What is the meaning of Leviticus 4:18? He is also to put some of the blood “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). In Leviticus 4 the priest acts on behalf of a sinning community. By taking “some” of the victim’s blood, he demonstrates that even one drop is precious enough to secure atonement (Leviticus 17:11). This portion is set apart, reminding Israel that God graciously accepts a substitute. Compare the Passover lamb’s blood applied to the doorposts (Exodus 12:7) and the daily offerings (Numbers 28:3–4), each underscoring that salvation always rests on sacrificial blood. on the horns of the altar The “horns” project from the altar’s corners (Exodus 27:2). Horns symbolize strength and refuge; fugitives clung to them for mercy (1 Kings 1:50). By daubing blood here, the priest publicly displays that guilt has been confronted at the place of divine power. The altar of incense (Exodus 30:1–10) shares this practice on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:18–19), showing continuity: whether for daily sin or annual cleansing, God’s power is engaged through blood. that is before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting This altar stands just outside the veil, “before the LORD” (Exodus 30:6), so the act occurs in God’s immediate presence. The Tent of Meeting is where God promised, “There I will meet with you” (Exodus 29:42). Sin must be resolved in proximity to His holiness; distance will not do. Moses spoke face-to-face there (Exodus 33:9–11), foreshadowing how Christ brings us near (Ephesians 2:13). and he must pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering Nothing is wasted. The bulk is “poured out,” a vivid picture of total surrender (Philippians 2:17). The bronze altar received every other sacrifice (Leviticus 1:5), so this sin offering joins the continual stream of worship. By reaching the ground, the blood permeates the place where the people stand, declaring them cleansed (Hebrews 9:13–14). Compare the ordination of priests when blood was likewise poured out (Leviticus 8:15), linking ministry and forgiveness. at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting This happens where Israel gathers (Leviticus 1:3). The doorway marks transition from common space to holy precinct; the blood testifies that sinners may now approach (Psalm 65:4). Later, Jesus describes Himself as “the door” (John 10:9). By fulfilling every sacrifice (Hebrews 10:19–22), He invites us to step across that threshold with confidence, just as cleansed Israelites once did. summary Leviticus 4:18 pictures a twofold movement of sacrificial blood: a deliberate application to the altar’s horns, and a complete outpouring at its base. Together they declare that God’s power embraces substitutionary death and that every drop is devoted to removing guilt. Placed before the LORD yet visible to the congregation, the act turns a sinner’s offense into restored fellowship. In Christ, the ultimate offering, this ancient pattern finds its perfect and everlasting fulfillment. |
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