Leviticus 4:18

He is also to put some of the blood on the horns of the altar that is before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting, and he must pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

Study Bible

He is also to put some of the blood on the horns of the altar
The act of placing blood on the horns of the altar signifies atonement and purification. The horns, located at the four corners of the altar, symbolize strength and power. This ritual act underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for divine forgiveness. The blood represents life (Leviticus 17:11) and serves as a substitute for the sinner's life, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22).

that is before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was the central place of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. It was where God's presence dwelled among His people (Exodus 25:8). The phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes the sacredness of the act and the direct accountability to God. This setting foreshadows the coming of Christ, who is the true Tabernacle (John 1:14), dwelling among humanity.

and he must pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering
Pouring the remaining blood at the base of the altar signifies the complete offering of life to God. The altar of burnt offering, located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle, was where sacrifices were made to atone for sin. This act of pouring out the blood symbolizes total surrender and dedication to God, prefiguring Christ's complete sacrifice on the cross (Philippians 2:8).

at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
The entrance to the Tent of Meeting was a place of transition from the common to the holy. It was where the Israelites would bring their offerings and seek reconciliation with God. This location highlights the accessibility of God to His people through prescribed means. In the New Testament, Jesus declares Himself as the door (John 10:9), through whom believers have access to the Father and eternal life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest is the one performing the ritual, acting as a mediator between the people and God.

2. Horns of the Altar
These are projections on the corners of the altar, symbolizing strength and the presence of God.

3. Tent of Meeting
Also known as the Tabernacle, it is the sacred place where God met with Moses and the Israelites.

4. Altar of Burnt Offering
Located at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, it is where sacrifices were made to atone for sins.

5. Blood
Represents life and is used in the sacrificial system to atone for sin, symbolizing purification and forgiveness.

Teaching Points

The Significance of Blood in Atonement
Blood is central to the sacrificial system, symbolizing life and the seriousness of sin. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood was shed for our redemption.

The Role of the Priest as Mediator
The priest's role in applying the blood highlights the need for a mediator between God and humanity. Jesus is our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf.

The Altar as a Place of Encounter
The altar represents a meeting point between God and man, where sin is addressed, and reconciliation is made possible. In our lives, we must have places of encounter with God through prayer and worship.

The Holiness of God
The detailed instructions for atonement underscore God's holiness and the need for purity in approaching Him. We are called to live holy lives, set apart for His purposes.

The Continuity of God's Redemptive Plan
The sacrificial system in Leviticus foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. Understanding this continuity helps us appreciate the depth of God's plan for salvation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:18 foreshadow the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways does the application of blood on the altar's horns symbolize the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement?

3. How can we create "altars" or places of encounter with God in our daily lives?

4. What does the sacrificial system in Leviticus teach us about the holiness of God and our approach to Him?

5. How does understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice on the cross?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29:12
This verse describes the consecration of the altar, where blood is also applied to the horns, establishing a pattern of sanctification and atonement.

Hebrews 9:22
This New Testament verse explains that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

1 John 1:7
This verse speaks of the blood of Jesus purifying us from all sin, drawing a parallel to the cleansing power of the blood in Leviticus.