Leviticus 9:15

Aaron then presented the people's offering. He took the male goat for the people's sin offering, slaughtered it, and offered it for sin like the first one.

Study Bible

Next, Aaron presented the offering for the people
The word "Next" indicates a sequence of events, following the previous offerings made for Aaron and his sons. This highlights the orderly and structured nature of the Levitical sacrificial system. "Aaron" is the high priest, a role of immense responsibility and honor, serving as a mediator between God and the Israelites. The "offering for the people" signifies the communal aspect of atonement, emphasizing that the entire community is in need of reconciliation with God. The Hebrew root for "offering" (קָרְבָּן, korban) implies drawing near, suggesting that these sacrifices are a means for the people to draw near to God.

He took the male goat for the people’s sin offering
The "male goat" is significant as it was often used in sin offerings, symbolizing the transfer of sin from the people to the animal. The "sin offering" (חַטָּאת, chatat) is a crucial element in the sacrificial system, designed to atone for unintentional sins and cleanse the people from impurity. This reflects the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin, which separates humanity from Him. The choice of a goat, a common animal in the region, underscores the accessibility of atonement for all people, not just the wealthy.

slaughtered it, and offered it for sin
The act of "slaughtering" the goat is a vivid reminder of the cost of sin and the necessity of bloodshed for atonement, as life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). This prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood was shed for the sins of the world. The phrase "offered it for sin" indicates the substitutionary nature of the sacrifice, where the animal bears the penalty of sin on behalf of the people. This act of offering is a profound expression of God's grace and mercy, providing a way for His people to be reconciled to Him.

like the first one
This phrase refers back to the earlier sacrifices made for Aaron and his sons, establishing a pattern of atonement that applies to both the priests and the people. It underscores the universality of sin and the need for all to seek forgiveness and purification. The repetition of the sacrificial process highlights the consistency and reliability of God's provision for atonement, pointing forward to the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, who fulfills and perfects the sacrificial system. This continuity assures believers of the steadfastness of God's covenant and His unwavering commitment to His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He is responsible for performing the sacrifices and offerings as instructed by God.

2. The People of Israel
The congregation for whom the sin offering is made. They are the recipients of God's covenant and laws.

3. The Male Goat
Used as a sin offering for the people. It symbolizes the transfer of sin from the people to the sacrificial animal.

4. The Tabernacle
The place where the offerings and sacrifices are made. It serves as the dwelling place of God among His people.

5. Sin Offering
A specific type of sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins and to purify the people before God.

Teaching Points

The Role of the High Priest
Aaron's role as high priest prefigures Christ's ultimate priesthood. Just as Aaron mediated between God and the people, Christ is our mediator, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice.

The Seriousness of Sin
The need for a sin offering underscores the seriousness of sin and its consequences. It reminds us of the need for repentance and the provision of atonement through Christ.

The Necessity of Atonement
The sin offering highlights the necessity of atonement for reconciliation with God. It points to the ultimate atonement made by Jesus on the cross.

God’s Provision for Forgiveness
The provision of a sin offering demonstrates God's desire to forgive and restore His people. It encourages us to seek His forgiveness through Christ.

The Importance of Obedience
Aaron's obedience in performing the sacrifices as commanded reflects the importance of following God's instructions. It challenges us to live in obedience to God's Word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Aaron's role as high priest in Leviticus 9:15 foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as described in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the sin offering in Leviticus 9:15 highlight the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement?

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

4. What does the provision of a sin offering in Leviticus 9:15 teach us about God's character and His desire for a relationship with His people?

5. How can we apply the principles of obedience and reverence seen in Leviticus 9:15 to our daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Isaiah 53
The prophecy of the suffering servant who bears the sins of many, paralleling the role of the sin offering in Leviticus.

1 John 1:9
Emphasizes the confession of sins and God's faithfulness to forgive, reflecting the purpose of the sin offering in maintaining a right relationship with God.