Leviticus 4:4

He must bring the bull to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, lay his hand on the bull's head, and slaughter it before the LORD.

Study Bible

He must bring the bull to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD
This phrase indicates the requirement for the sin offering, specifically for the anointed priest who has sinned. The bull, a valuable and significant animal, symbolizes the gravity of sin and the need for atonement. The "entrance to the Tent of Meeting" is significant as it represents the place where God meets with His people, emphasizing the need for reconciliation with God. The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was a portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. This act of bringing the bull to the entrance signifies the sinner's acknowledgment of their sin and the need for divine forgiveness. The phrase "before the LORD" underscores the presence of God in the sacrificial process, highlighting that the offering is made directly to Him, acknowledging His holiness and justice.

lay his hand on the bull’s head
The laying of hands on the bull's head is a symbolic act of identification and transfer. By doing this, the priest identifies with the animal, symbolically transferring his sin and guilt onto the bull. This act signifies the substitutionary nature of the sacrifice, where the bull bears the penalty of sin on behalf of the sinner. This concept of substitution is foundational in the sacrificial system and foreshadows the ultimate substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who bore the sins of humanity on the cross. The laying on of hands is a recurring biblical theme, seen in other contexts such as the ordination of leaders and the impartation of blessings.

and slaughter it before the LORD
The slaughtering of the bull is a vivid and solemn act, representing the seriousness of sin and the cost of atonement. The act of killing the animal underscores the principle that sin leads to death, as stated in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death." The phrase "before the LORD" reiterates that this act is performed in the presence of God, emphasizing His role as the ultimate judge and the one who provides atonement. The shedding of blood is central to the sacrificial system, as it is the means by which atonement is made, pointing forward to the blood of Christ, which cleanses from all sin. This act of sacrifice is a precursor to the New Testament understanding of Christ's atoning work, where He is both the High Priest and the sacrificial Lamb.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
The individual responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals, acting as a mediator between the people and God.

2. The Bull
A sacrificial animal used for sin offerings, symbolizing atonement and purification.

3. The Tent of Meeting
Also known as the Tabernacle, it was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His holiness and the need for atonement.

5. The Act of Laying Hands
A symbolic gesture representing the transfer of sin from the individual to the sacrificial animal.

Teaching Points

The Necessity of Atonement
The sacrificial system underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and provides eternal redemption.

Symbolism of the Sacrifice
The laying of hands on the bull signifies the transfer of guilt and the need for a substitute. This act foreshadows Christ's role as our substitute, taking on our sins.

Approaching God with Reverence
The act of bringing the sacrifice to the Tent of Meeting highlights the importance of approaching God with reverence and obedience. It reminds us of the holiness of God and the respect due to Him.

The Role of the Mediator
The priest's role as a mediator points to Jesus as our High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf and provides a way to God.

Confession and Repentance
The sacrificial system emphasizes the importance of acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness. In our lives, this translates to regular confession and repentance, trusting in Christ's atoning work.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the act of laying hands on the bull in Leviticus 4:4 relate to the concept of substitutionary atonement in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the role of the priest in Leviticus 4:4 foreshadow the role of Jesus as our High Priest?

3. How can understanding the sacrificial system in Leviticus deepen our appreciation for Christ's sacrifice on the cross?

4. What does the requirement to bring the sacrifice to the Tent of Meeting teach us about approaching God in our own lives?

5. How can we apply the principles of confession and repentance from Leviticus 4:4 to our daily walk with God, as seen in 1 John 1:9?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
Discusses the limitations of the Old Testament sacrifices and how they point to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Isaiah 53
Describes the suffering servant, who bears the sins of many, paralleling the concept of substitutionary atonement.

1 John 1:9
Emphasizes confession and forgiveness, connecting the Old Testament practice of atonement with New Testament teachings on repentance and grace.