Leviticus 16:11

When Aaron presents the bull for his sin offering and makes atonement for himself and his household, he is to slaughter the bull for his own sin offering.

Study Bible

When Aaron presents the bull for his sin offering
This phrase highlights the role of Aaron, the high priest, in the Day of Atonement rituals. The bull is specifically chosen for the sin offering, symbolizing the need for purification and atonement. The high priest's actions are crucial as he represents the people before God. The bull, a valuable animal, signifies the seriousness of sin and the cost of atonement. This act prefigures Christ, who offered Himself as the ultimate sin offering (Hebrews 9:12-14).

and makes atonement for himself and his household
Before Aaron can intercede for the people, he must first be cleansed, emphasizing the holiness required to approach God. This reflects the biblical principle that leaders must be spiritually pure to lead others (1 Timothy 3:2-5). The inclusion of his household underscores the communal aspect of sin and atonement, recognizing that the priest's family also needs purification. This anticipates the New Testament teaching that Christ, our High Priest, was without sin and needed no atonement for Himself (Hebrews 7:26-27).

he is to slaughter the bull for his own sin offering
The act of slaughtering the bull is a vivid reminder of the cost of sin, requiring the shedding of blood for forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22). This ritual underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of a substitute to bear the penalty. The personal nature of this offering for Aaron himself highlights the imperfection of the Levitical priesthood, contrasting with Jesus, who offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 10:10). The slaughtering of the bull also points to the sacrificial system's temporary nature, fulfilled and completed in Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He is responsible for performing the rituals of atonement on the Day of Atonement.

2. The Bull
The animal used for the sin offering. It symbolizes the need for a blood sacrifice to atone for sin.

3. Sin Offering
A sacrificial offering made to atone for sin, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the need for purification.

4. Atonement
The process of making amends or reparation for sin, which in this context involves a blood sacrifice.

5. Household
Refers to Aaron's family, indicating that the high priest's atonement extends to his immediate family, highlighting the communal aspect of sin and forgiveness.

Teaching Points

The Role of the High Priest
Aaron's role as high priest is a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate priesthood. Just as Aaron made atonement for himself and his household, Christ makes atonement for all believers.

The Seriousness of Sin
The need for a sin offering underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of a blood sacrifice for atonement. This points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who paid the price for our sins.

Personal and Communal Responsibility
Aaron's atonement for his household highlights the importance of both personal and communal responsibility in dealing with sin. We are called to seek forgiveness not only for ourselves but also to intercede for others.

The Imperfection of Old Testament Sacrifices
The repeated need for sacrifices in the Old Testament points to their imperfection and the need for a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Aaron's role as high priest in Leviticus 16:11 foreshadow the role of Jesus as our High Priest in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the sin offering in Leviticus 16:11 highlight the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement?

3. How can we apply the concept of personal and communal responsibility for sin in our own lives today?

4. What are the limitations of the Old Testament sacrificial system, and how are they addressed in the New Testament through the sacrifice of Jesus?

5. How can understanding the Day of Atonement rituals deepen our appreciation for the work of Christ on the cross?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
This chapter discusses the limitations of the Old Testament sacrifices and how they point to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all.

Leviticus 4
Provides details on the sin offering, explaining its purpose and procedure, which is foundational to understanding the Day of Atonement rituals.

Romans 3
Discusses the concept of atonement and justification through faith in Jesus Christ, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ.