The sin-offering, as outlined in the Old Testament, is a critical component of the sacrificial system instituted by God for the atonement of sins. Specifically, when a priest sinned, the offering required was a young bullock, or young bull, which underscores the gravity of sin committed by those in spiritual leadership and the need for a significant sacrifice to atone for such transgressions.

Biblical Foundation

The instructions for the sin-offering are primarily found in the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus 4:3-12 provides detailed instructions for the sin-offering required when a priest sins unintentionally, bringing guilt upon the people. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the LORD a young bull without blemish as a sin offering for the sin he has committed. He is to present the bull at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, lay his hand on the bull’s head, and slaughter it before the LORD. Then the anointed priest shall take some of the bull’s blood and bring it into the Tent of Meeting. He is to dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle it seven times before the LORD in front of the veil of the sanctuary. The priest shall then apply some of the blood to the horns of the altar of fragrant incense that is before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting. The rest of the bull’s blood he is to pour out at the base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. He must remove all the fat from the bull of the sin offering—the fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on them, the two kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys—just as the fat is removed from the ox of the peace offering. Then the priest shall burn them on the altar of burnt offering. But the hide of the bull and all its flesh, with its head and legs and its entrails and dung— all the rest of the bull—he must take outside the camp to a ceremonially clean place, to the ash heap, and burn it there on a wood fire; it is to be burned on the ash heap."

Theological Significance

The requirement of a young bullock for the sin-offering of a priest highlights the seriousness of sin, especially among those who serve as mediators between God and His people. The priest's sin not only affects his own standing before God but also brings guilt upon the entire community. Therefore, the offering of a young bullock, a valuable and significant sacrifice, reflects the need for a substantial atonement.

The act of laying hands on the bullock symbolizes the transfer of sin from the priest to the animal, which then bears the penalty of sin through its death. The sprinkling of blood before the veil and the application of blood on the altar's horns signify purification and the restoration of the priest's relationship with God.

Ritual Procedures

The ritual procedures for the sin-offering are meticulous, emphasizing the holiness required in approaching God. The blood, representing life, is central to the atonement process, as it is used to cleanse and sanctify the sacred spaces within the Tent of Meeting. The burning of the fat on the altar signifies the offering of the best parts to God, while the disposal of the remaining parts outside the camp underscores the removal of sin from the community.

Christological Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the sin-offering finds its ultimate fulfillment in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is described as the perfect high priest and the ultimate sin-offering. Hebrews 9:11-14 explains:

"But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death so that we may serve the living God!"

Thus, the sin-offering of a young bullock for priests in the Old Testament serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who provides complete atonement for sin and reconciles humanity to God.Leviticus 4:3
If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he has sinned, a young bullock without blemish to the LORD for a sin offering.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 9:2,8
And he said to Aaron, Take you a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer them before the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 16:3,6
Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... importance to all, and especially to the young, to attain ... made us unto our God, kings
and priests, and we ... be joined, to the church, which then consisted of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... is that which is called 'the court of the priests,' because it ... and in which they
prepared the sin-offering for the ... The young man in the gospel, who made such a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

What is a sin offering? | GotQuestions.org

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