Leviticus 3:13

He must lay his hand on its head and slaughter it in front of the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron's sons shall sprinkle its blood on all sides of the altar.

Study Bible

He must lay his hand on its head
This act of laying hands on the animal symbolizes the transfer of the offerer's sins to the sacrificial animal, a practice rooted in ancient Israelite rituals. It signifies identification with the sacrifice, acknowledging that the animal is taking the place of the sinner. This foreshadows the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ, who bore the sins of humanity. The laying on of hands is also seen in other contexts, such as the ordination of priests (Numbers 8:10) and the commissioning of leaders (Deuteronomy 34:9).

and slaughter it in front of the Tent of Meeting.
The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was the central place of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. It was where God’s presence dwelled among His people. The act of slaughtering the animal here underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement before approaching a holy God. This prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who was crucified outside the city gates (Hebrews 13:12), fulfilling the sacrificial system.

Then Aaron’s sons shall splatter its blood on all sides of the altar.
The priests, Aaron’s sons, were responsible for performing the sacrificial rites. The splattering of blood on the altar signifies purification and consecration, as blood was considered the life force (Leviticus 17:11). This act represents the cleansing power of the sacrifice, pointing to the blood of Christ, which cleanses believers from all sin (1 John 1:7). The altar, central to the sacrificial system, symbolizes the place of divine-human interaction, where atonement and reconciliation occur.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Offerer
The individual bringing the sacrifice, who lays his hand on the animal's head, symbolizing identification and transfer of sin.

2. Aaron’s Sons
The priests responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals, including the sprinkling of blood.

3. The Tent of Meeting
The sacred place where God met with Moses and the Israelites, serving as the central location for worship and sacrifices.

4. The Altar
The structure upon which sacrifices were made, symbolizing the place of atonement and reconciliation with God.

5. The Sacrifice
The animal offered, representing peace and fellowship with God, and the shedding of its blood as a means of atonement.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of the Sacrifice
The laying of hands and the shedding of blood symbolize the transfer of sin and the need for atonement. This points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who took on our sins.

Role of the Priesthood
Aaron’s sons, as priests, were mediators between God and the people. This foreshadows Christ as our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf.

Sacredness of Worship
The Tent of Meeting and the altar highlight the holiness required in approaching God. Our worship today should reflect reverence and awe for God's presence.

Peace with God
The peace offering signifies restored fellowship with God. Through Christ, we have peace and reconciliation with God, which should lead to peace in our relationships with others.

Importance of Obedience
The detailed instructions for the sacrifice underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands. Our lives should reflect a commitment to following God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the act of laying hands on the sacrificial animal relate to our understanding of sin and atonement today?

2. In what ways does the role of Aaron’s sons as priests inform our understanding of Jesus as our High Priest?

3. How can the sacredness of the Tent of Meeting and the altar influence our approach to worship in contemporary settings?

4. What does the peace offering teach us about maintaining peace and reconciliation in our personal relationships?

5. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in the sacrificial system to our daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 1:4
This verse also describes the laying of hands on the sacrificial animal, emphasizing the transfer of sin and the concept of substitutionary atonement.

Hebrews 9:22
This New Testament verse highlights the necessity of blood for the forgiveness of sins, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Romans 5:1
Discusses peace with God through Jesus Christ, which is foreshadowed by the peace offering in Leviticus.

1 Peter 1:18-19
Relates the precious blood of Christ to the sacrificial system, emphasizing redemption through His sacrifice.