How does the sacrificial system in Leviticus 4:19 foreshadow Christ's ultimate sacrifice? “He shall remove all the fat from it and burn it on the altar.” Setting the Scene in Leviticus 4 • The passage describes the sin offering brought when the anointed priest sinned, bringing guilt on the people (4:3–21). • Verse 19 zooms in on one detail: the priest removes “all the fat” and burns it on the bronze altar, dedicating the choicest portion entirely to God. • Every step was commanded by God as a literal, historical practice—yet each step also whispers ahead to a greater, perfect sacrifice. Key Parts of the Sin Offering 1. The offender’s substitute animal. 2. The laying on of hands (4:4) transferring guilt. 3. The shedding and sprinkling of blood (4:5–7). 4. The removal and burning of all the fat on the altar (4:8–10, 19). 5. The body taken outside the camp and burned (4:11–12). How Each Element Foreshadows Christ • Substitute animal → Jesus stands in our place (Isaiah 53:6; 1 Peter 2:24). • Hands on the head → our sin imputed to Him, His righteousness to us (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Sprinkled blood → His blood cleanses fully, once for all (Hebrews 9:11-14; 10:10). • “All the fat” burned → – Fat represented the best and richest part (Genesis 4:4). – Consuming it in fire symbolized wholehearted devotion to God. – Christ offered the very “best” of Himself—His entire life and obedience—wholly devoted to the Father (John 8:29; Philippians 2:8). • Body outside the camp → Jesus was crucified “outside the city gate,” bearing our reproach (Hebrews 13:11-12). Why the Detail About Fat Matters • Completeness: “all the fat” shows nothing withheld; likewise, Jesus held nothing back (Romans 8:32). • Aroma of acceptance: the burning fat produced a “pleasing aroma” (Leviticus 4:31); Christ’s sacrifice is “a fragrant offering” to God (Ephesians 5:2). • Consuming fire: God’s holiness consumes what is offered; the cross reveals both perfect justice and perfect mercy meeting in Christ (Romans 3:25-26). Putting the Pieces Together The sin offering in Leviticus 4—especially the burning of every last piece of fat—paints a vivid, tangible picture: only a flawless, wholly-given sacrifice can deal with sin. That picture finds its complete fulfillment in Jesus, who became both our High Priest and our sin offering. His blood purifies more perfectly than any animal’s, and His total consecration secures eternal redemption for all who trust Him. |
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