Leviticus 4:34

Then the priest is to take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and pour out the rest of its blood at the base of the altar.

Study Bible

Then the priest
The role of the priest in ancient Israel was pivotal, serving as a mediator between God and the people. The Hebrew word for priest, "kohen," signifies one who is set apart for sacred duties. In the context of Leviticus, the priest's actions are not merely ritualistic but deeply symbolic, representing the holiness and order God desires. The priest's involvement underscores the necessity of an intermediary in the atonement process, foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who mediates the new covenant.

is to take some of the blood
Blood, in the Hebrew context, is synonymous with life (Leviticus 17:11). The act of taking blood from the sin offering signifies the transfer of life and the seriousness of sin, which requires life as a payment. This prefigures the sacrificial death of Christ, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins. The meticulous handling of blood by the priest highlights the sanctity and gravity of the atonement process.

from the sin offering
The sin offering, or "chatat" in Hebrew, was a sacrifice specifically for unintentional sins. It reflects the pervasive nature of sin and the need for purification. This offering points to the necessity of repentance and the provision God made for His people to maintain fellowship with Him. It is a precursor to the ultimate sin offering made by Christ, who bore the sins of humanity.

and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering
The altar of burnt offering was central to Israelite worship, symbolizing God's presence and the place where sacrifices were made. The horns of the altar, often seen as symbols of power and salvation, were anointed with blood to signify the purification and consecration of the altar. This act represents the power of atonement and the need for cleansing from sin, pointing to the redemptive work of Christ.

and he is to pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar
Pouring out the blood at the base of the altar signifies the complete offering of life to God. It represents the total surrender and the seriousness of sin's consequences. This act of pouring out is a vivid reminder of the cost of sin and the necessity of a complete sacrifice, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who poured out His life for the salvation of mankind.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest acts as a mediator between the people and God, performing the sacrificial rituals to atone for sins.

2. Sin Offering
A specific type of sacrifice in the Old Testament, intended to atone for unintentional sins and restore the relationship between the sinner and God.

3. Altar of Burnt Offering
Located in the Tabernacle, this altar is where sacrifices were made to God, symbolizing atonement and dedication.

4. Horns of the Altar
Protrusions on the altar that were anointed with blood as part of the sacrificial ritual, symbolizing the power and presence of God.

5. Base of the Altar
The area where the remaining blood of the sacrifice was poured, signifying the complete offering of the sacrifice to God.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The priest's actions in the sacrificial process highlight the need for a mediator between humanity and God, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate role as our High Priest.

Significance of Blood
Blood symbolizes life and atonement, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the cost of reconciliation with God.

Symbolism of the Altar
The altar represents a place of meeting between God and man, where sin is addressed, and forgiveness is granted.

Understanding Atonement
The sin offering illustrates the concept of atonement, pointing to the necessity of a substitute to bear the penalty of sin.

Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus' sacrifice fulfills the requirements of the law, providing a once-for-all atonement for sin, rendering the Old Testament sacrificial system complete.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:34 foreshadow the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. What is the significance of applying blood to the horns of the altar, and how does this relate to the power and presence of God?

3. In what ways does the sin offering in Leviticus point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

4. How can understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system deepen our appreciation for the atonement provided by Christ?

5. How does the concept of atonement in Leviticus 4:34 challenge us to live in light of the forgiveness we have received through Jesus?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9:22
This verse highlights the necessity of blood for the forgiveness of sins, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Exodus 29:12
This passage describes the anointing of the altar with blood during the consecration of Aaron and his sons, establishing a precedent for the ritual described in Leviticus.

1 John 1:7
This verse speaks of the blood of Jesus purifying us from all sin, drawing a parallel to the cleansing power of the sin offering in Leviticus.