Leviticus 4:17

and he is to dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle it seven times before the LORD in front of the veil.

Study Bible

Then the priest
The role of the priest in ancient Israel was central to the spiritual life of the community. The Hebrew word for priest, "kohen," signifies one who is set apart to perform sacred duties. The priest acted as a mediator between God and the people, highlighting the necessity of a holy intermediary in the process of atonement. This foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who mediates the new covenant.

is to dip his finger in the blood
The act of dipping the finger in blood is rich with symbolism. Blood, in Hebrew "dam," represents life and is a powerful symbol of atonement and purification. The priest's action signifies the transference of sin and the need for cleansing. This prefigures the shedding of Christ's blood, which provides the ultimate purification for sin.

and sprinkle it seven times
The number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness or perfection. The Hebrew word "sheva" is related to the word for oath or promise, indicating a divine completeness in the act. Sprinkling the blood seven times signifies a complete and perfect atonement, pointing to the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.

before the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the presence of God, "YHWH," in the sanctuary. The act of sprinkling the blood is not just a ritual but a presentation before the holy and living God. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of divine forgiveness, reminding believers of the reverence due to God.

in front of the veil of the sanctuary
The veil, or "paroketh" in Hebrew, separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle. It represented the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity. The sprinkling of blood in front of the veil signifies the need for atonement to approach God. This foreshadows the tearing of the veil at Christ's crucifixion, symbolizing direct access to God through Jesus.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
The priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, performing the ritual to atone for sin.

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

3. The Blood
Symbolizes life and is used for purification and atonement in the sacrificial system.

4. The Veil
The curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle, representing the barrier between God and humanity due to sin.

5. The Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among His people, where the sacrificial rituals were performed.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The priest's actions foreshadow Christ's mediatory role. Just as the priest interceded for the people, Jesus intercedes for us before the Father.

The Significance of Blood
Blood is central to atonement, symbolizing life given for life. In Christ, we see the ultimate fulfillment of this principle, as His blood cleanses us from all sin.

The Barrier of Sin
The veil represents the separation caused by sin. In Christ, this barrier is removed, granting us direct access to God.

The Perfection of God's Plan
The number seven signifies completeness and perfection in the Bible. The sevenfold sprinkling points to the complete and perfect atonement found in Jesus.

Living in Light of Atonement
Understanding the depth of Christ's sacrifice should lead us to live lives of gratitude, holiness, and service, reflecting His love and grace to others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:17 point to the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. What does the use of blood in the sacrificial system teach us about the seriousness of sin and the cost of atonement?

3. In what ways does the tearing of the veil at Jesus' crucifixion change our relationship with God?

4. How can understanding the completeness of Christ's atonement impact our daily walk with God?

5. What practical steps can we take to live in gratitude and holiness in response to the atonement provided through Jesus?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
Discusses the role of blood in the Old Covenant and how it prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Exodus 30
Describes the construction and significance of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the veil.

Matthew 27
At Jesus' crucifixion, the veil in the temple was torn, symbolizing direct access to God through Christ.

1 John 1
Emphasizes the cleansing power of Jesus' blood for believers.

Hebrews 10
Explains how Christ's sacrifice fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament sacrificial system.