What is the meaning of Leviticus 8:15? Moses slaughtered the bull Moses carries out the sin offering exactly as God instructed (Exodus 29:10–14). Ordination begins with substitutionary death: the bull’s life stands in place of the priests’. Sin must be judged before ministry can begin, echoing Hebrews 9:22, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” took some of the blood Blood—“the life of every creature” (Leviticus 17:11)—is set apart for atonement. Taking “some” underscores both the preciousness of life and God’s precise pattern. Nothing in redemption is random; every drop reminds us of Christ’s deliberate sacrifice (1 Peter 1:18–19). applied it with his finger to all four horns of the altar, purifying the altar The horns symbolize strength and outreach in every direction. By touching each horn, Moses proclaims that God’s cleansing power extends to all who draw near (Leviticus 4:7; 2 Chronicles 29:20-22). Hebrews 9:23 explains that even earthly symbols had to be purified because they pointed to the true heavenly altar Christ would sanctify with His own blood. He poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar The remaining blood is not wasted; it is “poured out” in complete surrender. This act saturates the foundation, showing that atonement is total—nothing held back (Leviticus 4:18; Revelation 6:9). The base soaks up the offering, just as the cross absorbed the full judgment we deserved. consecrated it so that atonement could be made on it With the altar now holy, it becomes the meeting place where sinful people receive mercy (Leviticus 16:18-19). Romans 3:25 says God presented Christ “as an atoning sacrifice, through faith in His blood.” The consecrated altar foreshadows Calvary, where the ultimate atonement was accomplished once for all (Hebrews 13:10-12). summary Leviticus 8:15 shows God’s orderly path from sin to service: the substitute dies, the life-blood purifies, the altar is fully claimed, and atonement becomes possible. Each step points ahead to Jesus, whose perfect sacrifice makes every believer a “royal priesthood” equipped for worship and witness. |
    |