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 with holy anointing oil as described in Exodus 29:7. This anointing set him apart for his sacred duties, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's empowerment. The high priest served as a mediator between God and the people, a role that foreshadows Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).

is to bring
This action signifies the priest's responsibility to act on behalf of the people. The priest's role was not passive; he actively participated in the atonement process, highlighting the necessity of intercession in the relationship between God and humanity.

some of the bull’s blood
Blood was central to the sacrificial system, representing life and atonement for sin (Leviticus 17:11). The use of a bull, a valuable and significant offering, underscores the gravity of sin and the costliness of atonement. This prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22).

into the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites. It was a sacred space where God met with His people, and the presence of the blood there symbolized the cleansing and sanctification necessary for communion with God. This anticipates the New Covenant, where believers have direct access to God through Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22).

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.