What is the meaning of Leviticus 16:11? When Aaron presents the bull “Then Aaron shall present the bull for his sin offering” (Leviticus 16:11). • The high priest comes before the LORD with an animal that belongs to him, emphasizing personal responsibility (Leviticus 16:3; 8:14). • Presentation means setting the sacrifice apart at the entrance of the tent of meeting so that it is unmistakably offered to God (Leviticus 1:3-5). • Aaron acts as mediator, a role later fulfilled perfectly by Christ (Hebrews 5:1-3; 9:7). for his sin offering • A sin offering deals with unintentional or unknown sin that nevertheless defiles (Leviticus 4:1-3; 12-15). • Its goal is purification, restoring fellowship between the sinner and God (Leviticus 6:24-30). • Sin offerings must precede any ministry on behalf of others—both for Aaron (Leviticus 9:7) and for Jesus, who “had no need” to offer for Himself yet became sin for us (Hebrews 7:27; 2 Corinthians 5:21). and makes atonement for himself and his household • “Household” includes the entire priestly family; their sins could jeopardize Israel’s worship (Leviticus 10:1-2; 16:17). • Atonement means covering or reconciliation through substitutionary blood (Leviticus 17:11). • Job practiced a similar principle for his family (Job 1:5). • Christ, the ultimate High Priest, offered Himself once for all and needs no repeated sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-14). he is to slaughter the bull for his own sin offering • Blood must be shed; sin costs life (Leviticus 1:5; 16:15; Hebrews 9:22). • Aaron, not an assistant, performs the act, underscoring ownership of the sacrifice and personal accountability. • The bull’s value shows the seriousness of priestly sin. Lesser animals sufficed for common Israelites (Leviticus 4:27-32), but leadership demands greater cost (James 3:1). • This vivid picture foreshadows the greater sacrifice of Christ, who “entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood” (Hebrews 9:12). summary Leviticus 16:11 reveals the high priest’s need for cleansing before he can represent the people. Aaron personally presents, dedicates, and slaughters a valuable bull so that his own sins—and those of his household—are atoned for by shed blood. The verse underscores both the gravity of sin and God’s provision of substitutionary sacrifice, ultimately pointing to Jesus, the sinless High Priest who offers the final, all-sufficient atonement for all who trust in Him. |
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