’s one offering “has perfected for all time those who are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). 7. Outside-the-camp parallel – Bull’s carcass burned outside the camp (Leviticus 4:12). – “Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to sanctify the people by His own blood.” (Hebrews 13:11-12). Why a Bull for the Priest Anticipates Christ’s Unique Role • Scale: the largest domestic animal mirrors the vast reach of Christ’s atonement—“the atoning sacrifice...for the whole world” (1 John 2:2). • Sanctuary cleansing: priestly sin defiles the sanctuary; Christ’s blood cleanses “the heavenly things themselves” (Hebrews 9:23-24). • Representation: priest must be cleansed before serving; Jesus identifies with sinners at His baptism (Matthew 3:13-15) yet remains sinless, qualifying Him to serve eternally. Theological Themes Coming into Focus • Substitutionary atonement—innocent victim dies in the place of the guilty (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Propitiation—God’s righteous wrath satisfied (Romans 3:25). • Reconciliation—free access to God through the blood (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Finality—repeated bulls give way to the once-for-all cross (Hebrews 10:3-4, 12). Personal Takeaways • Sin is deadly serious; God provided a costly remedy. • Christ willingly became our sin-bearer—gratitude and holiness are fitting responses (1 Corinthians 6:20). • Because His sacrifice is complete, “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). |
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