Leviticus 1:4

He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.

Study Bible

He shall lay his hand
The Hebrew phrase here is "וְסָמַךְ יָדוֹ" (vesamach yado), which literally means "and he shall lean his hand." This act of laying one's hand on the offering is deeply symbolic, representing the transfer of the individual's identity and sin onto the animal. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, this gesture was a common practice in sacrificial rituals, signifying ownership, identification, and substitution. The laying on of hands is a profound act of faith, acknowledging one's need for atonement and the belief that God provides a means for reconciliation.

on the head of the burnt offering
The "head" (רֹאשׁ, rosh) of the burnt offering is significant because it represents the entirety of the animal. The burnt offering, or "olah" (עֹלָה), is a sacrifice that is wholly consumed by fire, symbolizing complete surrender to God. The head, being the most prominent part, signifies the totality of the offering. This act of laying hands on the head underscores the comprehensive nature of the atonement being sought, as the offerer identifies fully with the sacrifice.

so that it may be accepted on his behalf
The phrase "accepted on his behalf" (לִרְצֹנוֹ, lirtzono) indicates that the offering is meant to be pleasing to God, aligning with His will. The acceptance of the sacrifice is not based on the merit of the offerer but on the grace of God, who provides a means for reconciliation. This acceptance is a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who is the perfect and final offering, accepted by God on behalf of all who believe.

to make atonement for him
The Hebrew word for "atonement" is "כִּפֶּר" (kipper), which means to cover or to make reconciliation. In the context of Leviticus, atonement involves the covering of sin, allowing the individual to be in right standing with God. This concept is central to the sacrificial system and points forward to the atoning work of Jesus Christ, who covers our sins with His righteousness. The sacrificial system in Leviticus is a shadow of the greater reality fulfilled in Christ, who makes atonement once and for all.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Offerer
The individual bringing the burnt offering, representing the sinner seeking atonement.

2. The Burnt Offering
A sacrificial animal, typically a bull, sheep, or goat, offered entirely to God as a symbol of complete surrender and atonement.

3. The Altar
The place where the burnt offering is presented and sacrificed, symbolizing the meeting point between God and man.

4. The Priest
The mediator who performs the sacrificial rites, representing the role of intercession between God and the offerer.

5. The Tabernacle
The sacred place where the offerings are made, representing God's dwelling among His people.

Teaching Points

Understanding Atonement
The laying of hands on the burnt offering signifies the transfer of sin and the need for atonement. This act foreshadows Christ's atoning work on the cross.

Symbol of Complete Surrender
The burnt offering, consumed entirely by fire, represents total dedication to God. Believers are called to live lives fully surrendered to Him.

Role of the Mediator
The priest's role in the sacrificial process highlights the necessity of a mediator. Jesus is our ultimate High Priest, interceding on our behalf.

God's Provision for Sin
The sacrificial system demonstrates God's provision for dealing with sin, pointing to the ultimate provision in Jesus Christ.

Personal Reflection and Repentance
The act of laying hands on the offering invites personal reflection on one's sinfulness and the need for repentance and forgiveness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the act of laying hands on the burnt offering in Leviticus 1:4 symbolize the transfer of sin, and how is this concept fulfilled in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the burnt offering represent complete surrender to God, and how can we apply this principle in our daily lives as described in Romans 12:1?

3. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 1:4 point to the necessity of a mediator, and how is this fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ according to Hebrews 10?

4. Reflect on the significance of God's provision for atonement in the Old Testament sacrificial system. How does this deepen your understanding of Christ's sacrifice on the cross?

5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your life is a "living sacrifice" to God, fully dedicated and surrendered to His will? Consider connections to 1 Peter 2:24 in your response.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 22
The account of Abraham and Isaac, where God provides a ram as a substitute, prefiguring the concept of substitutionary atonement.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and the ultimate fulfillment in Christ's sacrifice.

Isaiah 53
Describes the suffering servant who bears the iniquities of others, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate atonement.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the complete surrender symbolized by the burnt offering.

1 Peter 2:24
Speaks of Christ bearing our sins in His body, fulfilling the atonement foreshadowed in Leviticus.