TRV
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 16:15–19.
When the priest had come out from the sprinkling the blood of the bullock before the mercy-seat, 1. He must next kill the goat which was the sin-offering for the people (Lev 16:15) and go the third time into the holy of holies, to sprinkle the blood of the goat, as he had done that of the bullock; and thus he was to make atonement for the holy place (Lev 16:16); that is, whereas the people by their sins had provoked God to take away those tokens of his favourable presence with them, and rendered even that holy place unfit to be the habitation of the holy God, atonement was hereby made for sin, that God, being reconciled to them, might continue with them. 2. He must then do the same for the outward part of the tabernacle that he had done for the inner room, by sprinkling the blood of the bullock first, and then that of the goat, without the veil, where the table and incense-altar stood, eight times each as before. The reason intimated is because the tabernacle remained among them in the midst of their uncleanness, Lev 16:16. God would hereby show them how much their hearts needed to be purified, when even the tabernacle, only by standing in the midst of such an impure and sinful people, needed this expiation; and also that even their devotions and religious performances had much amiss in them, for which it was necessary that atonement should be made. During this solemnity, none of the inferior priests must come into the tabernacle (Lev 16:17), but, by standing without, must own themselves unworthy and unfit to minister there, because their follies, and defects, and manifold impurities in their ministry, had made this expiation of the tabernacle necessary. 3. He must then put some of the blood, both of the bullock and of the goat mixed together, upon the horns of the altar that is before the Lord, Lev 16:18, Lev 16:19. It is certain that the altar of incense had this blood put upon it, for so it is expressly ordered (Exo 30:10); but some think that this directs the high priest to the altar of burnt-offerings, for that also is here called the altar before the Lord (Lev 16:12), because he is said to go out to it, and because it may be presumed that that also had need of an expiation; for to that the gifts and offerings of the children of Israel were all brought, from whose uncleanness the altar is here said to be hallowed.
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Summary
Leviticus 16:18 details a crucial phase of the Day of Atonement rituals, where the High Priest, having already atoned for the Most Holy Place and the Tent of Meeting, proceeds to purify the Altar of Burnt Offering. This act involves applying the blood of both the bullock (for the priest's sins) and the goat (for the people's sins) to the altar's horns, signifying a comprehensive cleansing of all sacred spaces from the defilement of sin, thereby maintaining God's holy presence among His people.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 16 provides the detailed divine instructions for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the most solemn day in the Israelite calendar. This elaborate ritual, performed annually by the High Priest, was designed to cleanse the entire tabernacle complex—including the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar—from the accumulated defilement caused by the sins and impurities of the people of Israel. Prior to verse 18, the High Priest has already entered the Most Holy Place with the blood of the bullock and the goat, sprinkling it on and before the mercy seat to make atonement for himself, his household, and the congregation, as described in Leviticus 16:14-16. He then makes atonement for the Tent of Meeting, which dwells among the people in their uncleanness (Leviticus 16:16-17). Verse 18 marks the next logical step in this comprehensive purification process, extending the atoning work to the large bronze altar in the outer court, which was constantly used for daily sacrifices and thus continually defiled by the sins of the people.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was the only day of the year when the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place, emphasizing its unique sacredness and the gravity of sin. The altar mentioned in Leviticus 16:18 is the Altar of Burnt Offering, a large bronze structure located in the outer court of the Tabernacle (later the Temple). This altar was central to Israelite worship, as it was where all animal sacrifices—for sin, guilt, burnt offerings, and peace offerings—were presented to God. Because it was the primary point of contact between sinful people and a holy God, and because the blood of sin offerings was regularly poured out at its base, the altar itself became ceremonially defiled by the very sins it helped to atone for. Thus, it required its own purification. The ritual described underscores the Israelite understanding that sin was not merely a personal transgression but had a pervasive defiling effect, contaminating even the sacred objects and spaces dedicated to God's worship, necessitating a thorough and annual cleansing to maintain the divine-human relationship.
Key Themes
Leviticus 16, and particularly verse 18, profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. Central is the theme of God's Holiness and the absolute necessity of approaching Him on His terms. The meticulous rituals underscore that a holy God cannot dwell amidst an unholy people without consuming them, thus requiring elaborate provisions for purification. This leads directly to the theme of the Pervasiveness of Sin, demonstrating that sin defiles not only individuals but also the very spaces and objects used in worship, necessitating a comprehensive cleansing for all aspects of life and worship. The entire chapter, including the altar's purification, highlights the theme of Atonement and Expiation, emphasizing that reconciliation with God is achieved through the shedding of blood and a divinely ordained process of covering or purging sin. Finally, the role of the High Priest in mediating this atonement underscores the theme of Mediation, a concept that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, as seen in passages like Hebrews 9.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The Hebrew verb כָּפַר (kâphar) means "to cover," "to purge," "to make propitiation," or "to cleanse." In the context of the Day of Atonement, it signifies the act of cleansing or purifying the altar from the defilement of sin, rendering it fit for divine service once more. It is not merely a superficial covering but an act that makes reconciliation possible by addressing the impurity that separates.
The Hebrew word מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbêach) refers to a place of slaughter or sacrifice. Here, it specifically denotes the Altar of Burnt Offering, the large bronze altar in the Tabernacle's outer court. Its purification was essential because it was the primary interface between the people's sin offerings and God's holiness, constantly accumulating ritual impurity from the daily sacrifices.
The Hebrew word קֶרֶן (qeren) refers to the prominent, horn-like projections at each of the altar's four corners. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, horns often symbolized strength, power, and dignity. Applying blood to these prominent features of the altar signified a complete and powerful sanctification, dedicating the entire altar to its sacred purpose and purifying it from any defilement.
