Leviticus 1:5

And he shall slaughter the young bull before the LORD, and Aaron's sons the priests are to present the blood and sprinkle it on all sides of the altar at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

Study Bible

And he shall slaughter
The Hebrew word for "slaughter" is "שָׁחַט" (shachat), which means to kill or butcher, often in a sacrificial context. This act of slaughtering is a solemn and sacred duty, signifying the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It reflects the gravity of approaching a holy God, emphasizing that sin requires a life to be given. The act is not merely a ritual but a profound acknowledgment of the cost of reconciliation with God.

the bull
The bull, or "פָּר" (par) in Hebrew, was a valuable and significant offering, often representing strength and wealth. In the context of Levitical sacrifices, the bull was typically used for burnt offerings, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication to God. The choice of a bull underscores the importance of the offering, as it was a costly sacrifice, demonstrating the offerer's devotion and repentance.

before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" indicates the presence of God, "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the covenant name of God. This highlights the personal nature of the sacrifice, as it is not merely a ritualistic act but a direct offering to God Himself. It serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the privilege of being able to approach Him through the prescribed means.

and Aaron’s sons the priests
Aaron's sons, the priests, were set apart for the service of God, acting as mediators between God and the people. Their role in the sacrificial system was crucial, as they ensured that the offerings were made according to God's instructions. This priestly function points to the necessity of mediation in the relationship between God and humanity, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our High Priest.

shall present the blood
The presentation of the blood, "דָּם" (dam) in Hebrew, is central to the sacrificial system. Blood represents life (Leviticus 17:11) and is the means by which atonement is made. The act of presenting the blood signifies the offering of life to God, acknowledging that sin results in death and that life must be given to atone for it.

and sprinkle it on all sides of the altar
The sprinkling of blood on the altar, "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach), symbolizes purification and consecration. The altar, being the place of sacrifice, is sanctified by the blood, making it acceptable for the offering. This act of sprinkling signifies the cleansing power of the blood, foreshadowing the ultimate cleansing through the blood of Christ.

at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting, "אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד" (ohel moed), was the designated place where God met with His people. The entrance signifies the threshold between the common and the holy, where the divine presence dwells. Offering the sacrifice at this location underscores the accessibility of God through the prescribed means, pointing to the future access believers have through Christ, who is the way to the Father.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Offerer
The individual bringing the sacrifice, responsible for slaughtering the animal as an act of worship and atonement.

2. Aaron’s Sons (The Priests)
The descendants of Aaron, designated as priests, who perform the ritual duties of presenting and sprinkling the blood.

3. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, to whom the sacrifice is offered as an act of obedience and worship.

4. The Altar
Located at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, it is the place where sacrifices are made, symbolizing the presence of God and the means of atonement.

5. The Tent of Meeting
The portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where divine-human interaction occurs.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
The requirement of a blood sacrifice underscores the gravity of sin and the need for atonement.

Role of the Priesthood
Highlights the mediatory role of the priests, pointing to Christ as our ultimate High Priest.

Approach to Worship
Emphasizes the importance of approaching God with reverence and obedience, following His prescribed ways.

Symbolism of Blood
Blood symbolizes life and purification, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.

Community and Worship
The communal aspect of worship, involving both the offerer and the priests, reflects the corporate nature of faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the act of slaughtering the animal by the offerer reflect personal responsibility in worship and atonement?

2. In what ways does the role of Aaron’s sons as priests foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

3. How does the location of the altar at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting symbolize the accessibility of God’s presence through sacrifice?

4. What can we learn from the sacrificial system about the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement in our own lives?

5. How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system enhance our appreciation of Christ’s sacrifice as described in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
Describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons, establishing their role as priests and their duties in the sacrificial system.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the role of blood in the sacrificial system and its fulfillment in the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1
Relates the concept of being redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, drawing a parallel to the sacrificial system in Leviticus.