What is the meaning of Leviticus 9:3?

Then speak to the Israelites and say

- God’s instruction is crystal clear: Moses is to relay the message, not alter it (Exodus 24:3–4; Deuteronomy 5:31).

- The covenant community hears God’s word through His appointed mediator, underscoring the authority and reliability of revealed Scripture (Numbers 12:6–8; Hebrews 3:5).

- Practical takeaway: every act of worship begins with listening to what God has already spoken (Romans 10:17; James 1:22).

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Take a male goat for a sin offering

• Purpose

- The sin offering deals with specific acts of guilt, providing cleansing so fellowship with God can continue (Leviticus 4:27–31; 2 Chronicles 29:21).

• Details

- A male goat signifies substitutionary sacrifice; its life for the sinner’s (Leviticus 16:20–22; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

• Fulfillment

- This foreshadows Christ, “made sin for us,” satisfying divine justice once for all (Hebrews 9:26; 1 Peter 3:18).

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a calf and a lamb—both a year old and without blemish—for a burnt offering

• Why two animals?

- The calf (from the herd) and the lamb (from the flock) show that God claims every sphere of life; nothing is exempt from total devotion (Leviticus 1:3, 10; Psalm 50:10).

• One year old, without blemish

- Youth represents vigor and potential; perfection points to moral purity. God is worthy of our best, not leftovers (Malachi 1:8; Romans 12:1).

• Burnt offering significance

- Entirely consumed on the altar, it symbolizes complete surrender and acceptance by God (Genesis 8:20–21; Ephesians 5:2).

• Christological picture

- Jesus, sinless and in the prime of life, offered Himself wholly to the Father, becoming the once-for-all burnt offering (John 10:17–18; Hebrews 10:5–10).

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summary

Leviticus 9:3 calls Israel to draw near through sacrifices that address sin and demonstrate total consecration. The male goat removes guilt; the flawless year-old calf and lamb illustrate wholehearted devotion. Together they reveal God’s unchanging demand for holiness and His gracious provision of substitution—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the perfect Sin Offering and Burnt Offering who brings us into lasting fellowship with the Father.