What role does the priest play in Leviticus 5:12 regarding sin offerings? Setting the Scene Leviticus 5 describes graded sin offerings—provisions scaled to what a person can afford. Verse 12 covers the offering of fine flour, brought when the worshiper cannot afford livestock or birds. Leviticus 5:12 — The Text “Take a handful of it as a memorial portion and burn it on the altar” (Leviticus 5:12). What the Priest Does • Receives the flour from the sinner. • Selects “a handful” to serve as the memorial portion. • Places that handful on the altar fire, mingling it with other offerings already burning. • Keeps the remaining flour for his own consumption (see v. 13), a provision for the priesthood. Why These Actions Matter • Acts as mediator: the priest stands between the sinner and God, handling the offering on the sinner’s behalf (cf. Leviticus 4:20). • Memorial portion: a symbolic “reminder” presented to God that sin has been confessed and atonement sought. • Transfer of guilt: by burning the offering, the priest signifies that the sinner’s guilt is consumed and removed (Leviticus 6:7). • Covenant maintenance: the priest ensures that God’s holiness is honored, keeping the camp spiritually clean (Leviticus 10:10). Connected Passages • Leviticus 4:31, 35 – similar phrasing shows the priest’s essential role in securing forgiveness. • Leviticus 6:26 – the priest eats the remainder of sin offerings, underscoring his sharing in holy things. • Hebrews 5:1 – every priest is “appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins,” echoing this Levitical pattern. Looking Ahead to Christ the High Priest The earthly priest’s handful of flour foreshadows Jesus’ complete, once-for-all offering (Hebrews 10:14). Where the Levitical priest handled a token “memorial,” Christ offered Himself entirely, achieving perfect atonement and fulfilling the priestly role eternally. |
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