What is the meaning of Leviticus 9:15? Aaron then presented the people’s offering – Aaron, newly consecrated (Leviticus 8–9), steps forward on behalf of the nation, just as Moses commanded (Leviticus 9:7). – Scripture presents the high priest as the necessary mediator: “Every high priest is selected from among men and appointed to represent them in matters relating to God” (Hebrews 5:1). – In this moment the people’s guilt is not ignored or minimized; it is formally transferred to the sacrifice. – Practical take-away: God provides an intercessor so His people can confidently draw near (Hebrews 4:14-16). He took the male goat for the people’s sin offering – The sin offering (ḥaṭṭāʾt) deals specifically with defilement before God (Leviticus 4). – A male goat had already been appointed for national atonement on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:5); here the same animal typifies substitution. – 2 Chronicles 29:21 shows the continuity of this symbol: “They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven male goats for a sin offering for the kingdom….” – By choosing a goat, God underscores the seriousness of sin yet His willingness to accept a substitute, foreshadowing Christ, “who gave Himself for our sins” (Galatians 1:4). Slaughtered it – “For the life of the flesh is in the blood… it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11). – The knife falling on the goat instead of on the people illustrates Romans 6:23 in living color: sin brings death, but God permits a ransom. – Hebrews 9:22 reaffirms the principle: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” – Bullet points of meaning: • Sin demands a price. • The price is paid in full at the altar. • God’s justice and mercy meet in the shedding of innocent blood. Offered it for sin like the first one – “The first one” refers to Aaron’s earlier sin offering for himself (Leviticus 9:8). Exactly the same ritual is repeated—no shortcuts, no innovations. – This repetition stresses the unchanging holiness of God (Malachi 3:6) and the need for meticulous obedience (Leviticus 8:35). – It also teaches that the priest, once cleansed, can now lead others into cleansing—a pattern later perfected when Christ offered Himself “once for all” (Hebrews 9:12; 10:10). – Key implications: • God’s method of dealing with sin is consistent. • Atonement for leaders and people alike rests on the same sacrifice. • The flawless execution of God’s command brings His glory (Leviticus 9:23-24). summary Leviticus 9:15 unfolds the heart of atonement in four movements: the mediator presents the people, selects the God-appointed substitute, slays it to satisfy divine justice, and follows God’s instructions precisely. Each step points forward to the perfect High Priest and spotless Lamb, Jesus Christ, whose shed blood secures eternal redemption for all who trust Him. |
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