Why is the blood of the guilt offering significant in Leviticus 7:2? Leviticus 7:2 in Focus “In the place where they slaughter the burnt offering they are to slaughter the guilt offering, and its blood is to be sprinkled on the altar on every side.” What the Priests Actually Did • The animal was killed on the north side of the bronze altar, the same spot reserved for burnt offerings (Leviticus 1:11). • The priest collected the blood in a basin. • He then walked around the altar, flicking or splashing the blood on all its sides. Why the Blood Matters • Life-for-life principle – “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls” (Leviticus 17:11). – By pouring out the life of the substitute, the worshiper’s forfeited life is ransomed. • Objective guilt addressed – The offering is literally called an “asham” (guilt or reparation). – Blood declares that the debt of sin has been paid; God’s justice is satisfied (Isaiah 53:10, “You make His soul an offering for guilt”). • Cleansing the altar, cleansing the sinner – Sin contaminates both people and sacred space. – Sprinkling the altar with blood ceremonially scrubs away that defilement so God can keep dwelling among His people (Exodus 29:36). • Sign of restored fellowship – Once the blood covers the altar, sacrificial portions are burned and the worshiper eats a portion (Leviticus 7:6–7). – Shared meal = reconciliation is complete. How This Fits the Whole System • Every major offering—burnt, sin, guilt, peace—features blood, but the guilt offering applies especially to sins that require restitution (Leviticus 5:14–6:7). • Its blood procedure mirrors the sin offering (Leviticus 4), underscoring that the worshiper can’t even begin to repay God without first being cleansed. Fulfillment in Christ • Jesus embodies the guilt offering: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). • His blood is sprinkled—metaphorically—“on our hearts to cleanse us from a guilty conscience” (Hebrews 10:22). • “You were redeemed… with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). • One sacrifice, once for all—no more basins, no more altars (Hebrews 9:12, 26). Living it Out Today • Confidence: because the guilt-canceling blood has already been shed, we approach God without fear or shame (Hebrews 4:16). • Gratitude: our restitution is paid, freeing us to make amends toward others out of love, not desperation. • Holiness: sprinkled altars and forgiven hearts call us to walk in purity, guarding the fellowship Christ secured (1 John 1:7). |
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