How does Leviticus 1:4 illustrate the concept of atonement in the Old Testament? Setting the Verse in View “ He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so that it may be accepted for him to make atonement on his behalf.” (Leviticus 1:4) What Happens in the Ritual - The worshiper brings an unblemished animal (1:3). - He personally lays his hand firmly on the animal’s head. - The animal is then slaughtered, skinned, and wholly burned on the altar (1:5-9). Why the Hand-Laying Matters - Identification: Touching the head publicly ties the worshiper’s identity to the sacrifice. - Transfer: Symbolically moves guilt from sinner to substitute (cf. Leviticus 16:21; Isaiah 53:6). - Acceptance: God now “accepts” the offering in place of the guilty person. Key Words Explained 1. “Accepted for him” • God literally receives the animal instead of the sinner (Genesis 4:4-5 shows acceptance language). 2. “To make atonement” • Hebrew kipper means “to cover, ransom, purge.” • Blood covers sin so fellowship can continue (Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22). The Principle of Substitution - Sin deserves death (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23). - God allows a spotless creature to die in the sinner’s place (Exodus 12:13; Leviticus 4:20). - The worshiper watches the consequence of sin carried out on the animal instead of on himself. Results for the Worshiper - Immediate forgiveness and restored fellowship (Leviticus 4:31). - An outward sign of inward repentance and faith in God’s provision. A Pattern Repeated Throughout the Old Testament - Day of Atonement: Two goats receive Israel’s sins—one slain, one sent away (Leviticus 16). - Individual Offerings: Laying hands on bulls, rams, or goats (Leviticus 8:14-22). - Every instance underscores the same pattern Leviticus 1:4 introduces. Looking Ahead to the Ultimate Atonement - Isaiah 53:5-6 pictures the Suffering Servant bearing iniquity. - John 1:29 echoes Leviticus when Jesus is called “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” - 2 Corinthians 5:21 captures the transfer: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” Takeaway Leviticus 1:4 encapsulates atonement’s core: a sinner’s guilt is transferred to an innocent substitute, whose death secures divine acceptance. This God-given pattern not only provided real forgiveness under the Law but also paved the way for the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, the perfect fulfillment of the burnt offering’s purpose. |
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