Verse Breakdown
"And he shall go out unto the altar that [is] before the LORD"
Following his work inside the Most Holy Place and the Tent of Meeting, the High Priest exits the inner sanctuary and approaches the large bronze Altar of Burnt Offering, which stands in the Tabernacle's outer court, directly "before the LORD" in the sense of being in His presence. This movement signifies a progression of the atoning work from the innermost to the outermost sacred spaces.
"and make an atonement for it"
The High Priest's action is explicitly stated as making "atonement" for the altar. This highlights that even inanimate objects used in worship could become defiled by human sin and required purification to remain holy and acceptable for God's service. The altar, constantly used for sacrifices, accumulated ceremonial impurity.
"and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat"
The High Priest uses a mixture of the blood from two distinct sacrifices: the bullock (offered for his own sins and those of his household) and the goat (offered for the sins of the people). This combined application underscores the comprehensive nature of the atonement, acknowledging that both the priesthood and the congregation contributed to the defilement of the sacred space.
"and put [it] upon the horns of the altar round about"
The specific application of the blood to the "horns" of the altar, which symbolized strength and prominence, indicates a thorough and complete purification. By applying the blood "round about," the High Priest ensures that the entire altar is consecrated and cleansed, making it fully sanctified for its ongoing role in mediating between God and His people.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 16:18 employs several significant literary devices. Symbolism is paramount, with the blood representing life and the means of purification and expiation, underscoring the principle that "without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22). The horns of the altar symbolize strength, power, and the focal point of the altar's sacred function, making their purification a powerful visual statement of comprehensive cleansing. The entire ritual is a form of ritual purity, a meticulously prescribed set of actions designed to remove ceremonial defilement and restore sacred objects and spaces to a state acceptable for the presence of a holy God. Furthermore, the detailed, repeated actions within the Day of Atonement, including the purification of the altar, serve as a profound typology, foreshadowing the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which would achieve a perfect and eternal cleansing for all who believe, far surpassing the temporary efficacy of these Old Covenant rituals.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 16:18 profoundly illustrates the pervasive nature of sin and the absolute holiness of God. Sin is not merely a personal transgression but has a defiling effect that contaminates even the sacred spaces and instruments dedicated to divine worship. The meticulous cleansing of the altar, following the purification of the Most Holy Place and the Tent of Meeting, emphasizes that God's presence cannot abide with uncleanness, necessitating a comprehensive and divinely ordained means of atonement. This ritual underscores the Old Covenant principle that life (symbolized by blood) must be offered to cover or purge sin, making reconciliation possible and allowing God's holy presence to dwell among His people without consuming them. It highlights the seriousness with which God views sin and the extraordinary measures required to bridge the chasm between human impurity and divine perfection.
Reflection and Application
Leviticus 16:18, while describing an ancient ritual, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us of the pervasive nature of sin, which not only defiles individuals but also impacts our environments, relationships, and even our spiritual practices. The need for the altar's purification underscores that even our acts of worship, if not approached with reverence and a recognition of God's holiness, can be tainted by our fallenness. This verse calls us to a deeper appreciation for the thoroughness of God's redemptive work. Just as every part of the Tabernacle needed cleansing, so too does every facet of our lives require the purifying touch of God's grace. It challenges us to consider what "altars" in our lives—our places of worship, our daily routines, our hearts—might need purification and dedication to the Lord. It fosters a spirit of humility, recognizing our constant need for divine cleansing, and a sense of wonder at the provision God makes for us to draw near to Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was the altar, an inanimate object, considered to be defiled and in need of atonement?
The altar, though inanimate, was the primary point of contact between sinful people and a holy God. It was where the blood of sin offerings was poured out and where the sins of the people were symbolically laid upon the sacrifices. Over time, the accumulated defilement from the sins of the Israelites, whose offerings were brought upon it, rendered it ceremonially impure. God's absolute holiness meant that anything associated with His dwelling place, even objects, had to be ritually pure to maintain His presence among His people without consuming them. This purification was not because the altar itself sinned, but because it absorbed the impurity of the sin offerings and the people. The ritual ensured the continued sanctity of the space where God met with His people, as detailed in Leviticus 16:16.
What is the significance of applying the blood to the "horns" of the altar?
The horns of the altar were prominent projections at each of its four corners, symbolizing strength, power, and the altar's central role in worship. In ancient cultures, horns often represented dignity or authority. Applying the blood to these specific points signified a complete and powerful sanctification and dedication of the entire altar. It was a visible act demonstrating that the atoning blood had cleansed and consecrated the very essence and function of the altar, making it fully acceptable and holy for its sacred purpose. This act was crucial for the altar to continue serving as the place where God received offerings for the atonement of sins, as described in Exodus 29:12.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 16:18, like the entire Day of Atonement ritual, serves as a profound type pointing to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The repeated, annual cleansing of the Tabernacle and its instruments, including the altar, underscored the temporary and incomplete nature of Old Covenant sacrifices. They could only "cover" sins for a year and continually reminded the people of their ongoing need for atonement. In stark contrast, Christ's once-for-all sacrifice on the cross achieved a complete and eternal atonement, not just for people, but effectively purifying the very "heavenly things" from the defilement of human sin (Hebrews 9:23-24). The blood of bulls and goats could only cleanse ceremonially; Christ's precious blood cleanses the conscience and purifies the heart, granting direct access to God (Hebrews 9:14). The High Priest had to repeatedly cleanse the altar; Jesus, by His single perfect offering, became both the High Priest and the sacrifice, making purification for sins once for all time and sitting down at the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:12). Through Him, we are not merely covered, but truly cleansed and reconciled, having boldness to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19).