Leviticus 4:15

The elders of the congregation are to lay their hands on the bull's head before the LORD, and it shall be slaughtered before the LORD.

Study Bible

The elders of the congregation
In ancient Israel, the elders were respected leaders and representatives of the people. They held positions of authority and were responsible for making decisions on behalf of the community. This reflects the communal nature of sin and atonement in Israelite society, where leaders acted on behalf of the people. The role of elders is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in Exodus 3:16 and Numbers 11:16, where they are involved in significant religious and communal decisions.

are to lay their hands on the bull’s head
The act of laying hands on the bull's head symbolizes the transfer of sin from the people to the sacrificial animal. This ritual act signifies identification and substitution, where the bull takes on the sin of the congregation. This practice is a precursor to the concept of substitutionary atonement, which is fully realized in the New Testament with Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:12-14).

before the LORD
The phrase "before the LORD" indicates that this ritual is performed in the presence of God, likely at the entrance of the Tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt among the Israelites. This emphasizes the seriousness of the act and the need for divine acknowledgment and acceptance of the sacrifice. It underscores the belief that all sin is ultimately against God, as seen in Psalm 51:4.

and it shall be slaughtered
The slaughtering of the bull is a critical part of the sacrificial process, representing the death required to atone for sin. This act foreshadows the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, who was "slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8) to atone for humanity's sins. The shedding of blood is a central theme in the sacrificial system, as seen in Leviticus 17:11, which states that "it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life."

before the LORD
Reiterating the phrase emphasizes the importance of performing the sacrifice in God's presence, ensuring that the act is not merely ritualistic but a genuine appeal for divine forgiveness. This repetition highlights the necessity of God's approval and the sacredness of the sacrificial system, which points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who offered Himself "once for all" (Hebrews 10:10) in the presence of God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elders of the Congregation
These are the leaders or representatives of the Israelite community, responsible for spiritual and communal oversight.

2. The Bull
A sacrificial animal used in the sin offering, symbolizing atonement for the community's unintentional sins.

3. The LORD
Refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, who prescribes the sacrificial system for atonement.

4. The Congregation
The assembly of the Israelites, representing the collective body of God's people.

5. The Tabernacle
The place where sacrifices were made, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people.

Teaching Points

The Role of Leadership in Atonement
Elders represent the community in seeking forgiveness, highlighting the importance of godly leadership in spiritual matters.

The Significance of Substitutionary Sacrifice
The laying on of hands symbolizes the transfer of sin, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins.

Communal Responsibility for Sin
The entire congregation is implicated in the sin offering, teaching us about the corporate nature of sin and the need for communal repentance.

The Holiness of God
The requirement for a sin offering underscores God's holiness and the seriousness of sin, reminding us of the need for purity in our relationship with Him.

The Fulfillment in Christ
The Old Testament sacrificial system is a shadow of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus, encouraging us to live in the light of His atonement.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the elders in Leviticus 4:15 inform our understanding of spiritual leadership in the church today?

2. In what ways does the concept of laying hands on the sacrificial bull relate to the New Testament understanding of Jesus as our sin bearer?

3. What can we learn from the communal aspect of the sin offering about our responsibility towards sin in our church communities?

4. How does the sacrificial system in Leviticus point us to the holiness of God, and how should this influence our daily walk with Him?

5. How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ as described in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29
Describes the consecration of priests, where laying hands on the sacrificial animal signifies identification and transfer of sin.

Hebrews 9
Discusses Christ as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Isaiah 53
The Suffering Servant bears the sins of many, paralleling the concept of substitutionary atonement.

1 Peter 2
Believers are called to be a royal priesthood, connecting the role of the elders to the priestly duties of Christians today.