How does Numbers 15:28 emphasize the role of the priest in atonement? Text of Numbers 15:28 “The priest is to make atonement before the LORD for the person who erred by sinning unintentionally; and when atonement has been made for him, he will be forgiven.” Key observations from the verse • “The priest is to make atonement” – the initiative for reconciliation is vested in the priest, not the offender. • “Before the LORD” – atonement happens in God’s presence, underscoring that sin is ultimately against Him (Psalm 51:4). • “For the person who erred” – even unintentional sin demands redress; holiness is non-negotiable (Leviticus 4:2). • “When atonement has been made… he will be forgiven” – forgiveness is certain, but only after the priest completes his God-appointed work. The priest’s pivotal role in atonement • Divine appointment: Aaron and his sons were “set apart to minister as priests to Me” (Exodus 28:1). • Authorized mediator: the priest stands between a holy God and sinful people, carrying the blood that “makes atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11). • Voice of assurance: once the ritual is done, the priest declares forgiveness, giving the sinner confidence in God’s mercy. • Bearer of the people’s guilt: symbolically transfers sin to the sacrifice, showing that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). Connecting to the broader Levitical system • Numbers 15 complements Leviticus 4 and 5, where specific sacrifices for unintentional sins are spelled out. • The continual need for priestly mediation emphasizes Israel’s dependence on grace rather than personal merit. • Corporate dimension: priests also atone for the entire congregation (Leviticus 4:20), teaching that sin contaminates the whole community. Foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest • The Aaronic priesthood anticipates Jesus, “a priest forever” (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:5-6). • Where Aaron offered animal blood repeatedly, Christ “entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12). • Numbers 15:28 thus sets the pattern: forgiveness flows through a God-appointed mediator—fulfilled perfectly in “one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Takeaway truths • Sin, even unintended, requires a mediator. • God Himself provides that mediator and the means of atonement. • The certainty of forgiveness rests not on the sinner’s feelings but on the completed work performed “before the LORD” by His priest. |
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