What does the blood application on the altar signify in Leviticus 5:9? Setting the Scene • Leviticus 5:9 is part of the instructions for the “sin offering” (ḥaṭṭāʾt), required when someone unintentionally violated God’s commands. • The offender brings an animal to the priest, who slaughters it, sprinkles some blood on the side of the bronze altar, and pours the rest at its base. • The central phrase: “The priest is to sprinkle the remainder of the blood against the side of the altar, and the rest of the blood is to be drained out at the base of the altar; it is a sin offering.” Why Blood Must Reach the Altar • Life-for-life principle—Leviticus 17:11 declares, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood... it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” God requires life to cover sin. • Substitution—The animal’s life stands in the sinner’s place (cf. Exodus 12:13; Isaiah 53:5-6). The altar receives that life, showing sin’s debt has been paid. • Public witness—Blood on the outer altar is visible to the worshiper, underscoring that forgiveness is concrete and not merely symbolic. What Sprinkling on the Altar Communicates 1. Atonement accomplished – The altar, center of sacrificial worship, bears the proof of payment. See Leviticus 4:20, “the priest will make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven.” 2. Cleansing of sacred space – Sin defiles, not only the sinner but also the sanctuary (Leviticus 16:16). Blood purifies God’s dwelling, allowing fellowship to continue. 3. God’s justice satisfied, mercy released – Romans 3:25 uses similar language: God “presented [Christ] as a propitiation through faith in His blood.” The Old-Covenant altar anticipates the cross, where justice and mercy meet. Pouring the Rest at the Base • Complete surrender—No blood is wasted; the entire life is given to God. • Foundation imagery—Grace flows from the bottom up, anchoring Israel’s relationship with the Lord. • Continuity—Daily sacrifices accumulate at the altar’s base, reminding Israel regularly of ongoing need for cleansing (Hebrews 10:1-3). Foreshadowing Christ • Hebrews 9:22-24 connects Levitical blood to the “better sacrifice” in heaven: “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” • Jesus fulfills every element—sprinkling His own blood (1 Peter 1:2) and pouring it out “at the base” of the cross (John 19:34). • The altar becomes Calvary; the once-for-all offering secures eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). Takeaway for Today • Sin demands payment; God provides the payment. • The visible application of blood reassures the repentant heart—“you are forgiven.” • Trusting Christ’s blood, believers stand cleansed and invited into ongoing fellowship (1 John 1:7). |
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