Leviticus 8:15

Moses slaughtered the bull, took some of the blood, and applied it with his finger to all four horns of the altar, purifying the altar. He poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar and consecrated it so that atonement could be made on it.

Study Bible

And Moses slaughtered the bull
The act of slaughtering the bull is a significant ritual in the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. The Hebrew word for "slaughtered" is "שָׁחַט" (shachat), which implies a deliberate and sacred act of killing for sacrificial purposes. This act signifies the seriousness of the priestly office and the need for purification before approaching God. Historically, the bull was a symbol of strength and service, representing the need for a strong and pure mediator between God and His people.

took some of the blood
Blood in the Hebrew context, "דָּם" (dam), is a powerful symbol of life and atonement. The taking of the blood signifies the transfer of life and the covering of sin. In the sacrificial system, blood was essential for purification and sanctification, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood would be shed for the atonement of humanity's sins.

and put it on the horns of the altar with his finger
The "horns of the altar" were projections on each corner of the altar, symbolizing strength and power. By applying blood to the horns, Moses was sanctifying the altar, setting it apart for holy use. The use of the finger indicates a personal and direct application, emphasizing the intimate involvement of the priest in the atonement process. This act foreshadows the personal nature of Christ's sacrifice, where He directly intercedes for humanity.

to purify the altar
The Hebrew word for "purify" is "חִטֵּא" (chitte), meaning to cleanse or make ceremonially clean. The altar, as the place of sacrifice, needed to be purified to be acceptable for offerings to God. This purification process underscores the holiness required in worship and the need for cleansing from sin, a theme that runs throughout Scripture and finds fulfillment in the cleansing power of Jesus' sacrifice.

He poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar
Pouring out the blood at the base of the altar signifies the complete offering of life to God. The base of the altar represents the foundation of worship, and the pouring out of blood symbolizes total surrender and dedication. This act is a precursor to the New Testament understanding of offering one's life as a living sacrifice, wholly devoted to God.

and consecrated it to make atonement for it
The term "consecrated" comes from the Hebrew "קָדַשׁ" (qadash), meaning to set apart as holy. The altar is consecrated to make it a suitable place for atonement, which is the reconciliation between God and humanity. The concept of atonement, "כִּפֶּר" (kaphar), involves covering or appeasing, pointing to the ultimate atonement made by Christ. This verse highlights the necessity of holiness and the provision of God for reconciliation through sacrifice, culminating in the redemptive work of Jesus.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and to deliver His laws. In this context, Moses acts as the mediator between God and the people, performing the consecration ceremony.

2. The Bull
A sacrificial animal used in the consecration of the altar. The bull's blood is a key element in the purification and atonement process.

3. The Altar
A sacred place where sacrifices are made to God. In this passage, the altar is being consecrated and purified to be used for offerings.

4. Consecration Ceremony
A ritual to dedicate and purify the altar for holy use, involving the application of blood as a symbol of atonement and purification.

5. Atonement
The process of making amends or reparation for sin or wrongdoing. In this context, it involves the use of blood to purify and consecrate the altar.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Purification
The use of blood for purification underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for cleansing before approaching God. In our lives, we must seek spiritual purification through repentance and faith in Christ.

The Role of Atonement
Atonement is central to our relationship with God. Just as the altar was consecrated for holy use, our lives must be consecrated through the atoning work of Jesus.

Symbolism of Blood
Blood symbolizes life and sacrifice. In the Old Testament, it was a temporary covering for sin, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood provides eternal redemption.

The Mediator's Role
Moses acted as a mediator between God and the Israelites. Today, Jesus is our mediator, interceding on our behalf and providing a way to God.

Holiness and Dedication
The consecration of the altar reminds us of the call to holiness. We are to dedicate our lives to God, living in a way that honors Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the consecration of the altar in Leviticus 8:15 relate to the concept of holiness in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the role of Moses as a mediator in this passage foreshadow the mediating work of Jesus Christ?

3. How can we apply the principle of atonement in Leviticus 8:15 to our understanding of Christ's sacrifice on the cross?

4. What does the use of blood in the consecration ceremony teach us about the seriousness of sin and the need for purification?

5. How can we ensure that our lives are consecrated and dedicated to God, similar to the altar in this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
This chapter provides detailed instructions for the consecration of the priests and the altar, which parallels the events in Leviticus 8.

Hebrews 9
This New Testament passage discusses the significance of blood in the atonement process, drawing a connection between the Old Testament sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

1 John 1:7
This verse highlights the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, which purifies us from all sin, drawing a parallel to the purification of the altar with the bull's blood.