Leviticus 4:34

Then the priest is to take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and pour out the rest of its blood at the base of the altar.

Study Bible

Then the priest is to take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger
In the Levitical system, the priest acts as a mediator between God and the people. The use of blood signifies atonement, as blood represents life (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 (Hebrews 9:11-14), who offers His own blood for the atonement of humanity's sins.

put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering
The altar of burnt offering, located in the Tabernacle's outer court, was central to Israel's sacrificial system. The horns of the altar symbolize strength and salvation (Psalm 18:2). Applying blood to the horns signifies the transfer of sin and the plea for divine mercy. This act points to the power of Christ's sacrifice, which provides salvation and strength to believers (Romans 1:16).

and pour out the rest of its blood at the base of the altar
Pouring the remaining blood at the altar's base signifies the complete offering of life to God. It represents the total surrender and cleansing from sin. This act prefigures the complete and sufficient sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:28). The base of the altar, being the foundation, highlights the foundational nature of Christ's sacrifice in the believer's faith.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest acts as a mediator between the people and God, performing the sacrificial rituals to atone for sins.

2. Sin Offering
A specific type of sacrifice in the Old Testament, intended to atone for unintentional sins and restore the relationship between the sinner and God.

3. Altar of Burnt Offering
Located in the Tabernacle, this altar is where sacrifices were made to God, symbolizing atonement and dedication.

4. Horns of the Altar
Protrusions on the altar that were anointed with blood as part of the sacrificial ritual, symbolizing the power and presence of God.

5. Base of the Altar
The area where the remaining blood of the sacrifice was poured, signifying the complete offering of the sacrifice to God.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The priest's actions in the sacrificial process highlight the need for a mediator between humanity and God, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate role as our High Priest.

Significance of Blood
Blood symbolizes life and atonement, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the cost of reconciliation with God.

Symbolism of the Altar
The altar represents a place of meeting between God and man, where sin is addressed, and forgiveness is granted.

Understanding Atonement
The sin offering illustrates the concept of atonement, pointing to the necessity of a substitute to bear the penalty of sin.

Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus' sacrifice fulfills the requirements of the law, providing a once-for-all atonement for sin, rendering the Old Testament sacrificial system complete.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:34 foreshadow the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. What is the significance of applying blood to the horns of the altar, and how does this relate to the power and presence of God?

3. In what ways does the sin offering in Leviticus point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

4. How can understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system deepen our appreciation for the atonement provided by Christ?

5. How does the concept of atonement in Leviticus 4:34 challenge us to live in light of the forgiveness we have received through Jesus?

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.

Exodus 29:12
This passage describes the anointing of the altar with blood during the consecration of Aaron and his sons, establishing a precedent for the ritual described in Leviticus.

1 John 1:7
This verse speaks of the blood of Jesus purifying us from all sin, drawing a parallel to the cleansing power of the sin offering in Leviticus.