What is the meaning of Leviticus 14:31? One as a sin offering Leviticus 14:31 begins, “one as a sin offering…”. • The sin offering focuses on the removal of guilt (Leviticus 4:27-31). Even though leprosy was a physical condition, its ritual uncleanness symbolized the deeper problem of sin that separates people from God (Isaiah 59:2). • By prescribing a sin offering, God shows that cleansing is not only about outward health but about restoring fellowship with Him (Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 2:24). • The worshiper brings the bird, but the priest applies the blood, pointing ahead to Christ, our High Priest, who mediates forgiveness (Hebrews 4:14-16). And the other as a burnt offering “…and the other as a burnt offering…”. • The burnt offering is wholly consumed on the altar (Leviticus 1:3-9), symbolizing total surrender to God. • After sin is dealt with, wholehearted devotion naturally follows (Romans 12:1). • The pairing of sin and burnt offerings teaches that cleansing is never an end in itself; it leads to renewed commitment and worship (Mark 12:33). Together with the grain offering “…together with the grain offering.”. • The grain offering (Leviticus 2) represents gratitude for God’s provision—no blood, just fine flour, oil, and frankincense. • By adding it here, God weaves thankfulness into the very process of restoration (Psalm 50:14). • Since grain was daily sustenance, this offering also hints that every aspect of life—ordinary and sacred—belongs to Him (John 6:35). In this way the priest will make atonement before the LORD “In this way the priest will make atonement before the LORD…”. • Atonement means a covering or reconciliation (Leviticus 17:11). • The priest stands as the ordained mediator; his actions foreshadow Christ, who “entered the Most Holy Place once for all” (Hebrews 9:12-14). • Notice the phrase “before the LORD” (Romans 5:1-2). True cleansing always happens in God’s presence—not by human effort but by His provision. For the one to be cleansed “…for the one to be cleansed.”. • The goal is personal restoration. The former leper is now welcomed back into worship and community life (Leviticus 13:45-46; 14:8-9). • Jesus echoes this pattern when He tells cleansed lepers to show themselves to the priest (Luke 5:12-14). • Spiritually, everyone in Christ experiences a similar journey: confession, cleansing, and reinstatement into fellowship (1 John 1:7-9). summary Leviticus 14:31 teaches that complete restoration involves three movements: guilt removed (sin offering), life dedicated (burnt offering), and gratitude expressed (grain offering). By these God-given steps the priest “makes atonement before the LORD” so the healed person can fully re-enter worship and community. In Christ, the ultimate Priest and sacrifice, these same truths find their perfect fulfillment, offering each believer full cleansing, renewed devotion, and daily thanksgiving. |
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