What does the phrase "lay his hand on its head" symbolize in sacrifices? Setting the Scene Leviticus 1:4: “He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.” This simple, physical act stood at the very heart of Israel’s sacrificial worship. The Act Explained • A worshiper brings an unblemished animal to the sanctuary. • Before the priest slaughters it, the worshiper presses one hand firmly on the animal’s head. • Only then is the animal killed and its blood presented on the altar. Symbolism Unpacked • Identification – The worshiper publicly identifies with the offering: “This life represents me.” • Substitution – Guilt and deserved judgment pass from the sinner to the innocent victim; the animal dies in the worshiper’s place (cf. Leviticus 4:24, 33). • Transfer of Sin – Numbers 8:12 speaks of laying hands “to make atonement,” showing that sin symbolically moves from the guilty party onto the substitute. • Acceptance Before God – By God’s decree the offering, now bearing the worshiper’s guilt, is “accepted” (Leviticus 1:4) so that fellowship with Him is restored. • Consecration – The gesture also dedicates the animal wholly to God, setting it apart for His altar (Exodus 29:10–18). New Testament Echoes • Isaiah 53:6 pictures the LORD laying our iniquity on the Messiah. • 2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf.” • Hebrews 10:10 shows Christ as the once-for-all offering to which every hand-laying sacrifice pointed. Personal Takeaways • Sin is serious and demands life-for-life atonement. • God graciously provides a substitute so the sinner may live. • Christ fulfilled the pattern; trusting Him is today’s “hand on the head,” identifying with His sacrifice and receiving full acceptance before the Father. |
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