Leviticus 4:26

He must burn all its fat on the altar, like the fat of the peace offerings; thus the priest will make atonement for that man's sin, and he will be forgiven.

Study Bible

He shall burn all the fat on the altar
The phrase "He shall burn all the fat on the altar" refers to the specific ritual act of burning the fat portions of the sacrificial animal. In Hebrew, the word for "burn" is "קָטַר" (qatar), which means to offer up in smoke. This act symbolizes the complete dedication of the offering to God. The "fat" represents the best part of the animal, signifying that the best should be given to God. The "altar" is the place of sacrifice, a sacred space where the divine and human meet. Historically, altars were central to worship in ancient Israel, serving as a tangible point of contact with God.

as he burned the fat of the peace offering
This phrase draws a parallel between the sin offering and the peace offering, both of which involve the burning of fat. The peace offering, or "שֶׁלֶם" (shelem) in Hebrew, was a voluntary act of worship, thanksgiving, or vow fulfillment. By comparing the sin offering to the peace offering, the text emphasizes the continuity and consistency in the sacrificial system. It highlights the importance of following God's instructions precisely, as each offering had its own significance and purpose within the covenant relationship.

In this way the priest will make atonement
The role of the priest is crucial in the sacrificial system. The Hebrew word for "atonement" is "כָּפַר" (kaphar), meaning to cover or to reconcile. The priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, performing the ritual that restores the relationship between the sinner and God. This act of atonement is not just a ritualistic practice but a profound spiritual transaction that points to the need for reconciliation with God.

for that man’s sin
The phrase "for that man’s sin" personalizes the act of atonement. It acknowledges individual responsibility and the personal nature of sin. In Hebrew, "sin" is "חַטָּאת" (chatta'ah), which conveys the idea of missing the mark or falling short of God's standards. This highlights the universal human condition of sinfulness and the need for divine forgiveness.

and he will be forgiven
The promise "and he will be forgiven" is a powerful assurance of God's mercy and grace. The Hebrew word for "forgiven" is "סָלַח" (salach), which means to pardon or spare. This forgiveness is not earned by the act of sacrifice itself but is a gift from God, granted through the prescribed means. It underscores the theme of redemption and the hope of restoration, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who provides complete and final atonement for sin. This assurance of forgiveness is central to the message of the Gospel, offering hope and peace to believers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, performing the sacrificial rituals necessary for atonement.

2. Altar
The place where sacrifices are made, symbolizing the presence of God and the means by which atonement is achieved.

3. Sin Offering
A specific type of sacrifice in the Old Testament designed to atone for unintentional sins and restore the sinner to a right relationship with God.

4. Peace Offering
A voluntary sacrifice expressing thanksgiving and fellowship with God, from which the fat is burned in the sin offering.

5. Atonement
The process by which reconciliation between God and humanity is achieved, often through the shedding of blood in the Old Testament context.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The priest's role in making atonement foreshadows Christ's ultimate priesthood, where He intercedes for us and offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice.

The Significance of Sacrifice
Sacrifices in the Old Testament point to the seriousness of sin and the need for a substitute. This underscores the gravity of sin and the costliness of forgiveness.

Atonement and Forgiveness
The process of atonement in Leviticus illustrates God's provision for forgiveness, reminding us of His mercy and the completeness of forgiveness available through Christ.

Symbolism of the Altar
The altar represents a place of meeting with God, where sin is dealt with. In our lives, we must have a 'spiritual altar' where we regularly confess and seek God's forgiveness.

Living in Gratitude
Just as the peace offering was a response of gratitude, our lives should reflect thankfulness for the forgiveness and peace we have through Jesus.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:26 help us understand the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways does the concept of atonement in Leviticus relate to the New Testament teachings on forgiveness and salvation?

3. How can we apply the principle of sacrifice in our daily walk with God, considering the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus?

4. What does the burning of the fat symbolize, and how can this symbolism be applied to our spiritual lives today?

5. How can we cultivate a heart of gratitude similar to the peace offering, in response to the forgiveness we receive through Christ?

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 Jesus Christ.

1 John 1:9
Emphasizes the promise of forgiveness and cleansing from sin when we confess, reflecting the atonement and forgiveness themes in Leviticus.

Romans 3:25
Discusses Jesus as the propitiation for our sins, linking the concept of atonement in Leviticus to the New Testament understanding of Christ's sacrifice.