Leviticus 4:18

And he shall put [some] of the blood upon the horns of the altar which [is] before the LORD, that [is] in the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall pour out all the blood at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which [is at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

And he shall put {H5414} some of the blood {H1818} upon the horns {H7161} of the altar {H4196} which is before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, that is in the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, and shall pour out {H8210} all the blood {H1818} at the bottom {H3247} of the altar {H4196} of the burnt offering {H5930}, which is at the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}.

He is to put some of the blood on the horns of the altar before ADONAI, there in the tent of meeting. All the remaining blood he is to pour out at the base of the altar for burnt offerings, which is at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

He is also to put some of the blood on the horns of the altar that is before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting, and he must pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

And he shall put of the blood upon the horns of the altar which is before Jehovah, that is in the tent of meeting; and all the blood shall he pour out at the base of the altar of burnt-offering, which is at the door of the tent of meeting.

Commentary

Leviticus 4:18 describes a crucial step in the elaborate ritual for the sin offering (Hebrew: chatta't), specifically when a priest or the entire congregation had sinned unintentionally. This verse outlines the precise handling of the sacrificial blood, emphasizing its central role in atonement and cleansing within the ancient Israelite worship system.

Context of the Sin Offering

The book of Leviticus meticulously details the laws and rituals for maintaining a right relationship between God and His people, Israel. Chapter 4 focuses on offerings made for unintentional sins, distinguishing between sins committed by different groups: the anointed priest, the whole congregation, a ruler, or a common person. The ritual described in verse 18 is for the more serious cases of communal or priestly sin, necessitating a more profound application of blood within the Tabernacle of the Congregation, which served as God's dwelling place among His people.

Key Actions and Symbolism

  • "And he shall put [some] of the blood upon the horns of the altar which [is] before the LORD, that [is] in the tabernacle of the congregation": This refers to the golden altar of incense, located inside the Holy Place, just outside the veil separating it from the Holy of Holies. Applying blood to its horns (Hebrew: qeren, symbolizing strength and power) signified that the sin had contaminated the sacred space itself, requiring a deeper level of cleansing and atonement closer to God's immediate presence. This action was reserved for sins of the priest or the community, highlighting their greater responsibility and the wider impact of their transgressions.
  • "and shall pour out all the blood at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which [is at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation": This refers to the large bronze altar in the outer court, where the burnt offerings were made. After the specific application of blood on the altar of incense, the remaining blood was poured out at the base of the bronze altar. This disposal method honored the sacredness of the blood, acknowledging that the "life of the flesh is in the blood" and that it was given by God for atonement. It also emphasized that the blood's purpose was solely for atonement, not for consumption or casual discard.

Theological Significance and Application

Leviticus 4:18 underscores several profound theological truths about Old Testament worship and its connection to the New Covenant:

  • The Seriousness of Sin: The meticulous and costly nature of these rituals demonstrates that sin, even unintentional, contaminates and creates a barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity.
  • The Necessity of Atonement: Forgiveness and restoration of relationship require a divine provision for covering or cleansing sin. In the Old Testament, this was achieved through the shedding of blood.
  • Foreshadowing Christ: The Levitical sin offerings, including the precise handling of blood, served as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Unlike the blood of bulls and goats, which could not truly take away sins, Christ's blood, shed once for all, provides complete and eternal atonement for all who believe. His sacrifice cleansed not just a physical tabernacle but purified our consciences from dead works to serve the living God.

This verse, therefore, reminds us of the profound cost of sin and the incredible grace of God who, through Christ, provided the perfect means of reconciliation, making us clean and acceptable in His sight.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 4:7

    And the priest shall put [some] of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which [is] in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which [is at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
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