Leviticus 4:29

He is to lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it at the place of the burnt offering.

Study Bible

He is to lay his hand on the head of the sin offering
This act of laying hands on the animal symbolizes the transfer of the individual's sin to the offering. It signifies identification with the sacrifice, acknowledging that the animal is taking the place of the sinner. This practice is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern customs where the laying on of hands was a gesture of blessing, commissioning, or transferring authority or guilt. In the broader biblical context, this act foreshadows the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ, who bore the sins of humanity on the cross (Isaiah 53:6, 2 Corinthians 5:21).

and slaughter it
The slaughtering of the animal represents the seriousness of sin and the necessity of bloodshed for atonement, as stated in Leviticus 17:11, "For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar." This act prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose death provides the final atonement for sin (John 1:29, Hebrews 9:22).

at the place of the burnt offering
The location of the sacrifice is significant, as it is performed at the altar of burnt offering, which was situated in the courtyard of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). This altar was central to Israelite worship and sacrificial practices, symbolizing the meeting place between God and man. The burnt offering, which was entirely consumed by fire, represents total dedication to God. The sin offering being slaughtered at this same place underscores the connection between atonement and consecration, pointing to the comprehensive work of Christ, who not only atones for sin but also sanctifies believers (Romans 12:1, Hebrews 10:10).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Offerer
The individual bringing the sin offering, representing the sinner seeking atonement.

2. The Sin Offering
A sacrificial animal, typically a bull or goat, offered to atone for unintentional sins.

3. The Altar of Burnt Offering
Located in the Tabernacle courtyard, where sacrifices were made to God.

4. The Priest
The mediator who performs the sacrificial rites on behalf of the offerer.

5. The Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where sacrifices and worship were conducted.

Teaching Points

Understanding Atonement
The act of laying hands on the sin offering symbolizes the transfer of guilt and the need for atonement. This foreshadows Christ's atoning work on the cross.

The Seriousness of Sin
The requirement of a sin offering underscores the gravity of sin and the need for repentance and reconciliation with God.

Role of the Mediator
The priest's role in the sacrificial process points to Jesus as our High Priest, who mediates on our behalf before God.

Personal Responsibility
The offerer must personally lay hands on the offering, indicating personal responsibility for sin and the need for individual repentance.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The sin offering prefigures Christ's ultimate sacrifice, teaching us about God's provision for sin and the importance of faith in His redemptive plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the act of laying hands on the sin offering teach us about personal responsibility for sin?

2. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:29 point to the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

3. In what ways does the sin offering in Leviticus foreshadow the sacrifice of Christ on the cross?

4. How can understanding the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement impact our daily walk with God?

5. How do the concepts of atonement and sacrifice in Leviticus 4:29 connect with New Testament teachings on forgiveness and redemption?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 1:4
This verse also discusses the laying on of hands, signifying the transfer of sin from the offerer to the sacrifice.

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

Isaiah 53:6
Describes the concept of substitutionary atonement, where the iniquity of us all was laid on Christ, similar to the sin offering.

Romans 3:25
Discusses Jesus as the propitiation for our sins, fulfilling the role of the sin offering in a complete and final way.