Leviticus 9:15

Aaron then presented the people's offering. He took the male goat for the people's sin offering, slaughtered it, and offered it for sin like the first one.

Study Bible

Aaron then presented the people’s offering.
Aaron, as the high priest, acts as the mediator between God and the Israelites. This role is significant in the Levitical priesthood, where the high priest represents the people before God. The presentation of the offering signifies the people's acknowledgment of their need for atonement and reconciliation with God. This act prefigures Christ, our High Priest, who presents Himself as the ultimate offering for humanity's sins.

He took the male goat for the people’s sin offering,
The male goat is chosen as the sin offering, which is a common practice in the Levitical sacrificial system. The goat symbolizes the transfer of the people's sins onto the animal, which is then sacrificed to atone for those sins. This foreshadows the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ, who takes upon Himself the sins of the world.

slaughtered it,
The act of slaughtering the goat is a vivid reminder of the seriousness of sin and the cost of atonement. Bloodshed is necessary for the forgiveness of sins, as stated in Hebrews 9:22. This sacrificial act points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins.

and offered it for sin like the first one.
The phrase "like the first one" refers to the earlier sin offering made for Aaron and his sons, emphasizing the need for repeated sacrifices under the Old Covenant. This repetition highlights the insufficiency of animal sacrifices to fully atone for sin, contrasting with the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ, as described in Hebrews 10:10. The offering for sin underscores the holiness of God and the necessity of purification for His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He is responsible for performing the sacrifices and offerings as instructed by God.

2. The People of Israel
The congregation for whom the sin offering is made. They are the recipients of God's covenant and laws.

3. The Male Goat
Used as a sin offering for the people. It symbolizes the transfer of sin from the people to the sacrificial animal.

4. The Tabernacle
The place where the offerings and sacrifices are made. It serves as the dwelling place of God among His people.

5. Sin Offering
A specific type of sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins and to purify the people before God.

Teaching Points

The Role of the High Priest
Aaron's role as high priest prefigures Christ's ultimate priesthood. Just as Aaron mediated between God and the people, Christ is our mediator, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice.

The Seriousness of Sin
The need for a sin offering underscores the seriousness of sin and its consequences. It reminds us of the need for repentance and the provision of atonement through Christ.

The Necessity of Atonement
The sin offering highlights the necessity of atonement for reconciliation with God. It points to the ultimate atonement made by Jesus on the cross.

God’s Provision for Forgiveness
The provision of a sin offering demonstrates God's desire to forgive and restore His people. It encourages us to seek His forgiveness through Christ.

The Importance of Obedience
Aaron's obedience in performing the sacrifices as commanded reflects the importance of following God's instructions. It challenges us to live in obedience to God's Word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Aaron's role as high priest in Leviticus 9:15 foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as described in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the sin offering in Leviticus 9:15 highlight the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement?

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

4. What does the provision of a sin offering in Leviticus 9:15 teach us about God's character and His desire for a relationship with His people?

5. How can we apply the principles of obedience and reverence seen in Leviticus 9:15 to our daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
This chapter discusses the role of Christ as the ultimate high priest and His sacrifice as the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system, including the sin offerings.

Isaiah 53
The prophecy of the suffering servant who bears the sins of many, paralleling the role of the sin offering in Leviticus.

1 John 1:9
Emphasizes the confession of sins and God's faithfulness to forgive, reflecting the purpose of the sin offering in maintaining a right relationship with God.