Leviticus 4:2 …’When anyone sins unintentionally…’”
Commentary states “The idea is not so much an accidental sin, but a sin committed by a person who basically loves God” as opposed to flagrant and intentional sinning. Regardless, these chapters show that atonement for sin was a bloody business with utterly no profit, and for the tender-hearted, also a sad one.
Leviticus 4:4 He is to present the bull at the entrance to the tent of meeting before the LORD. He is to lay his hand on its head and slaughter it before the LORD.
Any sacrifice had to be from the first-fruits of the livestock—without blemish. No part of the sacrifice could be used by the one offering it for any other purpose. You couldn’t keep the hide or any of the meat. There was a lot of blood—to cover the sin. And before the process began, you had to lay your hands on the animal’s head to identify with it, to transfer your guilt to the animal taking your place.
Leviticus 4:5 Then the anointed priest shall take some of the bull’s blood and carry it into the tent of meeting.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this understanding of the process of atonement. Thank You for sending Your Son, Yourself, as the ultimate sacrifice, so that we always have a way back to You. Thank You for loving us enough that You willingly paid the price for our sins, so that we could be restored to You. Draw us closer. Amen.
Leviticus 4:11-12 But the hide of the bull and all its flesh…he must take outside the camp to a place ceremonially clean…and burn it in a wood fire on the ash heap.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.