Leviticus 15:15
The priest is to sacrifice them, one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for the man before the LORD because of his discharge.
The priest is to sacrifice them
In the Levitical system, priests served as mediators between God and the people. The role of the priest was crucial in maintaining the holiness required by the Law. Sacrifices were central to this process, symbolizing the removal of sin and impurity. The priest's involvement underscores the necessity of an intermediary, foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who would offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice.

one as a sin offering
The sin offering was designed to atone for unintentional sins and cleanse the individual from impurity. It highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for purification. This offering points to the sacrificial work of Christ, who bore the sins of humanity, providing a way for believers to be cleansed and reconciled to God.

and the other as a burnt offering
The burnt offering was a voluntary act of worship, symbolizing total dedication and surrender to God. It was completely consumed by fire, representing the offerer's complete devotion. This offering prefigures Christ's total obedience and submission to the Father's will, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross.

In this way the priest will make atonement for the man
Atonement involves reconciliation between God and humanity, achieved through the shedding of blood. The priest's actions here are a temporary measure, pointing to the ultimate atonement made by Christ. His sacrifice on the cross provides permanent reconciliation for those who believe, fulfilling the requirements of the Law once and for all.

before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes the presence and holiness of God. All sacrificial acts were performed with an awareness of God's holiness and the need for purity. This setting underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of approaching God with reverence and obedience, a theme echoed throughout Scripture.

because of his discharge
The discharge mentioned refers to a physical impurity that rendered a person ceremonially unclean. This reflects the broader biblical theme of sin as a defiling force that separates humanity from God. The need for cleansing from such impurities points to the deeper spiritual cleansing provided by Christ, who heals and restores those who come to Him in faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Priest
A mediator between God and the people, responsible for performing the sacrifices and rituals as prescribed by the Law.

2. The Man with a Discharge
Represents individuals who are ceremonially unclean due to bodily discharges, requiring purification.

3. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who provides the means for atonement and purification.

4. Sin Offering
A sacrifice made to atone for sin and cleanse impurity, symbolizing the need for forgiveness.

5. Burnt Offering
A sacrifice of dedication and worship, symbolizing complete surrender to God.
Teaching Points
Understanding Ritual Purity
Recognize the importance of ritual purity in the Old Testament as a means of maintaining a relationship with a holy God.

The Role of the Priest
Appreciate the priest's role as a mediator, pointing to Jesus Christ as our ultimate High Priest who intercedes for us.

Significance of Sacrifices
Reflect on how the sin and burnt offerings symbolize atonement and dedication, fulfilled in Christ's sacrifice.

Atonement and Forgiveness
Embrace the assurance of forgiveness and cleansing through faith in Jesus, who fulfills the Law's requirements.

Living Sacrifices
Apply the principle of the burnt offering by dedicating our lives wholly to God as an act of worship and service.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 15:15 foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

2. In what ways do the sin and burnt offerings in Leviticus 15:15 point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross?

3. How can understanding the concept of ritual purity in the Old Testament deepen our appreciation for the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice?

4. What practical steps can we take to live as "living sacrifices" in our daily lives, as encouraged in Romans 12:1?

5. How does the promise of forgiveness in 1 John 1:9 encourage us to approach God with confidence, despite our imperfections?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 4
Discusses the sin offering in detail, emphasizing the need for atonement for unintentional sins.

Hebrews 9
Explains how the Old Testament sacrifices foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who provides complete purification.

1 John 1:9
Highlights the promise of forgiveness and cleansing from sin through confession and faith in Jesus Christ.

Mark 1:40-45
Jesus heals a leper, demonstrating His power to cleanse and His fulfillment of the Law's requirements for purification.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the burnt offering as an act of worship.
Personal PurityW. Clarkson Leviticus 15:1-33
Secret SinsR.M. Edgar Leviticus 15:1-33
UncleannessJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 15:1-33
Atonement Required for Secret SinsA. A. Bonar.Leviticus 15:2-33
Beware of Contact with Sinful PersonsBiblioth. BiblLeviticus 15:2-33
Cleanliness a Religious DutC. Clemance, D. D.Leviticus 15:2-33
Human Nature UncleanC. H. Mackintosh.Leviticus 15:2-33
Impurity a Contagious EvilW. Clarkson.Leviticus 15:2-33
Plain Speaking on the Subject of PurityJ. M. Gibson, D. D.Leviticus 15:2-33
Purity RequiredJ. M. Gibson, D. D.Leviticus 15:2-33
Secret UncleannessJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 15:2-33
The Secret Flow of Sin from the Natural HeartA. A. Bonar.Leviticus 15:2-33
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Account, Atonement, Behalf, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Discharge, Flow, Flux, Issue, Offer, Offered, Offering, Priest, Sacrifice, Sin, Sin-offering
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 15:15

     6616   atonement, in OT
     7444   sin offering

Leviticus 15:1-15

     7416   purification

Leviticus 15:1-17

     7348   defilement

Leviticus 15:1-27

     5145   clothing

Leviticus 15:1-33

     5298   doctors

Leviticus 15:13-15

     6636   drawing near to God

Library
The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Jairus' Daughter and the Invalid Woman.
(Capernaum, Same Day as Last.) ^A Matt. IX. 18-26; ^B Mark V. 22-43; ^C Luke VIII. 41-56. ^c 41 And ^a 18 While he spake these things unto them [while he talked about fasting at Matthew's table], behold, there came, { ^b cometh} ^c a man named Jairus, { ^b Jairus by name;} ^c and he was a ruler { ^b one of the rulers} of the synagogue [He was one of the board of elders which governed the synagogue at Capernaum. These elders were not necessarily old men--Matt. xix. 16-22; Luke xviii. 18-23], and seeing
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

That the Ruler Should be Discreet in Keeping Silence, Profitable in Speech.
The ruler should be discreet in keeping silence, profitable in speech; lest he either utter what ought to be suppressed or suppress what he ought to utter. For, as incautious speaking leads into error, so indiscreet silence leaves in error those who might have been instructed. For often improvident rulers, fearing to lose human favour, shrink timidly from speaking freely the things that are right; and, according to the voice of the Truth (Joh. x. 12), serve unto the custody of the flock by no means
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Memoir of John Bunyan
THE FIRST PERIOD. THIS GREAT MAN DESCENDED FROM IGNOBLE PARENTS--BORN IN POVERTY--HIS EDUCATION AND EVIL HABITS--FOLLOWS HIS FATHER'S BUSINESS AS A BRAZIER--ENLISTS FOR A SOLDIER--RETURNS FROM THE WARS AND OBTAINS AN AMIABLE, RELIGIOUS WIFE--HER DOWER. 'We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.'--2 Cor 4:7 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.'--Isaiah 55:8. 'Though ye have lien among the
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
(in the Wilderness of Judæa, and on the Banks of the Jordan, Occupying Several Months, Probably a.d. 25 or 26.) ^A Matt. III. 1-12; ^B Mark I. 1-8; ^C Luke III. 1-18. ^b 1 The beginning of the gospel [John begins his Gospel from eternity, where the Word is found coexistent with God. Matthew begins with Jesus, the humanly generated son of Abraham and David, born in the days of Herod the king. Luke begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the Messiah's herald; and Mark begins with the ministry
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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