Leviticus 4:21

Then he is to take the bull outside the camp and burn it, just as he burned the first bull. It is the sin offering for the assembly.

Study Bible

Then he is to take the bull outside the camp
In the context of ancient Israel, the camp represented the dwelling place of God's people, and anything unclean or associated with sin was taken outside the camp. This act symbolizes the removal of sin from the community. The bull, representing the sin offering, is taken outside to signify the separation of sin from the holy presence of God. This foreshadows the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who was taken outside the city of Jerusalem to be crucified, bearing the sins of humanity (Hebrews 13:11-12).

and burn it
The burning of the bull signifies the complete destruction of sin. In the sacrificial system, burning was a way to purify and make atonement. The fire represents God's judgment and purification. This act of burning the sin offering points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who endured the fiery wrath of God for the sins of the world.

just as he burned the first bull
This refers to the earlier instructions given for the sin offering of the anointed priest (Leviticus 4:3-12). The repetition emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It also highlights the consistency of God's requirements for holiness and the thoroughness of the sacrificial system in dealing with sin.

It is the sin offering for the assembly
The sin offering was a crucial part of the sacrificial system, designed to atone for unintentional sins of the community. This communal aspect underscores the corporate responsibility of the people of Israel and their collective need for atonement. It points to the unity of the body of Christ, where believers are called to bear one another's burdens and seek forgiveness together. The sin offering prefigures Christ's atoning sacrifice, which was made once for all, covering the sins of the entire assembly of believers (Hebrews 10:10).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
The priest is responsible for performing the sin offering ritual, acting as a mediator between the people and God.

2. The Bull
Represents the sin offering, symbolizing the atonement for the sins of the assembly.

3. Outside the Camp
The location where the bull is burned, signifying the removal of sin from the community.

4. The Assembly
Refers to the congregation of Israel, for whom the sin offering is made.

5. Sin Offering
A sacrificial ritual intended to atone for unintentional sins of the community.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
The need for a sin offering underscores the gravity of sin and its impact on the community.

The Role of the Mediator
Just as the priest mediated for the people, Jesus is our ultimate mediator, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice.

Separation from Sin
The act of taking the bull outside the camp symbolizes the need to separate ourselves from sin and its consequences.

Community Responsibility
The sin offering for the assembly highlights the collective responsibility of the community to seek atonement and maintain holiness.

Fulfillment in Christ
The Old Testament sacrificial system points to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, which provides complete atonement for sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:21 foreshadow the role of Christ as our High Priest?

2. What is the significance of the sin offering being taken outside the camp, and how does this relate to our understanding of sin and atonement today?

3. In what ways does the concept of a communal sin offering challenge or encourage us in our personal and corporate spiritual lives?

4. How can we apply the principle of separation from sin, as demonstrated in this passage, in our daily walk with Christ?

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

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 13:11-12
This passage draws a parallel between the sin offering being burned outside the camp and Jesus suffering outside the city gate, highlighting the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system in Christ.

Numbers 19:3
Describes the burning of the red heifer outside the camp, which is another instance of purification rituals involving removal from the community.

Isaiah 53:10
Speaks of the suffering servant as a guilt offering, connecting the concept of atonement through sacrifice to the prophecy of Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:21
Discusses Christ becoming sin for us, which relates to the sin offering's purpose of bearing the community's sin.

1 John 1:9
Emphasizes confession and forgiveness, which is the spiritual counterpart to the physical act of the sin offering.