Leviticus 4:30

Then the priest is to take some of its blood 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. Priests acted as mediators between God and the people, emphasizing 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 its 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, highlighting the gravity of sin and the cost of redemption.

with his finger
The use of the priest's finger to apply the blood is a personal and deliberate act, indicating precision and care in the ritual. This act underscores the personal involvement of the priest in the atonement process, reflecting the personal nature of sin and the need for intentional repentance and forgiveness.

and apply it to the horns of the altar of burnt offering
The altar of burnt offering, or "mizbeach," was central to the sacrificial system. The horns of the altar, protruding corners, symbolized strength and salvation. Applying blood to the horns signifies the power of the sacrifice to atone for sin and the strength of God's provision for forgiveness. This act points to the cross, where Christ's sacrifice provides ultimate salvation.

and he is to pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar
Pouring out the blood at the base of the altar signifies the complete offering of life to God. The base of the altar, being the foundation, represents the grounding of the sacrificial system in the covenant relationship between God and His people. This act of pouring out prefigures Christ's total self-giving on the cross, where His blood was poured out for the foundation of the new covenant.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest acts as a mediator between the people and God, performing the sacrificial rituals as prescribed in the Law.

2. Altar of Burnt Offering
A sacred place where sacrifices were made to atone for sins and seek God's favor.

3. Blood
Symbolizes life and is used in the sacrificial system to atone for sin, representing the seriousness of sin and the need for purification.

4. Horns of the Altar
The projections on the altar where blood was applied, symbolizing the power and presence of God.

5. Sin Offering
A specific type of sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins, highlighting the need for repentance and forgiveness.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin requires atonement, and the sacrificial system underscores the gravity of sin and the need for repentance.

The Role of the Priest
The priest's role as a mediator foreshadows Christ's ultimate priesthood, reminding us of our need for a mediator with God.

Symbolism of Blood
Blood represents life and purification, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood cleanses us from all sin.

The Altar as a Place of Encounter
The altar signifies a meeting place with God, where sin is addressed, and reconciliation is made possible.

Continuity and Fulfillment in Christ
The sacrificial system finds its fulfillment in Jesus, who is the perfect and final sacrifice for sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:30 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 symbolize the power and presence of God in dealing with sin?

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

4. What practical steps can we take to acknowledge the seriousness of sin in our daily lives?

5. How do the concepts of atonement and forgiveness in Leviticus 4:30 connect with New Testament teachings on grace and redemption?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

1 John 1:7
Discusses the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, drawing a parallel to the purification rituals in Leviticus.

Exodus 29:12
Provides instructions for consecrating the altar, showing the continuity of sacrificial practices.

Romans 3:25
Speaks of Jesus as a propitiation through faith in His blood, linking the Old Testament sacrifices to the New Testament understanding of atonement.