What is the meaning of Leviticus 5:9? Then he is to sprinkle some of the blood Leviticus 5:9 begins, “then he is to sprinkle some of the blood of the sin offering.” • Sprinkling signifies cleansing and acceptance before God (compare Leviticus 4:6; Hebrews 9:13–14). • Only “some” of the blood is used, showing that even a small portion carries full atoning power—anticipating Christ whose single sacrifice “once for all” brings complete forgiveness (Hebrews 10:10). • The priest performs the act, mediating between sinner and holy God, foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest, Jesus (Hebrews 4:14-16). On the side of the altar The verse continues, “on the side of the altar.” • The altar at the tabernacle entrance was the appointed meeting place between God and His people (Exodus 29:43). • Blood on the side visibly marks the altar, reminding worshipers that access to God is blood-bought (Leviticus 1:5; Ephesians 2:13). • Placement “on the side” keeps the blood in view yet preserves the altar’s top for future offerings, illustrating continual availability of atonement (Romans 3:25). While the rest of the blood is drained out at the base of the altar The verse adds, “while the rest of the blood is drained out at the base of the altar.” • Pouring out the remaining blood underscores that “the life of the flesh is in the blood” given “to make atonement” (Leviticus 17:11). • The base collects the life poured out, portraying total surrender and complete payment for sin (Leviticus 4:7). • This imagery points to the cross, where Christ’s blood was fully shed, not partially reserved (John 19:34; Philippians 2:8). It is a sin offering The verse concludes, “It is a sin offering.” • Sin offerings address unintentional or specific sins, restoring fellowship with God (Leviticus 4:1-12; 6:24-30). • They highlight both God’s holiness (sin must be dealt with) and His mercy (He provides the remedy). • Christ fulfilled every sin offering: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf” (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 10:18). • Believers now rest in the once-for-all sacrifice yet still confess sins to enjoy unbroken communion (1 John 1:7-9). summary Leviticus 5:9 paints a vivid picture of substitutionary atonement: a portion of blood sprinkled for cleansing, the remainder poured out to signify life given, all performed at God’s ordained altar. The ritual announces both the seriousness of sin and the sufficiency of God’s provision—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, whose shed blood perfectly cleanses, fully satisfies divine justice, and continually opens the way for restored fellowship with the Father. |
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