Leviticus 4:21

Then he is to take the bull outside the camp and burn it, just as he burned the first bull. It is the sin offering for the assembly.

Study Bible

Then he is to take the bull
The phrase "he is to take the bull" refers to the priest's role in the sacrificial system. The Hebrew word for "bull" is "par," which signifies a young bull or steer, often used in significant sacrifices. The bull represents strength and vitality, symbolizing the seriousness of sin and the need for a substantial offering to atone for the community's transgressions. This act underscores the priest's mediatory role between God and the people, highlighting the importance of leadership in spiritual matters.

outside the camp
The instruction to take the bull "outside the camp" is significant in the context of ancient Israelite society. The camp represents the community of God's people, and taking the sacrifice outside signifies the removal of sin from the community. This act prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was crucified outside the city walls of Jerusalem, bearing the sins of humanity. Theologically, it emphasizes the separation that sin causes between God and His people and the need for purification.

and burn it
The burning of the bull is a critical component of the sin offering. The Hebrew word "saraph" means to burn or consume with fire. Fire in the Bible often symbolizes God's holiness and judgment. The complete burning of the bull signifies the total consumption of sin, illustrating God's desire for the complete eradication of sin from His people. It is a vivid reminder of the cost of sin and the necessity of atonement.

just as he burned the first bull
This phrase refers back to the earlier instructions for the sin offering, ensuring consistency in the sacrificial process. The repetition of the ritual underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for a consistent approach to atonement. It also highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, as the precise execution of the ritual reflects the Israelites' commitment to God's covenant.

It is the sin offering
The term "sin offering" in Hebrew is "chattat," which denotes an offering made specifically for atonement of sin. This offering is distinct from other sacrifices, such as burnt offerings or peace offerings, as it directly addresses the issue of sin and its consequences. The sin offering is a powerful reminder of humanity's fallen nature and the need for divine intervention to restore the relationship between God and His people.

for the assembly
The phrase "for the assembly" indicates that this sin offering is made on behalf of the entire community of Israel. The Hebrew word "qahal" refers to the congregation or assembly of God's people. This communal aspect of the sin offering highlights the corporate nature of sin and the collective responsibility of the community to seek atonement. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of God's people and the impact of individual and collective sin on the community's relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
The priest is responsible for performing the sin offering ritual, acting as a mediator between the people and God.

2. The Bull
Represents the sin offering, symbolizing the atonement for the sins of the assembly.

3. Outside the Camp
The location where the bull is burned, signifying the removal of sin from the community.

4. The Assembly
Refers to the congregation of Israel, for whom the sin offering is made.

5. Sin Offering
A sacrificial ritual intended to atone for unintentional sins of the community.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
The need for a sin offering underscores the gravity of sin and its impact on the community.

The Role of the Mediator
Just as the priest mediated for the people, Jesus is our ultimate mediator, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice.

Separation from Sin
The act of taking the bull outside the camp symbolizes the need to separate ourselves from sin and its consequences.

Community Responsibility
The sin offering for the assembly highlights the collective responsibility of the community to seek atonement and maintain holiness.

Fulfillment in Christ
The Old Testament sacrificial system points to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, which provides complete atonement for sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:21 foreshadow the role of Christ as our High Priest?

2. What is the significance of the sin offering being taken outside the camp, and how does this relate to our understanding of sin and atonement today?

3. In what ways does the concept of a communal sin offering challenge or encourage us in our personal and corporate spiritual lives?

4. How can we apply the principle of separation from sin, as demonstrated in this passage, in our daily walk with Christ?

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

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 13:11-12
This passage draws a parallel between the sin offering being burned outside the camp and Jesus suffering outside the city gate, highlighting the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system in Christ.

Numbers 19:3
Describes the burning of the red heifer outside the camp, which is another instance of purification rituals involving removal from the community.

Isaiah 53:10
Speaks of the suffering servant as a guilt offering, connecting the concept of atonement through sacrifice to the prophecy of Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:21
Discusses Christ becoming sin for us, which relates to the sin offering's purpose of bearing the community's sin.

1 John 1:9
Emphasizes confession and forgiveness, which is the spiritual counterpart to the physical act of the sin offering.