How does Leviticus 8:15 illustrate the significance of blood in atonement rituals? Setting the Scene • Israel has just erected the tabernacle (Exodus 40). • Leviticus 8 records the ordination of Aaron and his sons, establishing them as priests. • Verse 15 captures the moment Moses sacrifices the bull of the sin offering to cleanse and dedicate the bronze altar. “Moses slaughtered the bull, took the blood, and with his finger applied it to the horns of the altar on all sides to purify the altar. He poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar and consecrated it to make atonement for it.” (Leviticus 8:15) Blood Applied: What Happened? 1. Blood on the horns – The horns symbolize strength and refuge (cf. 1 Kings 1:50). – Touching them with blood “purified” (lit. de-sin) the altar. 2. Blood at the base – The remaining blood was poured out, saturating the ground. – This act “consecrated” (set apart as holy) the altar itself. 3. Purpose stated: “to make atonement for it.” – Even the altar, a lifeless object, required cleansing before it could receive further sacrifices. Why Blood? Three Layers of Meaning • Life-for-life Substitute – “For the life of the flesh is in the blood… it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.” (Leviticus 17:11) – Blood, representing life, served as a substitute for the sinner’s forfeited life. • Purifying Agent – Sin pollutes; blood removes that defilement, restoring access to God (Hebrews 9:13-14). • Covenant Seal – Blood ratifies covenant commitments (Exodus 24:8). The altar’s cleansing sealed its role in ongoing worship. Pattern Echoed Elsewhere • Exodus 29:36 – The original ordination instructions: “Purify the altar… anoint it to consecrate it.” • Leviticus 16:18-19 – On the Day of Atonement, blood is again placed on the altar’s horns and sprinkled around it. • Hebrews 9:22 – “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Christ: The Greater Fulfillment • Jesus “appeared once for all at the end of the ages to remove sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” (Hebrews 9:26) • Unlike bulls that sanctified objects temporarily, His blood cleanses consciences permanently (Hebrews 9:14). • The cross is both altar and offering—blood applied, poured out, and sufficient for eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). Personal Takeaways • God takes sin so seriously that even inanimate objects need cleansing before use. • Atonement always costs life; substitution is God’s gracious provision. • Every Old Testament sprinkling points to the once-for-all reality secured by Christ’s blood. |
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