What is the meaning of Leviticus 15:15? The priest is to sacrifice them • The priest, God’s appointed mediator (Leviticus 10:10; Hebrews 5:1), must act—not the man himself—highlighting that reconciliation is always initiated by God through an ordained representative. • “Them” points back to the two turtledoves or two young pigeons (Leviticus 15:14), inexpensive substitutes that let even the poorest Israelite receive cleansing (cf. Leviticus 5:7). • This requirement mirrors earlier sacrifices where the priest alone handled the blood (Leviticus 1:5; 4:30), anticipating Christ the great High Priest who offers His own blood on our behalf (Hebrews 9:11-12). one as a sin offering • The sin offering removes defilement caused by the man’s bodily discharge, even though the condition is largely involuntary (Leviticus 15:2-3). • Scripture shows sin’s reach extends beyond conscious acts to everything touched by the Fall (Romans 5:12). Therefore, cleansing is still necessary (Hebrews 9:22). • The sin offering foreshadows Jesus, “who knew no sin” yet was “made sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 13:11-12). and the other as a burnt offering • A burnt offering is wholly consumed (Leviticus 1:8-9), symbolizing total surrender and renewed fellowship. • Pairing it with the sin offering teaches that forgiveness (sin offering) is inseparable from consecration (burnt offering). After we are cleansed, we dedicate ourselves fully to God (Romans 12:1). • This dual sacrifice pattern recurs throughout the Law (Leviticus 5:10; Numbers 6:11), culminating in Christ’s single, perfect offering accomplishing both (Ephesians 5:2). In this way the priest will make atonement for the man • “Atonement” literally covers the man’s uncleanness, restoring him to covenant standing (Leviticus 17:11). • Blood is central; without it there is no remission (Hebrews 9:22). Here, two birds underscore that even minor impurities need blood-bought cleansing. • The priest’s intercession points forward to Christ “who appeared once for all…to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:26). before the LORD • Restoration happens “before the LORD,” in the place of His presence (Exodus 29:42-43). • God’s holiness demands purity; only after atonement can one re-enter communal worship (Psalm 24:3-4). • Today we approach the throne of grace with confidence because our High Priest has opened “a new and living way” (Hebrews 4:16; 10:19-22). because of his discharge • The discharge rendered the man ceremonially unclean, barring him from the sanctuary (Leviticus 15:4-7). • Though bodily and temporary, the impurity illustrates how every aspect of life is touched by sin’s curse (Deuteronomy 23:10-11). • God graciously provides a clear path back: wash, wait seven days, bring the prescribed offerings (Leviticus 15:13-15), a tangible reminder that holiness is both God’s gift and His expectation. summary Leviticus 15:15 teaches that even natural bodily conditions separate us from Holy God, yet He lovingly supplies a way to be cleansed. Through the priest’s twin sacrifices—sin offering for removal of defilement and burnt offering for renewed devotion—atonement is made, restoring the worshiper to fellowship “before the LORD.” These rituals anticipate Jesus Christ, whose single perfect sacrifice removes every stain and consecrates us wholly to God. |
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