Leviticus 17:6

The priest will then sprinkle the blood on the altar of the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and burn the fat as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Study Bible

The priest
The role of the priest in ancient Israel was central to the spiritual life of the community. The Hebrew word for priest, "kohen," signifies one who is set apart to perform sacred duties. Priests acted as mediators between God and the people, emphasizing the holiness required to approach God. This highlights the importance of having a dedicated and consecrated individual to perform the sacred rites, pointing to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, in the New Testament.

will then sprinkle the blood
The act of sprinkling blood was a significant ritual in the sacrificial system. The Hebrew word "zarak" means to scatter or sprinkle, symbolizing purification and atonement. Blood, representing life, was used to cleanse and sanctify, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins. This act underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement.

on the altar of the LORD
The altar was a sacred place where sacrifices were offered to God. It served as a physical representation of divine presence and a point of contact between God and man. The phrase "of the LORD" signifies ownership and dedication to Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God. This altar prefigures the cross, where the ultimate sacrifice was made.

at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting, or Tabernacle, was the dwelling place of God among His people. The entrance signifies access to God, but only through prescribed means. This foreshadows the New Covenant, where believers have direct access to God through Christ. The location of the altar at the entrance emphasizes the need for purification before entering God's presence.

and burn the fat
Burning the fat was an integral part of the sacrificial offering. The Hebrew word "qatar" means to make smoke or incense, symbolizing the offering being lifted to God. Fat, considered the best part of the animal, was reserved for God, signifying giving the best to Him. This act of burning represents total dedication and surrender to God.

as an aroma pleasing to the LORD
The phrase "aroma pleasing" translates the Hebrew "reach nichoach," indicating a soothing or satisfying scent. This anthropomorphic expression conveys God's acceptance of the sacrifice. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose offering was a pleasing aroma to God, satisfying divine justice and reconciling humanity to God. This phrase inspires believers to live lives that are a pleasing aroma to God through obedience and worship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
The priest acts as a mediator between the people and God, performing the sacrificial rituals as prescribed by the Law.

2. The Altar of the LORD
This is the designated place for sacrifices, symbolizing God's presence and the place where atonement is made.

3. The Tent of Meeting
Also known as the Tabernacle, it is the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites.

4. The LORD (YHWH)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His holiness and the relationship with His people.

5. The Sacrifice
The act of offering blood and fat, which is central to the atonement and worship practices of Israel.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The priest's role as a mediator foreshadows Christ's ultimate mediation between God and humanity.

The Significance of Blood
Blood symbolizes life and atonement, pointing to the necessity of a life given for sin, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus' sacrifice.

The Aroma Pleasing to the LORD
Sacrifices are not just ritualistic acts but are meant to be expressions of genuine worship and obedience, pleasing to God.

The Tent of Meeting as God's Dwelling
The Tent of Meeting signifies God's desire to dwell among His people, a theme fulfilled in the New Testament with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Living Sacrifices Today
Believers are called to live sacrificially, offering their lives in service and worship to God, reflecting the sacrificial system's principles in daily life.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 17:6 help us understand the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways does the concept of sacrifice in Leviticus relate to the idea of being a "living sacrifice" as described in Romans 12:1?

3. What does the "aroma pleasing to the LORD" teach us about the nature of true worship and obedience?

4. How can understanding the sacrificial system in Leviticus enhance our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus?

5. In what practical ways can we, as believers, offer spiritual sacrifices in our daily lives, as encouraged in 1 Peter 2:5?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
This chapter discusses the role of Christ as the ultimate High Priest, drawing parallels between the Old Testament sacrificial system and the new covenant established through Jesus' sacrifice.

Exodus 29
Details the consecration of priests and the importance of sacrifices, providing context for the priestly duties described in Leviticus.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a spiritual parallel to the physical sacrifices of the Old Testament.

Psalm 51:16-17
Highlights the importance of a contrite heart over ritual sacrifices, emphasizing the heart's posture in worship.

1 Peter 2:5
Describes believers as a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.