Leviticus 4:6

The priest is to dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times before the LORD, in front of the veil of the sanctuary.

Study Bible

The priest
In the context of Leviticus, the priest serves as a mediator between God and the people of Israel. The Hebrew word for priest is "kohen," which signifies someone who is set apart for sacred duties. The role of the priest is crucial in maintaining the holiness and purity required by God. Historically, the priesthood was established through Aaron and his descendants, emphasizing the importance of lineage and divine appointment in spiritual leadership.

is to dip his finger in the blood
The act of dipping the finger in blood is a symbolic gesture of purification and atonement. Blood, in Hebrew "dam," represents life and is a powerful symbol of cleansing and sanctification. This ritual underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a blood sacrifice to atone for it, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood would cleanse humanity from sin.

and sprinkle it seven times
The number seven in the Bible often signifies completeness or perfection. The Hebrew word for seven is "sheva," which is related to the word "shava," meaning to swear or make an oath. This act of sprinkling the blood seven times symbolizes a complete and perfect atonement, reflecting God's covenantal promises and His desire for a restored relationship with His people.

before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" indicates the presence of God, who is the ultimate recipient of the sacrificial offering. In Hebrew, "YHWH" is the sacred name of God, often rendered as "LORD" in English translations. This highlights the direct interaction between the priestly actions and the divine presence, emphasizing the holiness and reverence required in worship.

in front of the veil of the sanctuary
The veil of the sanctuary, or "parokhet" in Hebrew, was a curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle. This veil represented the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity. The act of sprinkling blood in front of the veil signifies the need for atonement to approach God's presence. This foreshadows the tearing of the veil at Christ's crucifixion, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and man through Jesus' sacrifice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
The priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, performing the sacrificial rituals to atone for sins.

2. The LORD
Refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, who established the sacrificial system as a means for His people to maintain holiness and fellowship with Him.

3. The Veil of the Sanctuary
This veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle, symbolizing the barrier between God and humanity due to sin.

4. The Blood
Represents life and is used in the sacrificial system for atonement, symbolizing the seriousness of sin and the need for purification.

5. The Sanctuary
The sacred space where God's presence dwelt among His people, emphasizing the holiness required to approach God.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
The detailed sacrificial rituals underscore the gravity of sin and the need for atonement. Sin separates us from God, and only through His prescribed means can we be reconciled.

The Role of the Mediator
The priest's role foreshadows Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who mediates on our behalf. We are reminded of the importance of intercession and the privilege of direct access to God through Jesus.

The Symbolism of Blood
Blood signifies life and purification. In the New Covenant, Christ's blood cleanses us from all sin, emphasizing the completeness of His sacrifice.

The Holiness of God
The sanctuary and its veil highlight God's holiness and the reverence required in approaching Him. We are called to live holy lives, set apart for His purposes.

The Fulfillment in Christ
The sacrificial system points to Jesus, the perfect sacrifice. Understanding this connection deepens our appreciation for His work on the cross and encourages us to live in gratitude and obedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:6 help us understand the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways does the tearing of the temple veil at Jesus' death relate to the veil mentioned in Leviticus 4:6?

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

4. What does the symbolism of blood in the sacrificial system teach us about the nature of forgiveness and redemption?

5. How can we apply the concept of God's holiness, as seen in the sanctuary, to our personal lives and worship practices today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
Discusses the limitations of the old sacrificial system and how Christ's sacrifice surpasses it, providing eternal redemption.

Exodus 30
Describes the construction and purpose of the tabernacle, including the veil, highlighting the separation between God and man.

Isaiah 53
Prophesies the coming of the suffering servant, whose sacrifice would ultimately fulfill the need for atonement.

Matthew 27
At Jesus' crucifixion, the temple veil is torn, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity through Christ's sacrifice.