What role does the priest play in Leviticus 6:24 regarding the offerings? Setting the Scene Leviticus 6 records specific rules for the sin offering. Verse 24 begins a new oracle: “Then the LORD said to Moses, 25 ‘Tell Aaron and his sons, “This is the law of the sin offering…”’ ” (Leviticus 6:24–25). Specific Responsibilities Assigned to the Priest • Receive the command directly from Moses as God’s authorized mediator (v. 24). • Slaughter the sin offering “before the LORD in the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered” (v. 25). • Partake of the sacrifice: “The priest who offers it shall eat it… in a holy place” (v. 26; cf. Leviticus 10:17; Exodus 29:33). • Guard holiness: – Anything touching the flesh becomes holy (v. 27). – Garments spattered with blood are washed only “in a holy place” (v. 27). – Earthenware pots used for boiling are broken; bronze pots scoured and rinsed (v. 28). • Share the sacred meal: “Any male among the priests may eat it; it is most holy” (v. 29). • Distinguish between two categories of sin offerings: – Those whose blood remains outside the sanctuary may be eaten by priests (v. 26). – Those whose blood is brought into the Tent of Meeting for atonement must not be eaten but entirely burned (v. 30). Why the Priest’s Role Matters • Mediator of atonement—by handling the blood and consuming part of the sacrifice, the priest represents the people before God (Leviticus 4:20; Hebrews 5:1). • Custodian of holiness—every action safeguards the sacred space and objects, underscoring God’s separateness (Leviticus 10:10). • Participant in God’s provision—the priest’s portion demonstrates God’s care for those who serve at the altar (Numbers 18:8–11; 1 Corinthians 9:13). Foreshadowing a Greater High Priest The Levitical priest points forward to Christ: • Jesus offers Himself “once for all” (Hebrews 7:27). • He both provides the sacrifice and mediates it, fulfilling the pattern set in Leviticus 6. • Believers, called “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), now share in His holiness, living out the principles first entrusted to Aaron’s sons. |
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