Leviticus 4:20

He shall offer this bull just as he did the bull for the sin offering; in this way the priest will make atonement on their behalf, and they will be forgiven.

Study Bible

He shall offer this bull just as he did the bull for the sin offering;
The offering of a bull as a sin offering is a significant ritual in the Levitical law, primarily for the atonement of unintentional sins committed by the congregation or the priest. The bull, a valuable animal, signifies the seriousness of sin and the costliness of atonement. This ritual is detailed in Leviticus 4:3-12, where the priest is instructed to bring the bull to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, lay his hand on its head, and slaughter it before the LORD. The act of laying hands symbolizes the transfer of sin from the sinner to the animal, a precursor to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who bore the sins of humanity. The blood of the bull is then sprinkled before the LORD, emphasizing the necessity of blood for atonement, as reiterated in Hebrews 9:22.

in this way the priest will make atonement on their behalf,
The role of the priest is central in the atonement process, acting as a mediator between God and the people. This reflects the priestly function of intercession and sacrifice, which is fulfilled in the New Testament by Jesus Christ, our High Priest, as described in Hebrews 4:14-16. The priest's actions symbolize the removal of sin and the restoration of the relationship between the people and God. The concept of atonement involves covering or cleansing sin, allowing the people to remain in covenant relationship with God. This anticipates the ultimate atonement made by Christ, who reconciles humanity to God through His sacrifice.

and they will be forgiven.
Forgiveness is the ultimate goal of the sin offering, restoring the sinner to a state of grace and fellowship with God. In the Old Testament, forgiveness is granted through the sacrificial system, which points forward to the complete and final forgiveness available through Jesus Christ. The assurance of forgiveness is a recurring theme in Scripture, seen in passages like Psalm 103:12, where God removes our transgressions as far as the east is from the west. In the New Testament, 1 John 1:9 assures believers that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This phrase underscores the mercy and grace of God, who provides a means for His people to be reconciled to Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest is the mediator between God and the people, responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals to atone for the sins of the congregation.

2. Bull of the Sin Offering
A sacrificial animal used in the sin offering, symbolizing the substitutionary atonement for the sins of the people.

3. Atonement
The process by which reconciliation between God and humanity is achieved, primarily through the sacrificial system in the Old Testament.

4. Forgiveness
The divine act of pardoning sin, which is granted after the proper sacrificial rituals are performed.

5. Israelite Congregation
The community of God's chosen people, for whom the sin offering is made to atone for unintentional sins.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The priest acts as an intermediary, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate role as our High Priest who intercedes on our behalf.

The Significance of Atonement
Atonement is central to restoring the relationship between God and humanity, highlighting the seriousness of sin and the need for divine forgiveness.

The Necessity of Sacrifice
The sacrificial system underscores the cost of sin and the necessity of a substitute, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

Forgiveness and Restoration
God's provision for forgiveness through the sacrificial system demonstrates His desire for reconciliation and restoration with His people.

Continuity of God's Grace
The principles of atonement and forgiveness in Leviticus find their fulfillment in the New Testament, showing the continuity of God's redemptive plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:20 foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

2. In what ways does the concept of atonement in Leviticus help us understand the significance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross?

3. How can we apply the principles of confession and forgiveness found in Leviticus 4:20 to our daily lives, as seen in 1 John 1:9?

4. What does the requirement of a sin offering teach us about the nature of sin and the holiness of God?

5. How does the process of atonement and forgiveness in the Old Testament enhance our understanding of God's grace and mercy in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
This chapter discusses the limitations of the Old Testament sacrificial system and how it points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who provides a more perfect atonement.

1 John 1:9
This verse emphasizes the promise of forgiveness and cleansing from sin when we confess, highlighting the continuity of God's grace from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Psalm 51
David's prayer of repentance illustrates the heart attitude that should accompany the ritual of atonement, emphasizing the importance of a contrite spirit.