What role does the priest play in the atonement process in Leviticus 5:10? Setting the Scene Leviticus 5 describes sin offerings for unintentional sins, especially for those too poor to bring livestock. Verses 7-10 focus on the substitute provision of two turtledoves or two young pigeons. The climax is verse 10: “And he shall offer the second as a burnt offering according to the ordinance. In this way the priest will make atonement for him for the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven.” (Leviticus 5:10) Step-by-Step Duties of the Priest • Receives the sinner’s birds at the sanctuary door • Kills the first bird as a sin offering (vv. 8-9) – Drains its blood against the side of the altar • Offers the second bird as a burnt offering (v. 10) – Completely consumed on the altar fire • Follows the “ordinance” (fixed ritual) to the letter (v. 10) • “Makes atonement” for the sinner (v. 10) • Pronounces God’s verdict: “he will be forgiven” (v. 10) Why Each Action Matters • Handling the blood—Life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). By presenting it on the altar, the priest symbolically exchanges the life of the innocent bird for the life of the guilty person. • Burnt offering—Total surrender and devotion rises to God (Leviticus 1:9). The second bird affirms renewed fellowship after sin is dealt with. • Strict obedience—The priest’s careful adherence underscores that atonement is achieved God’s way, not man’s (Leviticus 10:1-3). • Mediation—Only the priest can bridge the gap, acting as God’s authorized representative (Leviticus 16:17; Hebrews 5:1). • Verbal assurance—“He will be forgiven” is not guesswork; it is God’s binding promise conveyed through the priest (Leviticus 4:20, 31). Takeaways on the Priest’s Role • Mediator: stands between holy God and sinful people. • Ritual officiant: performs every prescribed act so atonement is effected. • Witness and announcer: declares forgiveness based on shed blood. • Guardian of purity: ensures the sanctuary remains undefiled, safeguarding the community’s access to God. Echoes in the Rest of Scripture • Leviticus 1:4—Laying hands transfers guilt; the priest administers it. • Numbers 15:25—Priest makes atonement, and “the sin will be forgiven.” • Hebrews 9:7—Yearly entry by the high priest foreshadows a greater mediation. • Hebrews 9:13-14—Animal blood purified the flesh; Christ’s blood purifies the conscience. • 1 John 2:1-2—Jesus is now our “advocate with the Father… the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” Connecting to Christ Old-covenant priests were essential, yet temporary. Their daily work pointed to One who would: • Offer Himself, not birds or bulls (Hebrews 9:26). • Enter the true heavenly sanctuary once for all (Hebrews 9:24). • Secure everlasting forgiveness (Hebrews 10:11-14). In Leviticus 5:10 the priest’s careful service ensures tangible, immediate forgiveness; in the gospel, the perfect High Priest secures eternal redemption for all who trust in Him. |
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