What does the lamb symbolize in Leviticus 3:7 and throughout Scripture? Scripture Focus: Leviticus 3:7 “If he offers a lamb for his offering, then he shall present it before the LORD.” What the lamb means in Leviticus 3 • A peace-offering animal—brought when the worshiper desired fellowship and harmony with God. • Innocent, gentle, and without blemish—mirroring the blameless life God requires. • Substitutionary—its life stands in the place of the offerer, picturing reconciliation bought with blood (Leviticus 17:11). • A foreshadowing—pointing ahead to a greater, final Lamb who would secure lasting peace. Old-Testament thread of the lamb • Passover (Exodus 12:5, 13) – An unblemished lamb’s blood turns away judgment and sets Israel free. • Daily burnt offerings (Numbers 28:3-4) – Morning and evening lambs keep constant access to God open for the nation. • Guilt and sin offerings (Leviticus 4–5) – A lamb dies so the guilty can be forgiven. • Prophetic picture (Isaiah 53:7) – The coming Servant “like a lamb led to the slaughter” bears in silence the sins of many. New-Testament fulfillment in Christ • John 1:29—“Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” • 1 Corinthians 5:7—“Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” • 1 Peter 1:18-19—We are redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.” – John sees “a Lamb who appeared to have been slain” now reigning. – He is worshiped because His blood purchased people for God. Key themes carried from Leviticus to Revelation • Innocence offered for the guilty. • Blood securing atonement and peace. • A voluntary, silent submission to God’s will. • Deliverance from judgment and entrance into covenant fellowship. • Ultimate victory— the slain Lamb now rules and shepherds His redeemed (Revelation 7:17). Why it matters today • The lamb of Leviticus 3 reassures us that God welcomes sinners who come by His appointed sacrifice. • Every Old-Testament lamb trains our eyes to recognize and trust the once-for-all Lamb, Jesus Christ. • Because the Lamb has been offered, believers live in true peace with God and look forward to sharing the Lamb’s eternal reign. |
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