What is the meaning of Leviticus 4:34? Then the priest is to take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger • Blood is God’s chosen means of atonement; “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). • The priest’s fingertip applies the blood personally and precisely, picturing that sin is specific and must be specifically addressed (Leviticus 4:25; Leviticus 8:15). • Handling the blood by hand underscores the mediator’s role: the priest stands between the sinner and God, foreshadowing Christ’s hands pierced for us (1 Timothy 2:5; Isaiah 53:5). • The sin offering’s blood comes from a flawless animal (Leviticus 4:3), pointing ahead to the sinless Lamb of God whose blood “purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering • The altar’s horns were its highest points, symbolizing strength and salvation (Psalm 18:2; 118:27). • By touching blood to the horns, the priest publicly declares that atonement reaches the altar’s “power points,” making the entire sacrificial system effective for the worshiper (Leviticus 9:9). • The act sanctifies the altar so every burnt offering that follows is accepted; similarly, Christ’s blood sanctifies every believer’s worship (Hebrews 10:19–22). • The placement on the bronze altar—used for daily sacrifices (Exodus 27:1–2)—shows sin must be dealt with before fellowship offerings can please God (Matthew 5:23–24). And pour out the rest of its blood at the base of the altar • Nothing is wasted; full atonement requires the life-blood “poured out” (Leviticus 4:7; 17:11). • The base receives the majority of the blood, signifying that forgiveness flows down to the deepest need of the sinner (Romans 5:20). • Blood at the base mingles with earlier sacrifices, illustrating that God’s remedy for sin is consistent and cumulative until Christ fulfills it “once for all” (Hebrews 9:14; 10:10). • The visual pooling of blood impresses on Israel that sin is serious and costly—preparing hearts to appreciate the cross where Jesus “poured out His soul to death” (Isaiah 53:12; Luke 22:20). summary Leviticus 4:34 pictures a complete, God-ordained remedy for sin: targeted application, visible sanctification, and total outpouring. Every movement of the priest’s finger anticipates the greater High Priest whose own blood perfectly cleanses, consecrates, and covers all who trust Him. |
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