Why is it important to understand the symbolism of blood in Leviticus 16:18? The Verse in Focus “Then he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD and make atonement for it; he shall take some of the bull’s blood and some of the goat’s blood and put it on the horns of the altar on all sides.” — Leviticus 16:18 What Happened on the Day of Atonement • Only once a year the high priest entered the Most Holy Place (v. 34) • Two key sacrifices: the bull (for the priest’s sins) and the goat (for the people’s sins) • Blood from both was sprinkled throughout the tabernacle, climaxing at the altar of burnt offering (v. 18) Blood: A Visual Sermon on Sin and Substitution • Life-for-life principle: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls” (Leviticus 17:11) • Blood on the horns—the altar’s most prominent points—publicly declared that innocent life had been surrendered to cover guilty life • Symbol taught Israel that sin demands death (Romans 6:23) but God accepts a substitute (Hebrews 9:22) Blood and the Holiness of God • The altar was already a holy object, yet it still needed cleansing; God’s holiness exposes contamination even in sacred spaces • By applying blood “on all sides,” the priest acknowledged no corner of life escapes divine scrutiny (Isaiah 6:3) • The ritual warned Israel never to trivialize sin, because God’s standard never lowers (Habakkuk 1:13) Foreshadowing the Perfect Sacrifice • Animal blood pointed forward to Christ’s: “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4) • Jesus fulfilled the picture: “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28) • His once-for-all offering cleanses the true sanctuary in heaven and our consciences on earth (Hebrews 9:11-14) Personal Application Today • Confidence: Christ’s blood secures eternal redemption; we draw near without fear (Hebrews 10:19-22) • Humility: Understanding the cost confronts any casual attitude toward sin (1 Peter 1:18-19) • Purity: “If we walk in the light…the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7) • Worship: Regular remembrance of the cross fosters grateful, wholehearted devotion (Revelation 1:5-6) |
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