Leviticus 4:5

Then the anointed priest shall take some of the bull's blood and bring it into the Tent of Meeting.

Study Bible

Then the anointed priest
The term "anointed priest" refers to the high priest, who was consecrated with holy anointing oil as described in Exodus 29:7. The Hebrew word for "anointed" is "mashiach," which is also the root for "Messiah," indicating a divinely appointed role. The anointing signifies the priest's sanctification and empowerment to mediate between God and the people. Historically, the high priest held a significant position in Israelite society, serving as a spiritual leader and a symbol of holiness.

shall take some of the bull’s blood
Blood in the Hebrew context, "dam," is a powerful symbol of life and atonement. The act of taking the bull's blood signifies the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a life given to atone for it. In the sacrificial system, the blood represents the life of the creature, and its use in rituals underscores the gravity of sin and the cost of reconciliation with God. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood was shed for the atonement of humanity's sins.

and bring it into the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting," or "Ohel Moed" in Hebrew, was the sacred space where God met with Moses and the Israelites. It was a portable sanctuary that housed the Ark of the Covenant and served as the center of worship and divine communication during the wilderness period. Bringing the blood into this holy place signifies the act of presenting the atonement offering directly before God, emphasizing the need for divine intervention and forgiveness. This act prefigures the New Testament understanding of Christ entering the heavenly sanctuary to present His own blood for the redemption of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Anointed Priest
This refers to the high priest who has been consecrated for service in the Tabernacle. The anointing signifies his role as a mediator between God and the people.

2. Bull
The bull is the sacrificial animal used in this sin offering. It represents the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement.

3. Blood
The blood of the bull is a crucial element in the sacrificial system, symbolizing life and the means of atonement for sin.

4. Tent of Meeting
Also known as the Tabernacle, this is the sacred place where God meets with His people and where the priest performs the sacrificial rituals.

5. Sin Offering
This is a specific type of offering made to atone for unintentional sins, highlighting the need for purification and reconciliation with God.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The anointed priest serves as a mediator, pointing to the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ. Reflect on how Christ intercedes for us today.

The Significance of Blood
Blood is central to atonement, symbolizing life and purification. Consider how Christ's blood cleanses us from all sin.

The Seriousness of Sin
The need for a sin offering underscores the gravity of sin. Acknowledge the impact of sin in our lives and the necessity of seeking forgiveness.

The Holiness of God
The Tent of Meeting represents God's holy presence. Approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness.

The Need for Atonement
The sin offering illustrates the need for reconciliation with God. Embrace the reconciliation offered through Christ's sacrifice.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the anointed priest in Leviticus 4:5 foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our high priest?

2. In what ways does the sacrificial system in Leviticus highlight the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement?

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

4. What does the Tent of Meeting teach us about approaching God in worship and prayer today?

5. How can we apply the principles of atonement and reconciliation in our daily relationships with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
This chapter discusses the role of Christ as the ultimate high priest and the fulfillment of the sacrificial system, emphasizing the superiority of His sacrifice over the Old Testament offerings.

Exodus 29
This passage details the consecration of the priests, providing background on the anointing and the role of the priesthood in Israel's worship.

1 John 1:7
This verse speaks about the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, drawing a parallel to the sacrificial blood used for atonement in the Old Testament.