What is the meaning of Leviticus 4:26? He must burn all its fat on the altar The worshiper brings a male goat for a sin offering (Leviticus 4:23–24). The fat—the choicest, richest portion—belongs entirely to the Lord. Leviticus 3:16 says, “All the fat belongs to the LORD,” highlighting that God deserves the best. By burning the fat, the offerer publicly acknowledges God’s holiness and his own dependence on divine mercy (Exodus 29:13; 1 Samuel 2:15-16). • The altar is the place of meeting between God and sinners, where holiness confronts human failure (Leviticus 6:12-13). • Consuming the fat by fire symbolizes complete surrender, indicating that nothing is held back from God. like the fat of the peace offerings God’s instructions mirror the peace (or fellowship) offering procedure in Leviticus 3:1-5. The same method links the sin offering to restored fellowship: • The peace offering celebrated communion with God after reconciliation; thus, borrowing its pattern underscores that forgiveness leads to renewed relationship (Leviticus 7:15). • By tying the sin offering to the peace offering, the text stresses continuity—God’s ways of approaching Him are unified and consistent (Numbers 15:8-10). thus the priest will make atonement Atonement means covering or compensation; here the priest stands as mediator, applying the sacrifice on the sinner’s behalf (Leviticus 4:20). • Leviticus 17:11 explains, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood… it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.” • This priestly action foreshadows Christ, the ultimate High Priest who “entered the Most Holy Place once for all… having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12). • Without a mediator, sinful people cannot approach a holy God (Job 9:33), so the priestly role is essential. for that man’s sin The spotlight shifts from general ritual to personal guilt. Sin is not abstract; it is individual and accountable (Ezekiel 18:20). • “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), yet God provides a way for each person. • Personal confession accompanies the offering (Leviticus 5:5), demonstrating that forgiveness is never mechanical but relational—God hears the contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). and he will be forgiven Here is the gracious outcome: assured pardon. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). • Forgiveness is immediate and complete upon God’s terms (Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 1:9). • The sinner leaves the sanctuary released from guilt, foreshadowing the freedom believers have in Christ: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7). summary Leviticus 4:26 reveals God’s consistent pattern for dealing with sin: offer the best to Him, follow the divinely prescribed means, rely on priestly mediation, acknowledge personal guilt, and receive full forgiveness. The ritual anticipates the perfect sacrifice of Jesus, assuring all who trust Him that their sins are covered and fellowship with God restored. |
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