Leviticus 3:13

He must lay his hand on its head and slaughter it in front of the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron's sons shall sprinkle its blood on all sides of the altar.

Study Bible

He is to lay his hand on its head
This phrase signifies the act of identification and transference. In Hebrew, the word for "lay" is "samakh," which means to lean or rest upon. This act symbolizes the offerer's identification with the animal, acknowledging that it stands in their place. It is a profound moment of personal connection and responsibility, where the offerer acknowledges their own sinfulness and the need for atonement. This act foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who took upon Himself the sins of the world.

and slaughter it
The Hebrew word for "slaughter" is "shachat," which means to kill or butcher. This act was not merely a ritualistic formality but a vivid reminder of the cost of sin. The death of the animal served as a substitutionary atonement, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The act of slaughtering was a solemn reminder of the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a blood sacrifice for reconciliation with God.

in front of the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting," or "Ohel Moed" in Hebrew, was the designated place where God met with His people. It was a sacred space, symbolizing God's presence among the Israelites. The act of slaughtering the sacrifice in front of the Tent of Meeting underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and humility. It highlights the centrality of worship and the need for a mediator between God and humanity, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

Then Aaron’s sons
Aaron's sons, the priests, were responsible for carrying out the sacrificial rituals. This highlights the role of the priesthood as mediators between God and the people. The priesthood was a foreshadowing of Christ, our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf. The involvement of Aaron's sons emphasizes the importance of order and obedience in worship, as well as the need for a divinely appointed mediator.

shall sprinkle its blood
The act of sprinkling the blood, "zarak" in Hebrew, was a crucial part of the sacrificial ritual. Blood represents life, and its sprinkling signified purification and atonement. This act symbolized the cleansing of sin and the restoration of fellowship with God. It prefigures the shedding of Christ's blood, which cleanses us from all sin and establishes a new covenant with God.

on all sides of the altar
The altar, "mizbeach" in Hebrew, was the place of sacrifice and atonement. Sprinkling the blood on all sides of the altar signifies the comprehensive nature of atonement, covering all aspects of sin. It represents the totality of Christ's sacrifice, which is sufficient for all who believe. The altar serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the need for a sacrificial offering to approach Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Offerer
The individual bringing the sacrifice, who lays his hand on the animal's head, symbolizing identification and transfer of sin.

2. Aaron’s Sons
The priests responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals, including the sprinkling of blood.

3. The Tent of Meeting
The sacred place where God met with Moses and the Israelites, serving as the central location for worship and sacrifices.

4. The Altar
The structure upon which sacrifices were made, symbolizing the place of atonement and reconciliation with God.

5. The Sacrifice
The animal offered, representing peace and fellowship with God, and the shedding of its blood as a means of atonement.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of the Sacrifice
The laying of hands and the shedding of blood symbolize the transfer of sin and the need for atonement. This points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who took on our sins.

Role of the Priesthood
Aaron’s sons, as priests, were mediators between God and the people. This foreshadows Christ as our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf.

Sacredness of Worship
The Tent of Meeting and the altar highlight the holiness required in approaching God. Our worship today should reflect reverence and awe for God's presence.

Peace with God
The peace offering signifies restored fellowship with God. Through Christ, we have peace and reconciliation with God, which should lead to peace in our relationships with others.

Importance of Obedience
The detailed instructions for the sacrifice underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands. Our lives should reflect a commitment to following God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the act of laying hands on the sacrificial animal relate to our understanding of sin and atonement today?

2. In what ways does the role of Aaron’s sons as priests inform our understanding of Jesus as our High Priest?

3. How can the sacredness of the Tent of Meeting and the altar influence our approach to worship in contemporary settings?

4. What does the peace offering teach us about maintaining peace and reconciliation in our personal relationships?

5. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in the sacrificial system to our daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 1:4
This verse also describes the laying of hands on the sacrificial animal, emphasizing the transfer of sin and the concept of substitutionary atonement.

Hebrews 9:22
This New Testament verse highlights the necessity of blood for the forgiveness of sins, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Romans 5:1
Discusses peace with God through Jesus Christ, which is foreshadowed by the peace offering in Leviticus.

1 Peter 1:18-19
Relates the precious blood of Christ to the sacrificial system, emphasizing redemption through His sacrifice.