Leviticus 4:31

Then he is to remove all the fat, just as it is removed from the peace offering, and the priest is to burn it on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. In this way the priest will make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven.

Study Bible

Then he is to remove all the fat
In the sacrificial system, the removal of fat symbolizes the offering of the best parts to God. Fat was considered the richest part of the animal, representing abundance and blessing. This act signifies giving God the choicest portions, reflecting the principle of offering our best to Him. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, fat was often associated with wealth and prosperity, making its offering a significant gesture of devotion.

just as it is removed from the peace offering
The peace offering, or "shelamim," was a voluntary sacrifice expressing thanksgiving and fellowship with God. The removal of fat in both the sin offering and the peace offering indicates a consistent ritual practice, emphasizing the importance of purity and dedication in worship. This connection highlights the continuity and unity of the sacrificial system, where different offerings share common elements, pointing to a holistic approach to atonement and worship.

and the priest is to burn it on the altar
The burning of the fat on the altar signifies the complete surrender of the offering to God. Fire in biblical symbolism often represents God's presence and purification. The altar, central to Israelite worship, serves as the meeting point between God and man, where sacrifices are made to atone for sin and express devotion. This act of burning transforms the physical offering into a spiritual one, ascending to God.

as a pleasing aroma to the LORD
The phrase "pleasing aroma" is a recurring motif in the Old Testament, indicating God's acceptance of the sacrifice. It suggests that the offering, when made according to God's instructions, is received favorably by Him. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Christ's sacrifice is described as a "fragrant offering" (Ephesians 5:2), drawing a parallel between the Old Testament sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.

In this way the priest will make atonement for him
Atonement involves reconciliation between God and humanity, achieved through the sacrificial system. The priest acts as a mediator, performing the ritual to cover the sins of the individual. This foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest, who makes atonement for humanity through His sacrifice on the cross, as described in Hebrews 9:11-14.

and he will be forgiven
Forgiveness is the ultimate goal of the sacrificial system, restoring the relationship between the sinner and God. This assurance of forgiveness reflects God's mercy and grace, foundational themes throughout Scripture. The concept of forgiveness through sacrifice is fulfilled in the New Testament, where Jesus' death and resurrection provide complete and eternal forgiveness for those who believe, as seen in passages like 1 John 1:9.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Altar
The place where sacrifices are offered to God, symbolizing His presence and the means of atonement.

3. Peace Offering
A type of sacrifice in the Old Testament that symbolizes fellowship and reconciliation with God.

4. Atonement
The process by which sin is covered or forgiven, restoring the relationship between the sinner and God.

5. Israelites
The people of God who are given the law and instructions for maintaining a covenant relationship with Him.

Teaching Points

Understanding Atonement
The concept of atonement in Leviticus points to the seriousness of sin and the need for a mediator. Jesus is our ultimate High Priest who provides complete atonement.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The removal and burning of fat symbolize the offering of the best parts to God. In our lives, we are called to offer our best to God in worship and service.

Forgiveness and Restoration
The sacrificial system provided a way for the Israelites to be forgiven and restored. Today, we find forgiveness and restoration through faith in Jesus Christ.

Role of the Priest
The priest's role in making atonement foreshadows Christ's intercessory work. We are called to be a "royal priesthood," interceding for others and sharing the gospel.

Pleasing Aroma
The pleasing aroma to the LORD signifies acceptance. Our lives, when lived in obedience and faith, are a pleasing aroma to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:31 foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

2. In what ways can we offer our "best parts" to God in our daily lives, similar to the removal of fat in the peace offering?

3. How does understanding the concept of atonement in Leviticus enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice on the cross?

4. What does it mean for our lives to be a "pleasing aroma" to the LORD, and how can we cultivate this in our spiritual walk?

5. How can we apply the principle of intercession, as seen in the priest's role, in our prayer life and ministry to others?

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.

Romans 3:25
Discusses Jesus as the propitiation for our sins, fulfilling the atonement foreshadowed in Leviticus.

1 John 1:9
Emphasizes the forgiveness and cleansing from sin available through confession, reflecting the atonement process in Leviticus.

Psalm 51:16-17
Highlights the importance of a contrite heart over ritual sacrifice, pointing to the heart attitude behind the offerings.

Hebrews 10:1-4
Explains the limitations of the Old Testament sacrifices and the need for a perfect sacrifice in Christ.