Leviticus 4:35

And he shall remove all the fat, just as the fat of the lamb is removed from the peace offerings, and he shall burn it on the altar along with the offerings made by fire to the LORD. In this way the priest will make atonement for him for the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven.

Study Bible

And he shall remove all the fat
In the sacrificial system, the removal of fat symbolizes the offering of the best part to God. Fat was considered the richest part of the animal, representing abundance and blessing. This act signifies giving God the choicest portion, reflecting the principle of offering our best to Him.

just as the fat of the lamb is removed from the peace offerings
The peace offering, or fellowship offering, was a voluntary act of worship, symbolizing peace and fellowship with God. The removal of fat in both sin and peace offerings indicates a consistent practice in sacrificial rituals, emphasizing the importance of purity and dedication in worship.

and he shall burn it on the altar
Burning the fat on the altar signifies the complete surrender of the offering to God. The altar, central to Israelite worship, represents a place of divine-human interaction. The act of burning transforms the physical into a pleasing aroma to the Lord, symbolizing acceptance.

along with the food offerings to the LORD
Food offerings, or grain offerings, were often presented alongside animal sacrifices. They represent sustenance and provision, acknowledging God's role as the provider. This combination of offerings underscores the holistic nature of worship, involving both material and spiritual elements.

In this way the priest will make atonement for him
Atonement involves reconciliation between God and humanity. The priest acts as a mediator, foreshadowing the ultimate mediation of Christ. This process highlights the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a sacrificial system to restore fellowship with God.

for the sin he has committed
Sin, in this context, refers to unintentional transgressions against God's commandments. The sacrificial system provided a means for dealing with sin, emphasizing God's holiness and the need for repentance and purification.

and he will be forgiven
Forgiveness is a central theme in the sacrificial system, pointing to God's mercy and grace. This assurance of forgiveness prefigures the ultimate forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice provides complete atonement for sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
The priest acts as a mediator between the people and God, performing the sacrificial rituals necessary for atonement.

2. The Sinner
The individual who has committed a sin unintentionally and seeks forgiveness through the prescribed sacrificial system.

3. The Altar
The place where sacrifices are offered to God, symbolizing His presence and the means of atonement.

4. The Lamb
Represents the sacrificial animal used in the peace offering, symbolizing innocence and purity.

5. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who provides a means for atonement and forgiveness through the sacrificial system.

Teaching Points

Understanding Atonement
The sacrificial system in Leviticus underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who provides complete atonement for our sins.

Role of the Priest
The priest's role as a mediator foreshadows Christ's role as our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf before God.

Symbolism of the Lamb
The lamb in the peace offering symbolizes innocence and purity, pointing to Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

Forgiveness and Repentance
The process of atonement in Leviticus highlights the importance of repentance and seeking God's forgiveness, which is available to us through Christ.

Holiness and Obedience
The detailed instructions for sacrifices remind us of God's holiness and the call for His people to live in obedience and reverence.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:35 help us understand the role of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways does the sacrificial lamb in Leviticus point to Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the concept of atonement and forgiveness in our daily lives, especially in our relationships with others?

4. What does the process of removing the fat and burning it on the altar teach us about the nature of sin and God's requirements for holiness?

5. How do the themes of repentance and forgiveness in Leviticus 4:35 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

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 Christ.

1 John 1:9
Emphasizes the promise of forgiveness and cleansing from sin when we confess, reflecting the atonement process in Leviticus.

Isaiah 53:7
Describes the suffering servant, likened to a lamb led to slaughter, prefiguring Christ's sacrificial role.

Romans 3:25
Discusses Jesus as the propitiation for our sins, fulfilling the atonement foreshadowed in Leviticus.

John 1:29
John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, directly linking to the sacrificial lamb in Leviticus.