Leviticus 4:7
Arabic KEH Ketab El Hayat (كتاب الحياة)
ثُمَّ يَضَعُ الْكَاهِنُ بَعْضَ الدَّمِ عَلَى قُرُونِ مَذْبَحِ الْبَخُورِ الْعَطِرِ الَّذِي فِي دَاخِلِ الْقُدْسِ فِي حَضْرَةِ الرَّبِّ. أَمَّا بَقِيَّةُ دَمِ الثَّوْرِ فَيَصُبُّهُ عِنْدَ قَاعِدَةِ مَذْبَحِ الْمُحْرَقَةِ، الْقَائِمِ عِنْدَ مَدْخَلِ خَيْمَةِ الاجْتِمَاعِ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes the priest's actions in the tabernacle. He places some blood from a sacrifice on the altar of incense and pours the rest at the base of the burnt offering altar. It's part of the sacrificial ritual to seek forgiveness from God.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're helping clean up after making a mess in the kitchen. First, you wipe the counter (like putting blood on the horns of the altar), and then you sweep the floor (like pouring the blood at the bottom of the altar). This is what the priest does, but it's a special way to say sorry to God.
Historical Background
The book of Leviticus was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BCE. It outlines the sacrificial system and ritual laws for the Israelites, guiding them on how to approach God and seek forgiveness in the tabernacle.
Living It Out Today
Today, this ritual reminds us that forgiveness comes through sacrifice. Just as the priest poured the blood, we should offer our whole hearts to God in seeking forgiveness, acknowledging our mistakes and seeking to make amends.
Topics
sacrificeforgivenessaltarpriesthoodworshipatonement
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the altar of sweet incense?
The altar of incense was a place where priests would burn incense as part of their duties, symbolizing prayer ascending to God. It was a key element in the tabernacle's sanctity.
Why was blood poured at the base of the altar?
Pouring blood at the base of the altar was a symbolic act showing the transfer of the sins from the person to the sacrifice, and the priest's role in mediating between God and the people.
How does this relate to Jesus?
Jesus is seen as the ultimate sacrifice, whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins, paralleling the sacrificial system described in Leviticus.
What does this teach about forgiveness?
This teaches that forgiveness involves a costly sacrifice. Just as the blood of the bull was required, so too was the sacrifice of Jesus necessary for complete forgiveness from God.