Definition: And the priest shall take of the blood thereof with his finger, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out all the blood thereof at the bottom of the altar.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 4:30. It’s a pretty serious instruction about ritual cleansing and atonement. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a very specific way to make amends for a sin – specifically, the death of an animal sacrificed as a way to atone for wrongdoing. Let’s break it down piece by piece: “And the priest shall take of the blood thereof…” - The priest is responsible for this act. He needs to carefully collect and handle the blood. “…with his finger…” – This is crucial! The priest uses only their finger to touch the blood. It’s a symbolic act, not just a physical one. “And put [it] upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering…” - The blood is then placed on top of a special altar called an altar of burnt offerings. Think of it like a platform for a sacrifice. “…and shall pour out all the blood thereof at the bottom of the altar.” – This is where it gets really important. The priest pours all the blood from the animal into a large, deep container placed at the base of the altar. This entire amount of blood is meant to be offered as a sacrifice to cleanse the land and the people of the sin. Why is this so significant? In ancient Israel, animals were considered sacred. Killing an animal was a huge deal because it represented a connection with God and a promise of life. This verse essentially says: “Because you committed a wrong, you must make amends by offering your entire life force (the blood) to the divine.” It’s a way to show remorse and restore balance within the community. Important Note: This is a complex and deeply symbolic act. It wasn't just about a few drops of blood. It was meant to be a complete and profound offering of atonement. --- Do you want me to explain any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context of this passage? Discuss the significance of the altar itself? Compare it to other rituals in the Old Testament?