Leviticus 4:25

Then the priest is to take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar.

Study Bible

Then the priest is to take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger
In the sacrificial system, the priest acts as a mediator between God and the people. The use of blood signifies atonement, as life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). The priest's role in handling the blood underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for purification. This act foreshadows the ultimate mediation of Christ, who offers His own blood for the atonement of humanity's sins (Hebrews 9:12).

put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering
The horns of the altar symbolize strength and power. By applying the blood to the horns, the priest consecrates the altar, making it a place where atonement is achieved. This act signifies the transfer of sin from the individual to the altar, pointing to the future sacrifice of Jesus, who bears the sins of the world (John 1:29). The altar of burnt offering, located in the Tabernacle's courtyard, was central to Israelite worship and sacrificial practices.

and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar
Pouring the remaining blood at the base of the altar signifies the complete offering of life to God. This act of pouring out represents the total surrender and cleansing from sin. It prefigures the complete sacrifice of Christ, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:28). The base of the altar, being the foundation, symbolizes the grounding of the covenant relationship between God and His people, established through sacrificial atonement.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest acts as a mediator between the people and God, performing the ritual duties required for atonement.

2. Sin Offering
A sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins, symbolizing purification and forgiveness.

3. Altar of Burnt Offering
A sacred place where sacrifices were made, representing the presence of God and the means of atonement.

4. Horns of the Altar
Projections on the altar symbolizing strength and power, where blood was applied as part of the atonement process.

5. Base of the Altar
The foundation of the altar where the remaining blood was poured, signifying the complete offering to God.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The priest's actions foreshadow Christ's mediatory role. Just as the priest applied the blood for atonement, Christ's sacrifice provides the ultimate atonement for our sins.

The Significance of Blood
Blood symbolizes life and purification. In the Old Testament, it was essential for atonement, pointing to the necessity of Christ's blood for our redemption.

The Altar as a Place of Encounter
The altar represents a meeting place between God and man. Our modern "altar" is our heart, where we encounter God through prayer and repentance.

The Completeness of the Sacrifice
Pouring the remaining blood at the base signifies the totality of the offering. In our lives, we are called to offer ourselves wholly to God, holding nothing back.

The Power of Atonement
The ritual underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It reminds us of the gravity of sin and the grace available through Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:25 help us understand the role of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways does the application of blood on the altar's horns relate to the concept of strength and power in our spiritual lives?

3. How can we apply the idea of the altar as a place of encounter with God in our daily spiritual practices?

4. What does the completeness of the sin offering teach us about the nature of our commitment to God?

5. How can understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Exodus 29:12
Describes the consecration of the altar with blood, similar to the ritual in Leviticus, emphasizing the sanctification process.

1 John 1:7
Speaks of the blood of Jesus purifying us from all sin, drawing a parallel to the cleansing power of the sin offering.

Romans 3:25
Discusses Jesus as a propitiation through faith in His blood, linking the concept of atonement in Leviticus to the New Testament understanding of salvation.