Leviticus 4:10

Commentary on Leviticus 4:10 (KJV)

Leviticus 4:10 is part of the detailed instructions concerning the sin offering, specifically addressing how certain parts of the sacrificial animal were to be handled. This verse focuses on the fat portions of the bullock used for the sin offering, drawing a direct parallel to the procedure for the peace offering.

Context

Chapter 4 of Leviticus outlines the laws for unintentional sins (sins committed "through ignorance" or "unwittingly"). These offerings were crucial for maintaining the holiness of the camp and the people's relationship with God, as even unintentional sin required atonement. The type of animal and the specific rituals varied based on who committed the sin – a priest, the whole congregation, a ruler, or a common person. Verse 10 specifically refers to the fat of the bullock, which was typically offered when a priest or the entire congregation sinned.

Key Themes

• Atonement for Unintentional Sin: The sin offering highlighted God's absolute holiness and the seriousness of all sin, even those committed without deliberate intent. It demonstrated that even accidental transgressions created a barrier that needed divine cleansing.
• "The Lord's Portion": The fat (Hebrew: chelev) of the sacrificial animal was consistently considered the best and richest part, reserved exclusively for God. Burning the fat on the altar symbolized giving God the choicest and most valuable part, signifying complete devotion and surrender. This practice is also seen with the sacrifice of peace offerings, as explicitly stated in this verse.
• Priestly Role: The priest played a critical role in mediating between God and the people. His precise execution of these rituals was essential for the offering to be acceptable and effective for atonement. The instruction "the priest shall burn them" underscores his specific duty.
• Divine Order and Specificity: The meticulous instructions in Leviticus underscore God's demand for precise obedience in worship. Every detail, from the type of animal to the handling of its parts, was divinely ordained, emphasizing the sacredness and gravity of the sacrificial system.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fat" (חֵלֶב - chelev) signifies not just the adipose tissue but often implies the best, the richest, or the choicest part of something. By burning the fat on the altar, the Israelites were offering the "best" to God, acknowledging His supremacy and worthiness of the highest honor.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament sacrificial system no longer applies today due to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, this verse offers timeless insights:

• Seriousness of Sin: It reminds us that all sin, intentional or unintentional, separates us from a holy God and requires a remedy. There is no such thing as a "minor" sin in God's eyes.
• The Perfect Sacrifice: The detailed and repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament foreshadowed the one perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He became the ultimate sin offering, whose blood atoned for our sins once and for all, underscoring the principle that without shedding of blood is no remission of sins.
• Giving Our Best to God: Just as the fat was considered the "Lord's portion," we are called to give God our best – our first fruits, our talents, our time, and our devotion. This reflects a heart that acknowledges His sovereignty and worthiness. The burning upon the altar of the burnt offering signifies a complete dedication to God.