Leviticus 16:11

When Aaron presents the bull for his sin offering and makes atonement for himself and his household, he is to slaughter the bull for his own sin offering.

Study Bible

Aaron shall present the bull
In the Hebrew text, the word for "present" is "קרב" (qarab), which means to bring near or to offer. This act of presenting the bull signifies Aaron's role as the high priest, who must first address his own sin before interceding for the people. The bull, a valuable and significant animal, underscores the seriousness of sin and the costliness of atonement. Historically, bulls were considered symbols of strength and power, and their use in sacrifices highlights the need for a powerful atonement to cover sin.

for his sin offering
The Hebrew term for "sin offering" is "חטאת" (chatat), which refers to a sacrifice made to atone for sin. This offering is crucial because it acknowledges the inherent sinfulness of humanity, even in the high priest. The sin offering is a vivid reminder of the need for purification and the grace of God in providing a means for reconciliation. In the broader scriptural context, this foreshadows the ultimate sin offering made by Jesus Christ, who was without sin yet became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21).

and make atonement for himself and his household
The word "atonement" comes from the Hebrew "כפר" (kaphar), meaning to cover or to purge. This act of atonement is not just for Aaron but extends to his household, emphasizing the communal aspect of sin and the need for collective purification. The high priest's responsibility to atone for his family highlights the importance of spiritual leadership within the home. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of familial and communal identity, where the actions of one could affect the whole group.

He shall slaughter the bull
The act of slaughtering, "שחט" (shachat) in Hebrew, is a solemn and deliberate action. It signifies the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a blood sacrifice for atonement. This ritual act points to the gravity of sin and the cost of forgiveness. In the New Testament, this prefigures the sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22).

for his own sin offering
Reiterating the personal nature of the sin offering, this phrase underscores the need for the high priest to be cleansed before he can mediate on behalf of others. It serves as a humbling reminder that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The personal sin offering is a precursor to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who, unlike Aaron, was without sin and offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 7:27).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He is responsible for performing the rituals of atonement on the Day of Atonement.

2. The Bull
The animal used for the sin offering. It symbolizes the need for a blood sacrifice to atone for sin.

3. Sin Offering
A sacrificial offering made to atone for sin, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the need for purification.

4. Atonement
The process of making amends or reparation for sin, which in this context involves a blood sacrifice.

5. Household
Refers to Aaron's family, indicating that the high priest's atonement extends to his immediate family, highlighting the communal aspect of sin and forgiveness.

Teaching Points

The Role of the High Priest
Aaron's role as high priest is a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate priesthood. Just as Aaron made atonement for himself and his household, Christ makes atonement for all believers.

The Seriousness of Sin
The need for a sin offering underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of a blood sacrifice for atonement. This points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who paid the price for our sins.

Personal and Communal Responsibility
Aaron's atonement for his household highlights the importance of both personal and communal responsibility in dealing with sin. We are called to seek forgiveness not only for ourselves but also to intercede for others.

The Imperfection of Old Testament Sacrifices
The repeated need for sacrifices in the Old Testament points to their imperfection and the need for a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Aaron's role as high priest in Leviticus 16:11 foreshadow the role of Jesus as our High Priest in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the sin offering in Leviticus 16:11 highlight the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement?

3. How can we apply the concept of personal and communal responsibility for sin in our own lives today?

4. What are the limitations of the Old Testament sacrificial system, and how are they addressed in the New Testament through the sacrifice of Jesus?

5. How can understanding the Day of Atonement rituals deepen our appreciation for the work of Christ on the cross?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
This chapter discusses the limitations of the Old Testament sacrifices and how they point to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all.

Leviticus 4
Provides details on the sin offering, explaining its purpose and procedure, which is foundational to understanding the Day of Atonement rituals.

Romans 3
Discusses the concept of atonement and justification through faith in Jesus Christ, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ.