What does laying hands on the offering signify in Leviticus 3:2? Leviticus 3:2 – The Verse “‘He is to lay his hand on the head of his offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting…’” What the Hand-Laying Signifies • Identification – the worshiper publicly declares, “This animal represents me.” • Transfer – picturing the movement of sin, guilt, or thanksgiving from the offerer to the sacrifice. • Substitution – the animal dies in the worshiper’s place, foreshadowing a greater Substitute. • Personal ownership – worship is not delegated; the individual actively participates. Scripture Echoes That Confirm the Meaning • Leviticus 1:4: “He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.” • Leviticus 4:4: the sin offering receives the same gesture, showing the consistency of identification and transfer. • Leviticus 16:21: on the Day of Atonement, Aaron lays both hands on the scapegoat, confessing Israel’s sins over it—clear evidence of symbolic transfer. • Isaiah 53:6: “The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all,” picking up the sacrificial language and applying it to the Messiah. • 2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf,” revealing Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of every hand-laid animal. Why It Matters in a Fellowship (Peace) Offering • The peace offering celebrated restored relationship; laying hands acknowledged peace was possible only because another life was given. • Thanksgiving, vow, or freewill motives (Leviticus 7:11-18) were accepted because substitutionary blood had first secured access. • The worshiper’s touch united him with the sacrifice, making the shared meal that followed a tangible picture of communion with God. How the Gesture Points to Christ • Just as the Israelite leaned on his animal, faith leans on Jesus (John 1:29). • Our sins were “laid” on Him, and His righteousness is credited to us (Romans 3:24-25). • The once-for-all sacrifice ends the need for repeated hand-laying rituals (Hebrews 10:10-14). Takeaway Truths • God requires personal engagement with His provision. • Substitutionary atonement is not a theological option but the heart of biblical worship. • Every touch upon a Levitical animal whispers the gospel: a spotless victim bears my burden so I can enjoy peace with God. |
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