Leviticus 4:18

He is also to put some of the blood on the horns of the altar that is before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting, and he must pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

Study Bible

He is to apply some of the blood
The phrase "He is to apply some of the blood" refers to the priest's role in the sacrificial system. The Hebrew word for "apply" is "natan," which means to give or place. This action signifies the priest's duty to mediate between God and the people, symbolizing the transfer of sin from the sinner to the sacrifice. Blood, representing life (Leviticus 17:11), is a crucial element in atonement, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the need for purification.

to the horns of the altar
The "horns of the altar" were projections on each corner of the altar, symbolizing strength and power. In ancient Near Eastern culture, horns often represented authority and refuge. By applying blood to the horns, the priest consecrates the altar, signifying that the power of God is involved in the atonement process. This act underscores the belief that forgiveness and cleansing come through divine intervention.

that is before the LORD
The phrase "that is before the LORD" indicates the altar's location in the Tent of Meeting, where God's presence dwelt among the Israelites. The Hebrew word "panim" (before) suggests being in the presence or face of God. This highlights the sacredness of the act, as it is performed directly in God's presence, reinforcing the idea that atonement is a divine ordinance.

in the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting" was the portable sanctuary where God met with Moses and the Israelites. It served as the central place of worship and sacrifice during their wilderness journey. This setting emphasizes the communal aspect of worship and the importance of having a designated holy space for encountering God, reflecting the need for order and reverence in worship practices.

The rest of the blood he is to pour out
"Pour out" translates from the Hebrew "shaphak," meaning to spill or shed. This action of pouring out the remaining blood at the base of the altar signifies the complete offering of life to God. It symbolizes the total surrender and dedication required in the sacrificial system, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who poured out His life for humanity's redemption.

at the base of the altar of burnt offering
The "base of the altar of burnt offering" refers to the foundational part of the altar where sacrifices were made. This altar was central to Israel's worship, representing the place where offerings were consumed by fire, symbolizing God's acceptance. The base signifies the grounding of the sacrificial act, ensuring that the offering is wholly given to God, foreshadowing the complete and perfect sacrifice of Jesus.

at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
The "entrance to the Tent of Meeting" marks the threshold between the common and the sacred. It is a place of transition where the people could approach God through the priestly mediation. This location underscores the accessibility of God to His people while maintaining the necessary boundaries of holiness, reminding believers of the privilege and responsibility of approaching God through Christ, our High Priest.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest is the one performing the ritual, acting as a mediator between the people and God.

2. Horns of the Altar
These are projections on the corners of the altar, symbolizing strength and the presence of God.

3. Tent of Meeting
Also known as the Tabernacle, it is the sacred place where God met with Moses and the Israelites.

4. Altar of Burnt Offering
Located at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, it is where sacrifices were made to atone for sins.

5. Blood
Represents life and is used in the sacrificial system to atone for sin, symbolizing purification and forgiveness.

Teaching Points

The Significance of Blood in Atonement
Blood is central to the sacrificial system, symbolizing life and the seriousness of sin. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood was shed for our redemption.

The Role of the Priest as Mediator
The priest's role in applying the blood highlights the need for a mediator between God and humanity. Jesus is our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf.

The Altar as a Place of Encounter
The altar represents a meeting point between God and man, where sin is addressed, and reconciliation is made possible. In our lives, we must have places of encounter with God through prayer and worship.

The Holiness of God
The detailed instructions for atonement underscore God's holiness and the need for purity in approaching Him. We are called to live holy lives, set apart for His purposes.

The Continuity of God's Redemptive Plan
The sacrificial system in Leviticus foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. Understanding this continuity helps us appreciate the depth of God's plan for salvation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:18 foreshadow the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways does the application of blood on the altar's horns symbolize the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement?

3. How can we create "altars" or places of encounter with God in our daily lives?

4. What does the sacrificial system in Leviticus teach us about the holiness of God and our approach to Him?

5. How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice on the cross?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29:12
This verse describes the consecration of the altar, where blood is also applied to the horns, establishing a pattern of sanctification and atonement.

Hebrews 9:22
This New Testament verse explains that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

1 John 1:7
This verse speaks of the blood of Jesus purifying us from all sin, drawing a parallel to the cleansing power of the blood in Leviticus.