What is the meaning of Leviticus 4:35? And he shall remove all the fat • The priest literally cuts away every fatty portion. Nothing is left to human preference; God specifies what is His (Leviticus 3:16, “All the fat is the LORD’s”). • Fat in Scripture pictures the best, the richest part—God deserves the choicest (Proverbs 3:9). • Spiritually, sin must be dealt with thoroughly, not partially (Psalm 51:6). God shows that covering guilt requires complete separation from what He calls off-limits. just as the fat of the lamb is removed from the peace offerings • The wording links the sin offering to the earlier peace offering ritual (Leviticus 3:6-9). Consistency reinforces that all sacrifices share the same holy standard. • The peace offering celebrated fellowship; by copying its procedure, God signals that reconciliation and forgiveness will lead back to fellowship (Ephesians 2:13-14). • The repetition teaches obedience learned through practice (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). and he shall burn it on the altar along with the food offerings to the LORD • Burning signifies total surrender to God; the smoke ascends as “a pleasing aroma” (Leviticus 1:9). • Joined with “food offerings,” the fat becomes part of the continuous worship already rising from the altar (Exodus 29:38-42). Forgiveness is woven into daily devotion. • Fire often pictures judgment that consumes the substitute so the sinner can stand clear (Hebrews 12:29). In this way the priest will make atonement for him for the sin he has committed • “Atonement” means a covering; the innocent victim covers the guilty (Leviticus 17:11). • The priest stands as mediator, foreshadowing the perfect High Priest, Jesus (Hebrews 4:14-16). • Sin is acknowledged as personal—“the sin he has committed.” No vague mistakes here (1 John 1:9). • God provides the method; people do not invent their own path (John 14:6). and he will be forgiven • The promise is clear and immediate. When God says “forgiven,” it is final (Psalm 103:12). • Forgiveness flows from substitutionary sacrifice, preparing the way for Christ’s once-for-all offering (Hebrews 10:10-12). • Assurance follows obedience; the worshiper leaves knowing the burden is lifted (Romans 5:1). summary Leviticus 4:35 shows God’s detailed, gracious plan to remove sin’s guilt. The fat—symbolizing the best—must be wholly given to Him. The procedure echoes the peace offering, signaling restored fellowship. Fire on the altar displays judgment falling on a substitute, while the priest mediates atonement. The result is certain forgiveness for the repentant worshiper, anticipating the complete, final work of Christ for all who believe. |
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