Leviticus 3:2

He is to lay his hand on the head of the offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Then Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood on all sides of the altar.

Study Bible

He is to lay his hand on the head of the offering
This act symbolizes the transfer of the offerer's sins to the sacrificial animal, a practice rooted in ancient Israelite rituals. It signifies identification with the offering, acknowledging that the animal is a substitute for the person. This foreshadows the substitutionary atonement of Christ, who bore the sins of humanity.

and slaughter it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
The entrance to the Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was a sacred space where God met with His people. The act of slaughtering the animal here underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement before approaching God. This location highlights the centrality of worship and sacrifice in the life of Israel, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who opened the way to God.

Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall splatter the blood on all sides of the altar.
The priests, descendants of Aaron, 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. This act is a precursor to the New Testament understanding of Christ's blood, which cleanses believers from sin and establishes a new covenant. The altar, central to worship, represents the place where reconciliation with God is achieved through sacrifice.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Offering
A sacrificial animal, typically a peace offering, which is slaughtered as part of the ritual.

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. Aaron’s Sons (The Priests)
The descendants of Aaron, responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals and maintaining the sanctity of the worship practices.

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

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Laying on Hands
The act of laying hands on the offering signifies identification and the transfer of sin. In our lives, it reminds us of the importance of acknowledging our sins and seeking atonement through Christ.

Role of the Priests
The priests acted as mediators between God and the people. Today, Jesus is our High Priest, and we are called to be a royal priesthood, interceding for others and living lives that reflect His holiness.

Significance of the Blood
The sprinkling of blood on the altar symbolizes purification and atonement. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood cleanses us from all sin.

Worship at the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting was a place of divine encounter. In our spiritual walk, we are invited to meet with God regularly through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word.

The Altar as a Place of Surrender
The altar represents a place of surrender and dedication to God. We are called to lay down our lives and desires, submitting fully to His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the act of laying hands on the offering teach us about personal responsibility and confession of sin?

2. How does the role of the priests in Leviticus 3:2 foreshadow the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

3. In what ways can we apply the concept of the altar as a place of surrender in our daily lives?

4. How does the sacrificial system in Leviticus point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and what implications does this have for our faith?

5. Reflect on Romans 12:1. How can we present our bodies as living sacrifices in a way that is holy and pleasing to God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29:10-11
This passage describes the consecration of Aaron and his sons, where a similar laying on of hands and slaughtering of a bull takes place, emphasizing the role of the priests in mediating between God and the people.

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

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the sacrificial system and emphasizing spiritual worship.