Leviticus 4:15

The elders of the congregation are to lay their hands on the bull's head before the LORD, and it shall be slaughtered before the LORD.

Study Bible

Then the elders of the congregation
In ancient Israel, the "elders" were respected leaders and representatives of the people, often tasked with making decisions and guiding the community. The Hebrew word for "elders" is "זְקֵנִים" (zeqenim), which implies wisdom and maturity. This phrase underscores the communal responsibility and the role of leadership in spiritual matters. The elders' involvement signifies that the sin offering is not just an individual act but a corporate acknowledgment of sin and a collective step towards atonement.

shall lay their hands
The act of laying hands, "סָמַךְ" (samach) in Hebrew, symbolizes the transfer of guilt from the people to the sacrificial animal. This ritual act is deeply significant, representing identification with the sacrifice and the acknowledgment of sin. It is a physical manifestation of repentance and the need for atonement, highlighting the seriousness with which sin is regarded in the community.

on the head of the bull
The "head of the bull" is the focal point of the transfer of sin. The bull, a valuable and significant animal, represents a substantial offering, indicating the gravity of sin and the costliness of atonement. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bulls were often associated with strength and fertility, making them a fitting symbol for a powerful act of atonement.

before the LORD
This phrase, "לִפְנֵי יְהוָה" (lifnei Yahweh), emphasizes the presence of God in the sacrificial process. The act is not merely a ritual but a sacred duty performed in the sight of God, who is the ultimate judge and redeemer. It underscores the belief that all actions, especially those concerning sin and atonement, are conducted under divine scrutiny and authority.

and it shall be slaughtered
The Hebrew word "שָׁחַט" (shachat) means to slaughter or kill, indicating the seriousness of the act. The slaughtering of the bull is a vivid reminder of the consequences of sin, which is death. This act prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, was slain for the sins of the world, fulfilling the sacrificial system's requirements once and for all.

before the LORD
Reiterating the phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes the sacredness and solemnity of the sacrifice. It is a reminder that the entire process of atonement is conducted in the presence of God, who is both just and merciful. This repetition serves to reinforce the idea that true repentance and atonement are always directed towards God, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elders of the Congregation
These are the leaders or representatives of the Israelite community, responsible for spiritual and communal oversight.

2. The Bull
A sacrificial animal used in the sin offering, symbolizing atonement for the community's unintentional sins.

3. The LORD
Refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, who prescribes the sacrificial system for atonement.

4. The Congregation
The assembly of the Israelites, representing the collective body of God's people.

5. The Tabernacle
The place where sacrifices were made, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people.

Teaching Points

The Role of Leadership in Atonement
Elders represent the community in seeking forgiveness, highlighting the importance of godly leadership in spiritual matters.

The Significance of Substitutionary Sacrifice
The laying on of hands symbolizes the transfer of sin, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins.

Communal Responsibility for Sin
The entire congregation is implicated in the sin offering, teaching us about the corporate nature of sin and the need for communal repentance.

The Holiness of God
The requirement for a sin offering underscores God's holiness and the seriousness of sin, reminding us of the need for purity in our relationship with Him.

The Fulfillment in Christ
The Old Testament sacrificial system is a shadow of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus, encouraging us to live in the light of His atonement.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the elders in Leviticus 4:15 inform our understanding of spiritual leadership in the church today?

2. In what ways does the concept of laying hands on the sacrificial bull relate to the New Testament understanding of Jesus as our sin bearer?

3. What can we learn from the communal aspect of the sin offering about our responsibility towards sin in our church communities?

4. How does the sacrificial system in Leviticus point us to the holiness of God, and how should this influence our daily walk with Him?

5. How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ as described in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
Describes the consecration of priests, where laying hands on the sacrificial animal signifies identification and transfer of sin.

Hebrews 9
Discusses Christ as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Isaiah 53
The Suffering Servant bears the sins of many, paralleling the concept of substitutionary atonement.

1 Peter 2
Believers are called to be a royal priesthood, connecting the role of the elders to the priestly duties of Christians today.