Leviticus 4:35

And he shall remove all the fat, just as the fat of the lamb is removed from the peace offerings, and he shall burn it on the altar along with the offerings made by fire to the LORD. In this way the priest will make atonement for him for the sin he has committed, and he will be forgiven.

Study Bible

He shall remove all the fat
In the Hebrew text, the word for "fat" is "חֵלֶב" (chelev), which refers to the best or choicest part of the animal. In ancient Israelite culture, fat was considered the richest part of the animal, symbolizing abundance and the best offering to God. The removal of fat signifies the dedication of the best to God, a practice that underscores the principle of giving God the first and finest of what we have. This act of removing the fat is a physical representation of setting apart what is holy and consecrated for the Lord.

just as the fat is removed from the lamb of the peace offering
The peace offering, or "שֶׁלֶם" (shelem) in Hebrew, was a voluntary act of worship, expressing thanksgiving and fellowship with God. By paralleling the sin offering with the peace offering, the text emphasizes the continuity and consistency in sacrificial practices. The peace offering was a communal meal shared between the offerer, the priest, and God, symbolizing reconciliation and harmony. This connection highlights the ultimate goal of the sin offering: restoring peace and fellowship between the sinner and God.

and the priest shall burn it on the altar
The act of burning the fat on the altar, "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach), signifies the complete surrender and dedication of the offering to God. The altar was the sacred place where divine and human realms intersected, and burning the fat transformed the physical into a pleasing aroma to the Lord. This act of burning symbolizes purification and the removal of sin, as the offering ascends to God in smoke, representing the prayers and repentance of the people.

on top of the offerings made by fire to the LORD
The phrase "offerings made by fire" refers to "אִשֶּׁה" (isheh), which are offerings consumed by fire as a fragrant aroma to God. This imagery of fire is significant in the biblical context, symbolizing God's presence, holiness, and purifying power. The placement of the sin offering on top of these offerings signifies its importance and the comprehensive nature of atonement, as it is integrated into the broader sacrificial system designed to maintain the covenant relationship between God and His people.

In this way the priest will make atonement for him
The Hebrew word for "atonement" is "כָּפַר" (kaphar), meaning to cover or to reconcile. The priest acts as a mediator, facilitating the process of reconciliation between the sinner and God. This act of atonement is not merely a ritualistic practice but a profound spiritual transaction that restores the sinner to a state of grace and favor with God. It prefigures the ultimate atonement made by Christ, the High Priest, who reconciles humanity to God through His sacrifice.

for the sin he has committed
The term "sin" in Hebrew is "חַטָּאת" (chatta'ah), which denotes an offense or a failure to meet God's standard. This acknowledgment of sin is crucial in the process of atonement, as it requires the sinner to recognize their transgression and seek God's forgiveness. The sacrificial system provided a tangible means for the Israelites to address their sins and maintain their covenant relationship with God.

and he will be forgiven
Forgiveness, or "סָלַח" (salach) in Hebrew, is a divine act of grace and mercy. It signifies the removal of guilt and the restoration of the sinner to a right relationship with God. This promise of forgiveness is central to the message of Leviticus, highlighting God's desire to dwell among His people and His provision for their redemption. It foreshadows the ultimate forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and offers eternal reconciliation with God.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Sinner
The individual who has committed a sin unintentionally and seeks forgiveness through the prescribed sacrificial system.

3. The Altar
The place where sacrifices are offered to God, symbolizing His presence and the means of atonement.

4. The Lamb
Represents the sacrificial animal used in the peace offering, symbolizing innocence and purity.

5. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who provides a means for atonement and forgiveness through the sacrificial system.

Teaching Points

Understanding Atonement
The sacrificial system in Leviticus underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who provides complete atonement for our sins.

Role of the Priest
The priest's role as a mediator foreshadows Christ's role as our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf before God.

Symbolism of the Lamb
The lamb in the peace offering symbolizes innocence and purity, pointing to Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

Forgiveness and Repentance
The process of atonement in Leviticus highlights the importance of repentance and seeking God's forgiveness, which is available to us through Christ.

Holiness and Obedience
The detailed instructions for sacrifices remind us of God's holiness and the call for His people to live in obedience and reverence.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:35 help us understand the role of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways does the sacrificial lamb in Leviticus point to Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the concept of atonement and forgiveness in our daily lives, especially in our relationships with others?

4. What does the process of removing the fat and burning it on the altar teach us about the nature of sin and God's requirements for holiness?

5. How do the themes of repentance and forgiveness in Leviticus 4:35 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

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.

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

Isaiah 53:7
Describes the suffering servant, likened to a lamb led to slaughter, prefiguring Christ's sacrificial role.

Romans 3:25
Discusses Jesus as the propitiation for our sins, fulfilling the atonement foreshadowed in Leviticus.

John 1:29
John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, directly linking to the sacrificial lamb in Leviticus.