Leviticus 4:26

He must burn all its fat on the altar, like the fat of the peace offerings; thus the priest will make atonement for that man's sin, and he will be forgiven.

Study Bible

He must burn all its fat on the altar
In the sacrificial system of ancient Israel, the burning of fat on the altar was a significant ritual act. The fat, considered the best part of the animal, was reserved for God, symbolizing the offering of the best to Him. This act of burning the fat was a way to honor God and acknowledge His holiness. The altar, located in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, was the central place of worship and sacrifice, representing God's presence among His people. The burning of fat also served as a reminder of the need for purity and dedication in worship.

like the fat of the peace offerings
The peace offerings, or fellowship offerings, were sacrifices that symbolized reconciliation and communion with God. They were voluntary offerings expressing gratitude and fellowship. By comparing the sin offering to the peace offerings, the text emphasizes the importance of restoring a right relationship with God. The peace offerings were unique in that they allowed the offerer to partake in the meal, symbolizing shared fellowship with God. This connection highlights the communal aspect of worship and the restoration of peace between the sinner and God.

thus the priest will make atonement for that man’s sin
The role of the priest was crucial in the atonement process. As a mediator between God and the people, the priest performed the sacrificial rites to atone for sin. Atonement involved covering or cleansing sin, allowing the individual to be reconciled with God. This process foreshadowed the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ, who, as the perfect High Priest, offered Himself as the final sacrifice for sin. The priest's actions in the Old Testament were a type of Christ's redemptive work on the cross.

and he will be forgiven
Forgiveness was the ultimate goal of the sacrificial system, providing the sinner with a restored relationship with God. This forgiveness was not merely a legal pardon but a relational restoration, allowing the individual to continue in covenant fellowship with God. The assurance of forgiveness pointed to the grace and mercy of God, who provided a means for His people to be cleansed from sin. This concept of forgiveness is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice offers complete and eternal forgiveness for all who believe.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, performing the sacrificial rituals necessary for atonement.

2. Altar
The place where sacrifices are made, symbolizing the presence of God and the means by which atonement is achieved.

3. Sin Offering
A specific type of sacrifice in the Old Testament designed to atone for unintentional sins and restore the sinner to a right relationship with God.

4. Peace Offering
A voluntary sacrifice expressing thanksgiving and fellowship with God, from which the fat is burned in the sin offering.

5. Atonement
The process by which reconciliation between God and humanity is achieved, often through the shedding of blood in the Old Testament context.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The priest's role in making atonement foreshadows Christ's ultimate priesthood, where He intercedes for us and offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice.

The Significance of Sacrifice
Sacrifices in the Old Testament point to the seriousness of sin and the need for a substitute. This underscores the gravity of sin and the costliness of forgiveness.

Atonement and Forgiveness
The process of atonement in Leviticus illustrates God's provision for forgiveness, reminding us of His mercy and the completeness of forgiveness available through Christ.

Symbolism of the Altar
The altar represents a place of meeting with God, where sin is dealt with. In our lives, we must have a 'spiritual altar' where we regularly confess and seek God's forgiveness.

Living in Gratitude
Just as the peace offering was a response of gratitude, our lives should reflect thankfulness for the forgiveness and peace we have through Jesus.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:26 help us understand the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways does the concept of atonement in Leviticus relate to the New Testament teachings on forgiveness and salvation?

3. How can we apply the principle of sacrifice in our daily walk with God, considering the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus?

4. What does the burning of the fat symbolize, and how can this symbolism be applied to our spiritual lives today?

5. How can we cultivate a heart of gratitude similar to the peace offering, in response to the forgiveness we receive through Christ?

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 Jesus Christ.

1 John 1:9
Emphasizes the promise of forgiveness and cleansing from sin when we confess, reflecting the atonement and forgiveness themes in Leviticus.

Romans 3:25
Discusses Jesus as the propitiation for our sins, linking the concept of atonement in Leviticus to the New Testament understanding of Christ's sacrifice.