Leviticus 4:30

Then the priest is to take some of its blood 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 its blood 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 Christ's role as the ultimate High Priest who offers His own blood for the atonement of humanity's sins (Hebrews 9:11-14).

put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering
The horns of the altar symbolize strength and salvation. By applying blood to the horns, the priest consecrates the altar and signifies the power of the sacrifice to atone for sin. This act points to the power of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, which provides salvation and strength to believers (Psalm 18:2). The altar of burnt offering, located in the Tabernacle's outer court, was central to Israel's worship and sacrificial system.

and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar
Pouring out the blood at the base of the altar signifies the complete offering of life to God. It represents the total surrender and dedication required in worship. This act prefigures the complete sacrifice of Jesus, who poured out His life unto death (Isaiah 53:12). The base of the altar, where the blood is poured, serves as a reminder of the foundation of atonement and reconciliation with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest acts as a mediator between the people and God, performing the sacrificial rituals as prescribed in the Law.

2. Altar of Burnt Offering
A sacred place where sacrifices were made to atone for sins and seek God's favor.

3. Blood
Symbolizes life and is used in the sacrificial system to atone for sin, representing the seriousness of sin and the need for purification.

4. Horns of the Altar
The projections on the altar where blood was applied, symbolizing the power and presence of God.

5. Sin Offering
A specific type of sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins, highlighting the need for repentance and forgiveness.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin requires atonement, and the sacrificial system underscores the gravity of sin and the need for repentance.

The Role of the Priest
The priest's role as a mediator foreshadows Christ's ultimate priesthood, reminding us of our need for a mediator with God.

Symbolism of Blood
Blood represents life and purification, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood cleanses us from all sin.

The Altar as a Place of Encounter
The altar signifies a meeting place with God, where sin is addressed, and reconciliation is made possible.

Continuity and Fulfillment in Christ
The sacrificial system finds its fulfillment in Jesus, who is the perfect and final sacrifice for sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:30 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 symbolize the power and presence of God in dealing with sin?

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

4. What practical steps can we take to acknowledge the seriousness of sin in our daily lives?

5. How do the concepts of atonement and forgiveness in Leviticus 4:30 connect with New Testament teachings on grace and redemption?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9:22
This verse emphasizes that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

1 John 1:7
Discusses the cleansing power of Jesus' blood, drawing a parallel to the purification rituals in Leviticus.

Exodus 29:12
Provides instructions for consecrating the altar, showing the continuity of sacrificial practices.

Romans 3:25
Speaks of Jesus as a propitiation through faith in His blood, linking the Old Testament sacrifices to the New Testament understanding of atonement.