Leviticus 4:25

Then the priest is to take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

Study Bible

Then 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. The priest acted as a mediator between God and the people, highlighting the necessity of a divinely appointed intermediary in the process of atonement. This foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who mediates the new covenant.

is to take some of the blood
Blood in the Hebrew context, "dam," is symbolic of life itself (Leviticus 17:11). The act of taking blood signifies the transfer of life and the seriousness of sin, which requires a life to be given. This prefigures the sacrificial death of Christ, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins.

of the sin offering
The sin offering, or "chatat" in Hebrew, was a sacrifice specifically for unintentional sins. It underscores the holiness of God and the pervasive nature of sin, which separates humanity from God. The sin offering points to the need for purification and reconciliation, ultimately fulfilled in Christ's atoning work.

with his finger
The use of the priest's finger to apply the blood is a personal and deliberate act, emphasizing the intimate involvement of the priest in the atonement process. This act signifies the careful and intentional application of the sacrificial blood, mirroring the personal nature of Christ's sacrifice for each believer.

put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering
The altar of burnt offering, or "mizbeach," was central to Israelite worship. The horns of the altar, projecting from its corners, symbolized strength and salvation. By applying blood to the horns, the priest consecrated the altar, signifying the power of the sacrifice to atone for sin. This act foreshadows the cross, where Christ's sacrifice provides strength and salvation.

and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering
Pouring out the blood at the base of the altar signifies the complete offering of life to God. It represents the total surrender and dedication required in the atonement process. This act prefigures Christ's complete and perfect sacrifice, poured out for the salvation of humanity. The base of the altar, being the foundation, symbolizes the foundational nature of Christ's sacrifice in the believer's life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest acts as a mediator between the people and God, performing the ritual duties required for atonement.

2. Sin Offering
A sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins, symbolizing purification and forgiveness.

3. Altar of Burnt Offering
A sacred place where sacrifices were made, representing the presence of God and the means of atonement.

4. Horns of the Altar
Projections on the altar symbolizing strength and power, where blood was applied as part of the atonement process.

5. Base of the Altar
The foundation of the altar where the remaining blood was poured, signifying the complete offering to God.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The priest's actions foreshadow Christ's mediatory role. Just as the priest applied the blood for atonement, Christ's sacrifice provides the ultimate atonement for our sins.

The Significance of Blood
Blood symbolizes life and purification. In the Old Testament, it was essential for atonement, pointing to the necessity of Christ's blood for our redemption.

The Altar as a Place of Encounter
The altar represents a meeting place between God and man. Our modern "altar" is our heart, where we encounter God through prayer and repentance.

The Completeness of the Sacrifice
Pouring the remaining blood at the base signifies the totality of the offering. In our lives, we are called to offer ourselves wholly to God, holding nothing back.

The Power of Atonement
The ritual underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It reminds us of the gravity of sin and the grace available through Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:25 help us understand the role of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways does the application of blood on the altar's horns relate to the concept of strength and power in our spiritual lives?

3. How can we apply the idea of the altar as a place of encounter with God in our daily spiritual practices?

4. What does the completeness of the sin offering teach us about the nature of our commitment to God?

5. How can understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Exodus 29:12
Describes the consecration of the altar with blood, similar to the ritual in Leviticus, emphasizing the sanctification process.

1 John 1:7
Speaks of the blood of Jesus purifying us from all sin, drawing a parallel to the cleansing power of the sin offering.

Romans 3:25
Discusses Jesus as a propitiation through faith in His blood, linking the concept of atonement in Leviticus to the New Testament understanding of salvation.