Leviticus 1:11

He shall slaughter it on the north side of the altar before the LORD, and Aaron's sons the priests are to sprinkle its blood against the altar on all sides.

Study Bible

He is to slaughter it
The Hebrew word for "slaughter" is "שָׁחַט" (shachat), which means to kill or butcher. This act of slaughtering was a sacred duty, symbolizing the offerer's acknowledgment of sin and the need for atonement. The act was not merely a ritualistic killing but a deeply spiritual act of obedience and submission to God's commands. It reflects the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a blood sacrifice for atonement, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

on the north side of the altar
The specification of the "north side" is significant in the Hebrew context. The north side of the altar was considered a place of special significance, possibly due to its association with the direction from which divine judgment was believed to come. This detail underscores the order and precision in God's instructions, emphasizing that worship and sacrifice are to be conducted according to His divine order, not human preference.

before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה, lifnei YHWH) indicates that the act of sacrifice was performed in the presence of God. This highlights the personal nature of the offering, as it was not just a ritual but an act of worship and reverence directed towards God Himself. It reminds believers that all acts of worship are to be done with the awareness of God's holy presence.

and Aaron’s sons the priests
The mention of "Aaron’s sons the priests" signifies the established priesthood's role in the sacrificial system. The priests acted as mediators between God and the people, a role that prefigures the ultimate mediation of Jesus Christ. This priestly function underscores the necessity of a divinely appointed mediator in the process of atonement and reconciliation with God.

are to sprinkle its blood
The act of sprinkling blood, "זָרַק" (zarak) in Hebrew, was a critical component of the sacrificial ritual. Blood, representing life, was a powerful symbol of purification and atonement. The sprinkling of blood signified the cleansing of sin and the restoration of the covenant relationship between God and His people. This act points forward to the New Testament understanding of Christ's blood as the means of eternal redemption.

against the altar on all sides
The altar, "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach), was the central place of sacrifice and worship. Sprinkling blood "on all sides" of the altar signifies the comprehensive nature of atonement, covering all aspects of sin. This thorough application of blood symbolizes the complete and sufficient atonement provided by Christ's sacrifice, which covers all sin for those who believe. The altar, as a place of divine-human interaction, reminds believers of the centrality of sacrifice in their relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Offerer
The individual bringing the sacrifice, responsible for slaughtering the animal.

2. The Altar
Located in the Tabernacle, the central place for sacrifices and offerings to God.

3. Aaron’s Sons (The Priests)
The descendants of Aaron, tasked with performing the priestly duties, including the sprinkling of blood.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, to whom the sacrifices are offered.

5. The North Side of the Altar
Specific location for the slaughtering of the offering, indicating order and reverence in worship.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Order in Worship
The specific instructions for the sacrifice highlight the importance of order and reverence in worship. God is a God of order, and our worship should reflect that.

The Role of the Priesthood
The priests acted as mediators between God and the people. This points to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who mediates the new covenant.

The Significance of Blood
Blood symbolizes life and atonement. The sprinkling of blood foreshadows the ultimate atonement through Christ’s blood.

Approaching God with Reverence
The detailed instructions for sacrifices remind us to approach God with reverence and respect, acknowledging His holiness.

The Fulfillment in Christ
The sacrificial system finds its fulfillment in Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, who offered Himself once for all.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the specific location for the slaughtering of the sacrifice (north side of the altar) teach us about the nature of worship?

2. How does the role of Aaron’s sons as priests in Leviticus 1:11 connect to the role of Jesus as our High Priest?

3. In what ways does the sprinkling of blood in the Old Testament sacrificial system point to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross?

4. How can we apply the principles of order and reverence in our personal and corporate worship today?

5. Reflecting on Romans 12, how can we present our bodies as living sacrifices in light of the sacrificial practices described in Leviticus?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Hebrews 9
Discusses the significance of blood in the sacrificial system and its fulfillment in Christ’s sacrifice.

Isaiah 53
Prophetic imagery of the suffering servant, connecting the sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.

Romans 12
Calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the Old Testament sacrificial practices.