Leviticus 4:29

He is to lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it at the place of the burnt offering.

Study Bible

He is to lay his hand
The act of laying one's hand on the head of the sin offering is deeply symbolic, representing the transfer of sin from the individual to the animal. In Hebrew, the word for "lay" is "samakh," which implies support or leaning upon. This gesture signifies identification with the offering, acknowledging personal sin and the need for atonement. It is a profound act of confession and repentance, emphasizing the personal responsibility of the sinner in seeking reconciliation with God.

on the head of the sin offering
The "head" of the sin offering is significant as it represents the entirety of the animal. The Hebrew word "rosh" for head often denotes leadership or the beginning, symbolizing that the offering is taking the place of the sinner. The "sin offering," or "chattat" in Hebrew, is a specific type of sacrifice meant to atone for unintentional sins. This offering underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin, reminding the Israelites of their need for purity and the provision God has made for their redemption.

and slaughter it
The act of slaughtering the sin offering is a vivid reminder of the cost of sin. The Hebrew word "shachat" means to kill or slaughter, and it is a solemn act performed by the sinner, not the priest. This personal involvement in the sacrifice highlights the gravity of sin and the necessity of a substitute to bear the penalty. It foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who would bear the sins of humanity.

at the place of the burnt offering
The "place of the burnt offering" refers to the altar in the Tabernacle where sacrifices were made. This location is significant because the burnt offering, or "olah" in Hebrew, was a symbol of complete surrender to God. By slaughtering the sin offering at this place, it connects the act of atonement with the idea of total dedication and worship. It serves as a reminder that forgiveness and reconciliation with God require not only the removal of sin but also a life wholly devoted to Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Offerer
The individual bringing the sin offering, representing the sinner seeking atonement.

2. The Sin Offering
A sacrificial animal, typically a bull or goat, offered to atone for unintentional sins.

3. The Altar of Burnt Offering
Located in the Tabernacle courtyard, where sacrifices were made to God.

4. The Priest
The mediator who performs the sacrificial rites on behalf of the offerer.

5. The Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where sacrifices and worship were conducted.

Teaching Points

Understanding Atonement
The act of laying hands on the sin offering symbolizes the transfer of guilt and the need for atonement. This foreshadows Christ's atoning work on the cross.

The Seriousness of Sin
The requirement of a sin offering underscores the gravity of sin and the need for repentance and reconciliation with God.

Role of the Mediator
The priest's role in the sacrificial process points to Jesus as our High Priest, who mediates on our behalf before God.

Personal Responsibility
The offerer must personally lay hands on the offering, indicating personal responsibility for sin and the need for individual repentance.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The sin offering prefigures Christ's ultimate sacrifice, teaching us about God's provision for sin and the importance of faith in His redemptive plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the act of laying hands on the sin offering teach us about personal responsibility for sin?

2. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:29 point to the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

3. In what ways does the sin offering in Leviticus foreshadow the sacrifice of Christ on the cross?

4. How can understanding the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement impact our daily walk with God?

5. How do the concepts of atonement and sacrifice in Leviticus 4:29 connect with New Testament teachings on forgiveness and redemption?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 1:4
This verse also discusses the laying on of hands, signifying the transfer of sin from the offerer to the sacrifice.

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

Isaiah 53:6
Describes the concept of substitutionary atonement, where the iniquity of us all was laid on Christ, similar to the sin offering.

Romans 3:25
Discusses Jesus as the propitiation for our sins, fulfilling the role of the sin offering in a complete and final way.