Leviticus 15:15

The priest is to sacrifice them, one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for the man before the LORD because of his discharge.

Study Bible

The priest is to sacrifice them
In ancient Israel, the role of the priest was central to the spiritual and communal life of the people. The Hebrew word for "priest" is "kohen," which signifies one who mediates between God and humanity. The act of sacrifice was a sacred duty, symbolizing the priest's role in facilitating reconciliation and purification. Archaeological findings, such as altars and temple artifacts, underscore the importance of sacrificial rituals in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The priest's actions here foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, the High Priest, who mediates the new covenant.

one as a sin offering
The "sin offering," or "chatat" in Hebrew, was a specific type of sacrifice intended to atone for unintentional sins and impurities. This offering underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and impurity, even when committed unknowingly. The sin offering involved the shedding of blood, pointing to the necessity of atonement through sacrifice. This prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins, fulfilling the law's requirements once and for all.

and the other as a burnt offering
The "burnt offering," or "olah" in Hebrew, was a voluntary act of worship, symbolizing the complete surrender and dedication of the worshiper to God. The entire offering was consumed by fire, representing the totality of the individual's devotion. Historically, burnt offerings were common in various ancient cultures, but in Israel, they held a unique covenantal significance. This offering reflects the believer's call to live a life wholly dedicated to God, echoing the Apostle Paul's exhortation in Romans 12:1 to present our bodies as living sacrifices.

In this way the priest will make atonement
The concept of "atonement," or "kippur" in Hebrew, is central to the sacrificial system. It involves covering or purging sin, restoring the relationship between God and the individual. The priest's role in making atonement highlights the necessity of mediation in the process of reconciliation. This anticipates the work of Christ, who, as our High Priest, made atonement for humanity through His sacrificial death, reconciling us to God.

before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes the divine presence and authority in the sacrificial process. The Hebrew term "YHWH" is the covenant name of God, signifying His eternal and unchanging nature. Sacrifices were not merely ritualistic acts but were performed in the presence of the holy and living God. This underscores the seriousness of sin and the holiness required to approach God, fulfilled ultimately in Christ, who brings us into the presence of God through His righteousness.

for the man because of his discharge
The "discharge" refers to a physical impurity that rendered a person ceremonially unclean. In the Levitical system, physical conditions often symbolized spiritual realities, teaching the Israelites about the pervasive nature of sin and the need for purification. The requirement for atonement due to a discharge illustrates the comprehensive nature of God's holiness, which encompasses both moral and ceremonial purity. This points to the holistic redemption offered in Christ, who cleanses us from all unrighteousness, both inward and outward.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
A mediator between God and the people, responsible for performing the sacrifices and rituals as prescribed by the Law.

2. The Man with a Discharge
Represents individuals who are ceremonially unclean due to bodily discharges, requiring purification.

3. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who provides the means for atonement and purification.

4. Sin Offering
A sacrifice made to atone for sin and cleanse impurity, symbolizing the need for forgiveness.

5. Burnt Offering
A sacrifice of dedication and worship, symbolizing complete surrender to God.

Teaching Points

Understanding Ritual Purity
Recognize the importance of ritual purity in the Old Testament as a means of maintaining a relationship with a holy God.

The Role of the Priest
Appreciate the priest's role as a mediator, pointing to Jesus Christ as our ultimate High Priest who intercedes for us.

Significance of Sacrifices
Reflect on how the sin and burnt offerings symbolize atonement and dedication, fulfilled in Christ's sacrifice.

Atonement and Forgiveness
Embrace the assurance of forgiveness and cleansing through faith in Jesus, who fulfills the Law's requirements.

Living Sacrifices
Apply the principle of the burnt offering by dedicating our lives wholly to God as an act of worship and service.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 15:15 foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

2. In what ways do the sin and burnt offerings in Leviticus 15:15 point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross?

3. How can understanding the concept of ritual purity in the Old Testament deepen our appreciation for the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice?

4. What practical steps can we take to live as "living sacrifices" in our daily lives, as encouraged in Romans 12:1?

5. How does the promise of forgiveness in 1 John 1:9 encourage us to approach God with confidence, despite our imperfections?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 4
Discusses the sin offering in detail, emphasizing the need for atonement for unintentional sins.

Hebrews 9
Explains how the Old Testament sacrifices foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who provides complete purification.

1 John 1:9
Highlights the promise of forgiveness and cleansing from sin through confession and faith in Jesus Christ.

Mark 1:40-45
Jesus heals a leper, demonstrating His power to cleanse and His fulfillment of the Law's requirements for purification.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the burnt offering as an act of worship.