Leviticus 15:30

The priest is to sacrifice one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for her before the LORD for her unclean discharge.

Study Bible

The priest is to sacrifice one as a sin offering
In the Levitical system, the sin offering was a crucial part of atonement rituals. It symbolized the removal of sin and impurity from the individual. The priest, acting as a mediator between God and the people, performed this sacrifice to cleanse the person from ceremonial impurity. This offering points to the need for purification from sin, a theme that runs throughout the Bible, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is described as the sin offering for humanity (Hebrews 10:12).

and the other as a burnt offering.
The burnt offering was a symbol of complete dedication and surrender to God. Unlike the sin offering, which was partially consumed by the priest, the burnt offering was entirely consumed by fire, representing total consecration. This act of offering signifies the worshiper's desire to be wholly devoted to God. The burnt offering foreshadows Christ's complete and willing sacrifice, as He offered Himself entirely to God on behalf of humanity (Ephesians 5:2).

In this way the priest will make atonement for her
Atonement in the Old Testament involved covering or removing sin to restore the relationship between God and the individual. The priest's role was to mediate this process, highlighting the need for an intermediary in the reconciliation with God. This anticipates the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the ultimate High Priest who makes atonement for all (Hebrews 9:11-12).

before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" indicates that the ritual was performed in the presence of God, emphasizing His holiness and the seriousness of sin. It underscores the belief that all acts of worship and atonement are ultimately directed towards God, who is the source of forgiveness and purification. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to live their lives as a sacrifice before God (Romans 12:1).

for her unclean discharge.
The context of Leviticus 15 deals with various bodily discharges and their implications for ritual purity. In ancient Israel, physical cleanliness was closely associated with spiritual purity. The discharge rendered a person ceremonially unclean, necessitating purification rituals to restore them to the community and to God. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the need for cleansing from sin and impurity, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who cleanses believers from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
A mediator between God and the people, responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals to atone for sins and impurities.

2. The Woman
Refers to a woman who has been ceremonially unclean due to a bodily discharge, requiring purification.

3. Turtledoves or Young Pigeons
These birds are used as offerings, accessible to those who might not afford larger animals, symbolizing God's provision for all.

4. Sin Offering
A sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins and impurities, restoring the individual's relationship with God.

5. Burnt Offering
A sacrifice symbolizing complete surrender to God, with the entire offering consumed by fire.

Teaching Points

Understanding Ritual Purity
The laws in Leviticus highlight the importance of purity and the need for atonement, pointing to the holiness of God and the separation sin causes.

God's Provision for All
The allowance of turtledoves or pigeons as offerings shows God's understanding and provision for those of different economic statuses.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The dual offerings (sin and burnt) symbolize both the removal of impurity and the dedication of oneself to God.

Christ as the Fulfillment
These sacrifices foreshadow the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ, who cleanses us from all sin and impurity.

Living a Life of Holiness
As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness, understanding that Christ has made the ultimate atonement for us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 15:30 help us understand the role of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways do the offerings of turtledoves or pigeons demonstrate God's inclusivity and care for all people, regardless of their economic status?

3. How can the concept of ritual purity in Leviticus inform our understanding of spiritual purity today?

4. What parallels can we draw between the sin and burnt offerings in Leviticus and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross?

5. How can we apply the principles of atonement and dedication found in Leviticus 15:30 to our daily walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 12:8
Discusses similar offerings for purification after childbirth, highlighting the continuity of sacrificial practices for cleansing.

Hebrews 9:22
Emphasizes the necessity of blood for atonement, connecting Old Testament sacrifices to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Mark 5:25-34
The account of the woman with the issue of blood, illustrating Jesus' power to cleanse and heal beyond ceremonial law.