Leviticus 15:30

The priest is to sacrifice one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for her before the LORD for her unclean discharge.

Study Bible

The priest
In ancient Israel, the priest served as a mediator between God and the people. The Hebrew word for priest, "kohen," signifies one who is set apart for sacred duties. The priest's role was crucial in maintaining the holiness of the community, as they were responsible for performing sacrifices and rituals that restored the people's relationship with God. This highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for intercession in the life of believers.

is to offer
The act of offering in the Hebrew context, "qarab," means to bring near or present. This signifies the priest's role in bringing the people's offerings before God, symbolizing the drawing near of the worshiper to the divine presence. It underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and the necessity of a mediator in the Old Testament sacrificial system.

one as a sin offering
The sin offering, or "chatat" in Hebrew, was a sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins and to purify the individual from ceremonial uncleanness. This offering underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for purification before approaching a holy God. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became the perfect sin offering for humanity.

and the other as a burnt offering
The burnt offering, "olah" in Hebrew, was a sacrifice that was completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication and surrender to God. This offering represents the worshiper's desire to be wholly devoted to the Lord, reflecting the call for believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).

In this way the priest will make atonement
Atonement, "kaphar" in Hebrew, means to cover or reconcile. The priest's role in making atonement was to mediate the reconciliation between the individual and God, covering their sins and restoring their relationship with the divine. This foreshadows the ultimate atonement made by Christ, who reconciled humanity to God through His sacrifice on the cross.

before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes the presence of God in the sacrificial process. It signifies that the offerings and atonement are made directly in the sight of God, highlighting His holiness and the need for purity and sincerity in worship. It reminds believers of the omnipresence of God and the importance of living a life that is pleasing to Him.

for her because of her discharge of uncleanness
The discharge of uncleanness refers to a physical condition that rendered a person ceremonially unclean according to Levitical law. This underscores the concept of purity and the separation required between the holy and the profane. It serves as a reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and the need for continual cleansing and sanctification in the believer's life. Through Christ, believers are cleansed from all unrighteousness and are called to live in holiness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
A mediator between God and the people, responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals to atone for sins and impurities.

2. The Woman
Refers to a woman who has been ceremonially unclean due to a bodily discharge, requiring purification.

3. Turtledoves or Young Pigeons
These birds are used as offerings, accessible to those who might not afford larger animals, symbolizing God's provision for all.

4. Sin Offering
A sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins and impurities, restoring the individual's relationship with God.

5. Burnt Offering
A sacrifice symbolizing complete surrender to God, with the entire offering consumed by fire.

Teaching Points

Understanding Ritual Purity
The laws in Leviticus highlight the importance of purity and the need for atonement, pointing to the holiness of God and the separation sin causes.

God's Provision for All
The allowance of turtledoves or pigeons as offerings shows God's understanding and provision for those of different economic statuses.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The dual offerings (sin and burnt) symbolize both the removal of impurity and the dedication of oneself to God.

Christ as the Fulfillment
These sacrifices foreshadow the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ, who cleanses us from all sin and impurity.

Living a Life of Holiness
As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness, understanding that Christ has made the ultimate atonement for us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 15:30 help us understand the role of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways do the offerings of turtledoves or pigeons demonstrate God's inclusivity and care for all people, regardless of their economic status?

3. How can the concept of ritual purity in Leviticus inform our understanding of spiritual purity today?

4. What parallels can we draw between the sin and burnt offerings in Leviticus and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross?

5. How can we apply the principles of atonement and dedication found in Leviticus 15:30 to our daily walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 12:8
Discusses similar offerings for purification after childbirth, highlighting the continuity of sacrificial practices for cleansing.

Hebrews 9:22
Emphasizes the necessity of blood for atonement, connecting Old Testament sacrifices to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Mark 5:25-34
The account of the woman with the issue of blood, illustrating Jesus' power to cleanse and heal beyond ceremonial law.