Leviticus 1:11

He shall slaughter it on the north side of the altar before the LORD, and Aaron's sons the priests are to sprinkle its blood against the altar on all sides.

Study Bible

He shall slaughter it on the north side of the altar before the LORD
The act of slaughtering the animal on the north side of the altar is significant in the context of the tabernacle's layout. The north side was considered a place of sacrifice and offering, aligning with the idea of presenting offerings directly before God. This specific location may symbolize the direction from which divine judgment and deliverance come, as seen in other biblical references to the north (e.g., Isaiah 14:13). The act of slaughtering the animal "before the LORD" emphasizes the offering's purpose as a means of atonement and worship, acknowledging God's holiness and the need for reconciliation with Him. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was crucified to atone for humanity's sins, fulfilling the sacrificial system's requirements.

and Aaron’s sons the priests are to splatter its blood against the altar on all sides
The priests, specifically Aaron's sons, were responsible for the ritual duties associated with the sacrifices. Their role highlights the importance of mediation between God and the people, a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament. The act of splattering the blood against the altar on all sides signifies the comprehensive nature of atonement, covering all aspects of sin. Blood, representing life, was a crucial element in the sacrificial system, symbolizing purification and the sealing of covenants (Leviticus 17:11). This practice points to the New Testament understanding of Jesus' blood as the ultimate means of cleansing and redemption (Hebrews 9:22). The priests' actions prefigure Christ's role as the High Priest, who offers His own blood for the eternal redemption of believers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Offerer
The individual bringing the sacrifice, responsible for slaughtering the animal.

2. The Altar
Located in the Tabernacle, the central place for sacrifices and offerings to God.

3. Aaron’s Sons (The Priests)
The descendants of Aaron, tasked with performing the priestly duties, including the sprinkling of blood.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, to whom the sacrifices are offered.

5. The North Side of the Altar
Specific location for the slaughtering of the offering, indicating order and reverence in worship.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Order in Worship
The specific instructions for the sacrifice highlight the importance of order and reverence in worship. God is a God of order, and our worship should reflect that.

The Role of the Priesthood
The priests acted as mediators between God and the people. This points to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who mediates the new covenant.

The Significance of Blood
Blood symbolizes life and atonement. The sprinkling of blood foreshadows the ultimate atonement through Christ’s blood.

Approaching God with Reverence
The detailed instructions for sacrifices remind us to approach God with reverence and respect, acknowledging His holiness.

The Fulfillment in Christ
The sacrificial system finds its fulfillment in Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, who offered Himself once for all.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the specific location for the slaughtering of the sacrifice (north side of the altar) teach us about the nature of worship?

2. How does the role of Aaron’s sons as priests in Leviticus 1:11 connect to the role of Jesus as our High Priest?

3. In what ways does the sprinkling of blood in the Old Testament sacrificial system point to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross?

4. How can we apply the principles of order and reverence in our personal and corporate worship today?

5. Reflecting on Romans 12, how can we present our bodies as living sacrifices in light of the sacrificial practices described in Leviticus?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
Describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons, establishing their role in the sacrificial system.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the significance of blood in the sacrificial system and its fulfillment in Christ’s sacrifice.

Isaiah 53
Prophetic imagery of the suffering servant, connecting the sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.

Romans 12
Calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the Old Testament sacrificial practices.