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 shall remove all the fat
In the Hebrew text, the word for "fat" is "חֵלֶב" (chelev), which refers to the choicest or best part of the animal. In ancient Israelite culture, fat was considered the richest part of the animal, symbolizing abundance and blessing. The removal of fat signifies offering the best to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty. This act of setting aside the best for God is a reminder of the call to give our best in worship and service, reflecting a heart fully devoted to Him.

just as the fat is removed from the peace offering
The peace offering, or "שֶׁלֶם" (shelem), was a voluntary act of worship, expressing thanksgiving and fellowship with God. By paralleling the sin offering with the peace offering, the text emphasizes the continuity and consistency in the sacrificial system. It highlights the importance of approaching God with a heart of gratitude and reconciliation, even when seeking forgiveness. This connection underscores the holistic nature of worship, where atonement and thanksgiving are intertwined.

and the priest shall burn it on the altar
The act of burning the fat on the altar, "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach), signifies the complete dedication of the offering to God. The altar, a sacred place of sacrifice, represents the meeting point between the divine and the human. The burning process transforms the physical into the spiritual, symbolizing the ascent of the offering to God. This act serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God's presence, where our offerings, when given in faith, are sanctified and accepted.

as a pleasing aroma to the LORD
The phrase "pleasing aroma," or "רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ" (rei'ach nichoach), conveys the idea of divine satisfaction and acceptance. In the ancient Near Eastern context, aromas were often associated with the presence and favor of deities. For the Israelites, this imagery communicates God's pleasure in the sincere worship and repentance of His people. It reassures believers that their genuine acts of contrition and devotion are received by God with grace and favor.

In this way the priest will make atonement for him
The Hebrew word for "atonement" is "כָּפַר" (kaphar), meaning to cover or to reconcile. The priest, acting as a mediator, facilitates the process of reconciliation between the sinner and God. This foreshadows the ultimate atonement made by Christ, our High Priest, who reconciles us to God through His sacrifice. It emphasizes the necessity of mediation and the grace extended to us through divine provision.

and he will be forgiven
Forgiveness, or "סָלַח" (salach), is a profound act of divine mercy. It signifies the removal of guilt and the restoration of relationship with God. This assurance of forgiveness is central to the covenant relationship between God and His people. It highlights the boundless grace of God, who is always ready to forgive those who come to Him with a contrite heart. This promise of forgiveness is a source of hope and encouragement, reminding believers of the steadfast love and faithfulness of God.

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.