Leviticus 4:19

And he is to remove all the fat from it and burn it on the altar.

Study Bible

And he is to remove all the fat from it
In the sacrificial system of ancient Israel, the removal of fat from the offering was a significant ritual act. Fat was considered the best part of the animal, symbolizing richness and abundance. In the context of Leviticus, the fat was reserved for God, indicating that the best portions were to be given to Him. This act of removing the fat can be seen as a type of Christ, who offered Himself wholly and completely to God, holding nothing back. The removal of fat also signifies the separation of what is holy from what is common, a recurring theme in Leviticus. This practice underscores the importance of purity and dedication in worship.

and burn it on the altar
Burning the fat on the altar was an act of consecration and a pleasing aroma to the Lord, as described in other parts of Leviticus. The altar, located in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, was the central place of sacrifice and worship for the Israelites. This act of burning symbolizes the complete surrender and dedication of the offering to God. It also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was wholly consumed in His obedience and love for the Father. The burning of the fat represents the transformation of the offering into a spiritual act of worship, aligning with the New Testament call for believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The individual responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals, acting as a mediator between the people and God.

2. Altar
The sacred place where sacrifices are offered to God, symbolizing His presence and the means of atonement.

3. Sin Offering
A specific type of sacrifice in the Levitical system designed to atone for unintentional sins and restore the relationship between the sinner and God.

Teaching Points

The Significance of Sacrifice
The removal and burning of fat symbolize the complete dedication of the offering to God. In our lives, we are called to dedicate our best to God, holding nothing back.

Atonement and Forgiveness
The sin offering points to the need for atonement and the seriousness of sin. It reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who atoned for our sins once and for all.

Obedience to God's Commands
The detailed instructions for sacrifices in Leviticus highlight the importance of obedience. We are called to follow God's commands in our daily lives, trusting in His wisdom and sovereignty.

Symbolism of the Altar
The altar represents a place of meeting with God. In our spiritual walk, we must regularly come before God in prayer and worship, offering our lives as a living sacrifice.

Holiness and Purity
The sacrificial system underscores God's holiness and the need for purity. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:19 reflect the role of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of offering our "fat" or best to God in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of atonement in Leviticus connect to the New Testament understanding of Jesus' sacrifice?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that our lives are a "pleasing aroma" to God, as described in the sacrificial system?

5. How can the detailed instructions for sacrifices in Leviticus teach us about the importance of obedience in our relationship with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 3:16
This verse also discusses the burning of fat on the altar, emphasizing that it is a pleasing aroma to the Lord, highlighting the importance of obedience in sacrificial practices.

Hebrews 9:22
This New Testament verse explains the necessity of blood for the forgiveness of sins, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel between the physical sacrifices of the Old Testament and the spiritual sacrifices of the New Testament believer.