Leviticus 4:7

The priest must then put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of fragrant incense that is before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting. And he is to pour out the rest of the bull's blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

Study Bible

The priest must apply some of the blood
In the Hebrew text, the word for "priest" is "kohen," which signifies one who serves in a sacred capacity. The priest's role was to mediate between God and the people, highlighting the necessity of a mediator in the atonement process. The application of blood symbolizes purification and atonement, as blood represents life (Leviticus 17:11). This act foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins.

to the horns of the altar of fragrant incense
The "horns" of the altar were projections at each corner, symbolizing strength and power. The altar of incense, located in the Holy Place, was used for burning incense, representing the prayers of the people ascending to God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4). The application of blood to the horns signifies the sanctification of prayer and worship, emphasizing that true communion with God requires atonement and purification.

that is before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting," or "Tabernacle," was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The phrase "before the LORD" indicates the direct presence of God, underscoring the holiness required to approach Him. This setting reminds believers of the reverence and purity needed in worship and the privilege of entering God's presence through Christ, our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).

He must pour out the rest of the bull’s blood
The pouring out of blood signifies the complete offering of life, a total surrender to God. In the sacrificial system, the blood of the bull, representing the life of the animal, was given entirely to God. This act prefigures the total sacrifice of Jesus, who poured out His life for humanity (Philippians 2:7-8).

at the base of the altar of burnt offering
The "altar of burnt offering" was located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle and was the primary place for sacrifices. The base of the altar, where the blood was poured, signifies the foundation of atonement and reconciliation with God. This altar points to the cross, where Christ's sacrifice was made once for all (Hebrews 10:10).

at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
The "entrance" signifies the point of access to God's presence. The location of the altar at the entrance underscores the necessity of sacrifice for entering into fellowship with God. This imagery is fulfilled in Christ, who declared Himself the "door" (John 10:9), through whom believers gain access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18).

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Altar of Fragrant Incense
Located in the Tent of Meeting, it symbolizes the prayers and intercessions of the people rising to God.

3. The Tent of Meeting
The sacred place where God met with Moses and the Israelites, serving as the center of worship and sacrifice.

4. The Bull
Represents the sin offering, a sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins of the people.

5. The Altar of Burnt Offering
Situated at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, where sacrifices were made to God.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The priest acts as an intermediary, highlighting the need for a mediator between sinful humanity and a holy God. This foreshadows Christ's role as our High Priest.

The Significance of Blood
Blood symbolizes life and atonement. The application of blood on the altar signifies purification and reconciliation with God.

The Importance of the Altar
The altar is a place of sacrifice and worship, reminding us of the need for repentance and the seriousness of sin.

The Tent of Meeting as a Place of Encounter
The Tent of Meeting represents God's desire to dwell among His people, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who tabernacled among us.

The Continuity of Sacrificial Themes
The sacrificial system in Leviticus points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament offerings.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:7 help us understand the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. What is the significance of applying blood to the horns of the altar, and how does this relate to the concept of atonement in the New Testament?

3. In what ways does the Tent of Meeting serve as a precursor to the incarnation of Christ?

4. How can understanding the sacrificial system in Leviticus deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our lives are a "living sacrifice" as described in Romans 12, in light of the sacrificial practices in Leviticus?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30
Describes the construction and purpose of the altar of incense, emphasizing its role in worship and intercession.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the role of Christ as the ultimate High Priest, who entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, offering His own blood for eternal redemption.

1 John 1
Highlights the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, which purifies us from all sin, drawing a parallel to the sacrificial system in Leviticus.