What is the meaning of Leviticus 14:21? If, however, the person is poor and cannot afford these offerings God’s Law never crushes the needy; it makes room for them. • Leviticus 5:7 shows the same principle—doves replace livestock when funds are scarce. • Leviticus 12:8 let Mary and Joseph present “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons”, underscoring that even Messiah’s parents benefited from this mercy. • 2 Corinthians 8:9 reminds us that Jesus “became poor for your sake, so that through His poverty you might become rich.” The verse teaches that holiness is not reserved for the wealthy; God personally lowers the cost so everyone can be cleansed. he is to take one male lamb A single lamb concentrates the spotlight on substitution. • Exodus 12:5 required an unblemished male lamb for Passover—foreshadowing Christ. • John 1:29: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”. • 1 Peter 1:18-19 connects the believer’s redemption to “the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.” The poor man’s lone lamb points directly to the one Lamb God ultimately provides for all. as a guilt offering to be waved The guilt (or trespass) offering handles specific wrongs plus the damage those wrongs caused. • Leviticus 7:1-2 lays out the basic procedure; verse 30 prescribes the waving before the LORD, signaling presentation and acceptance. • Isaiah 53:10 uses the same term: “You make His soul an offering for guilt.” The wave action dramatizes transfer—sin borne by the lamb, righteousness returned to the worshiper. to make atonement for him Atonement means covering, reconciliation, restored fellowship. • Leviticus 17:11: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood... it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life”. • Romans 3:25 declares that God presented Christ “as an atoning sacrifice, through faith in His blood.” • Hebrews 9:22 affirms, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Though the worshiper is poor, the value of his atonement is not discounted; full forgiveness flows because God values the blood, not the balance in the bank. along with a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with olive oil for a grain offering The grain offering expresses dedication and thanksgiving. • Leviticus 2:1 requires fine flour and oil, symbolizing flawless service energized by the Spirit. • John 6:35: Jesus says, “I am the bread of life,” revealing the ultimate fulfillment. By adding flour and oil, even a destitute leper (the context of chap. 14) can declare, “My life, cleansed by God, now belongs wholly to Him.” a log of olive oil The priest used this oil to anoint the cleansed person (Leviticus 14:15-18). • 1 Samuel 16:13 shows oil poured on David, and “the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day forward”. • Acts 10:38 describes God anointing Jesus “with the Holy Spirit and with power.” Oil speaks of the Spirit’s presence. After blood cleanses, oil empowers; salvation is immediately followed by sanctification and commissioning. summary Leviticus 14:21 reveals God’s compassionate economy of grace. Poverty does not bar anyone from cleansing, atonement, dedication, or Spirit-empowered living. A single lamb, a handful of flour, and a small jar of oil are enough when God Himself ordains the substitute, receives the offering, and supplies the anointing. The verse assures every believer—regardless of means—that full forgiveness, fellowship, and Spirit-filled service are freely provided through the perfect Lamb, Jesus Christ. |
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