What does "sprinkle it with blood" signify about atonement in Leviticus 16:19? Setting of the verse “ ‘With his finger he is to sprinkle some of the blood on the altar seven times and cleanse and consecrate it from the uncleanness of the Israelites.’ ” (Leviticus 16:19) • Occurs on the Day of Atonement, the one day each year when the high priest makes atonement for all Israel (Leviticus 16:30). • Immediately follows the sacrifice of the bull and the goat whose blood is carried into the Most Holy Place (Leviticus 16:14-15). Key phrases in Leviticus 16:19 • “sprinkle … blood” – a deliberate, physical act showing the transfer of life. • “seven times” – the biblical number of completeness (Genesis 2:2-3; Joshua 6:4-5). • “cleanse and consecrate” – two sides of atonement: removal of impurity and setting apart for God. Why blood? • Leviticus 17:11: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood … it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” • Hebrews 9:22: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” • Blood stands for life surrendered in place of the sinner, satisfying divine justice and opening the way for mercy (Isaiah 53:5-6). Seven-fold sprinkling—symbol of completeness • Seven indicates a finished, perfect work (Psalm 12:6). • The altar—defiled by Israel’s sins through the year—receives a full, complete cleansing so that nothing remains unpurged. • Communicates God’s total provision: every sin, every stain, fully addressed. Purification and consecration of the altar • Purification: removes the record of sin that has symbolically accumulated (Exodus 29:36-37). • Consecration: re-dedicates the place of sacrifice for holy service, restoring fellowship. • Result: the altar stands once more as an acceptable meeting point between a holy God and His people (Psalm 24:3-4). Substitutionary life exchanged • The sinner does not die; the innocent animal does (Leviticus 16:15-16). • Blood is applied “with his finger,” emphasizing personal, priestly mediation—yet the priest, too, needs atonement (Hebrews 5:3). • God’s justice is satisfied; His grace is displayed. Foreshadowing the ultimate atonement in Christ • Hebrews 9:12-14: Christ entered “once for all … not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood.” • 1 Peter 1:18-19: redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish.” • Where Leviticus requires yearly sprinkling, Jesus’ single offering perfects forever those who are being sanctified (Hebrews 10:10-14). Takeaway truths for today • Atonement is costly—life for life. • God provides the substitute we could never supply. • Complete cleansing is available; no sin is left unattended. • The sprinkled blood in Leviticus anticipates the cross, where Christ’s blood secures eternal redemption and ongoing fellowship with the Father (1 John 1:7). |
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