Leviticus 4:16

Then the anointed priest is to bring some of the bull's blood into the Tent of Meeting,

Study Bible

Then the anointed priest
The term "anointed priest" refers to the high priest, who was consecrated and set apart for sacred duties. The Hebrew word for "anointed" is "mashiach," which is also the root for "Messiah." This highlights the priest's role as a mediator between God and the people, foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, in the New Testament. The anointing signifies the priest's divine appointment and empowerment to perform holy tasks, emphasizing the importance of purity and dedication in service to God.

is to bring
This phrase indicates a command, not a suggestion, underscoring the seriousness of the priest's duty. The Hebrew verb "bo" (to bring) implies an action that is deliberate and purposeful. The priest's role in bringing the blood is a critical part of the atonement process, symbolizing the necessity of obedience in the sacrificial system established by God.

some of the bull’s blood
Blood, in the Hebrew context, is synonymous with life (Leviticus 17:11). The bull's blood represents the life given as a substitute for the sinner, pointing to the gravity of sin and the cost of atonement. The use of a bull, a valuable and significant animal, underscores the seriousness of the sin offering. This prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins.

into the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting, or Tabernacle, was the sacred space where God met with His people. It was a portable sanctuary that accompanied the Israelites during their wilderness journey. Bringing the blood into this holy place signifies the act of bringing the atonement directly into God's presence. This action symbolizes the need for reconciliation with God and the restoration of fellowship, which is central to the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Tent of Meeting serves as a precursor to the temple and ultimately to the believer's body as the temple of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Anointed Priest
This refers to the high priest, who is consecrated and set apart for the service of God. In the context of Leviticus, the high priest acts as a mediator between God and the people of Israel.

2. The Bull
The bull is used as a sin offering in this passage. It symbolizes the atonement for sin, representing the seriousness of sin and the need for a sacrificial substitute.

3. The Tent of Meeting
Also known as the Tabernacle, this was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites. It served as the central place of worship and sacrifice.

4. Blood
In the Hebrew context, blood represents life and is used for atonement. The act of bringing the blood into the Tent of Meeting signifies the cleansing and forgiveness of sin.

5. Sin Offering
This is a specific type of offering in the Levitical system designed to atone for unintentional sins and restore the relationship between the sinner and God.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The high priest serves as a mediator, foreshadowing Christ's role as our ultimate High Priest. Reflect on how Jesus intercedes for us today.

The Seriousness of Sin
The need for a sin offering underscores the gravity of sin. Consider how sin separates us from God and the importance of seeking forgiveness.

The Power of Sacrifice
The sacrificial system points to the necessity of atonement. Reflect on how Christ's sacrifice fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament sacrifices.

The Presence of God
The Tent of Meeting symbolizes God's desire to dwell among His people. Contemplate how we can cultivate God's presence in our lives today.

The Symbolism of Blood
Blood as a symbol of life and atonement is central to both the Old and New Testaments. Reflect on the significance of Christ's blood in your personal redemption account.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the anointed priest in Leviticus 4:16 foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

2. In what ways does the sacrificial system in Leviticus highlight the seriousness of sin, and how can this understanding impact our daily walk with God?

3. How does the concept of blood as a means of atonement in Leviticus connect to the New Testament teachings about the blood of Christ?

4. What can we learn from the Tent of Meeting about God's desire to be present with His people, and how can we apply this to our personal relationship with God?

5. How can understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus and its implications for our lives today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
This chapter in the New Testament draws a parallel between the Old Testament sacrificial system and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, highlighting how Christ's blood provides a more perfect atonement.

Exodus 29
This passage describes the consecration of the priests, providing background on the role and responsibilities of the anointed priest mentioned in Leviticus 4:16.

1 John 1:7
This verse speaks about the blood of Jesus purifying us from all sin, connecting the concept of blood as a means of atonement from Leviticus to the New Testament understanding of Christ's sacrifice.