Leviticus 4:4

He must bring the bull to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, lay his hand on the bull's head, and slaughter it before the LORD.

Study Bible

He must bring the bull
The Hebrew word for "bring" is "בּוֹא" (bo), which implies a deliberate action of presenting or leading. The bull, a significant and valuable animal, symbolizes strength and wealth. In ancient Israel, the bull was often used in sacrifices for atonement, representing the seriousness of sin and the costliness of forgiveness. This act of bringing the bull signifies the sinner's acknowledgment of their transgression and the need for reconciliation with God.

to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting" (Hebrew: "אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד", ohel mo'ed) was the sacred space where God met with His people. Bringing the bull to the entrance signifies approaching God with reverence and humility. It underscores the importance of coming into God's presence with a contrite heart, seeking His mercy and grace. The entrance serves as a threshold between the secular and the sacred, reminding believers of the holiness required to approach God.

before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" (Hebrew: "לִפְנֵי יְהוָה", lifnei YHWH) emphasizes the act of sacrifice as a direct offering to God. It highlights the personal nature of repentance and atonement, as the sinner stands in the presence of the Almighty. This phrase reminds believers that all actions, especially those of repentance, are ultimately directed towards God, who sees and knows the heart.

lay his hand on the bull’s head
The act of laying hands (Hebrew: "סָמַךְ", samak) symbolizes the transfer of sin from the individual to the sacrificial animal. It is a profound gesture of identification and substitution, where the bull bears the penalty of the sinner. This act foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who bore the sins of humanity. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for a mediator and the grace provided through substitutionary atonement.

and slaughter it
The Hebrew word for "slaughter" is "שָׁחַט" (shachat), indicating a ritualistic killing. This act is not merely about death but about the shedding of blood, which is essential for atonement (Hebrews 9:22). The slaughtering of the bull signifies the severity of sin and the necessity of a blood sacrifice to restore the relationship between God and man. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins.

before the LORD
Reiterating the phrase emphasizes the solemnity and sacredness of the act. The repetition serves to remind the believer that the entire process of atonement is conducted in the presence of God, who is both just and merciful. It calls the faithful to live with an awareness of God's constant presence and to approach Him with sincerity and reverence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
The individual responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals, acting as a mediator between the people and God.

2. The Bull
A sacrificial animal used for sin offerings, symbolizing atonement and purification.

3. The Tent of Meeting
Also known as the Tabernacle, it was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His holiness and the need for atonement.

5. The Act of Laying Hands
A symbolic gesture representing the transfer of sin from the individual to the sacrificial animal.

Teaching Points

The Necessity of Atonement
The sacrificial system underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and provides eternal redemption.

Symbolism of the Sacrifice
The laying of hands on the bull signifies the transfer of guilt and the need for a substitute. This act foreshadows Christ's role as our substitute, taking on our sins.

Approaching God with Reverence
The act of bringing the sacrifice to the Tent of Meeting highlights the importance of approaching God with reverence and obedience. It reminds us of the holiness of God and the respect due to Him.

The Role of the Mediator
The priest's role as a mediator points to Jesus as our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf and provides a way to God.

Confession and Repentance
The sacrificial system emphasizes the importance of acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness. In our lives, this translates to regular confession and repentance, trusting in Christ's atoning work.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the act of laying hands on the bull in Leviticus 4:4 relate to the concept of substitutionary atonement in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:4 foreshadow the role of Jesus as our High Priest?

3. How can understanding the sacrificial system in Leviticus deepen our appreciation for Christ's sacrifice on the cross?

4. What does the requirement to bring the sacrifice to the Tent of Meeting teach us about approaching God in our own lives?

5. How can we apply the principles of confession and repentance from Leviticus 4:4 to our daily walk with God, as seen in 1 John 1:9?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
Discusses the limitations of the Old Testament sacrifices and how they point to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Isaiah 53
Describes the suffering servant, who bears the sins of many, paralleling the concept of substitutionary atonement.

1 John 1:9
Emphasizes confession and forgiveness, connecting the Old Testament practice of atonement with New Testament teachings on repentance and grace.