Definition: And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering 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 4:34. It's a really significant passage about atonement and forgiveness in the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a ritual sacrifice to make things right after a major transgression. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering with his finger…” – This is the key. The priest is being given a specific tool - his finger – to apply the blood of the sin offering. It's a very deliberate, symbolic act. “…and put [it] upon the horns of the altar of burnt offering…” – The priest is placing this blood onto the top of an altar used for burning sacrifices. This altar was a special place where offerings were made to God to ask for forgiveness and make amends for wrongdoing. “And shall pour out all the blood thereof at the bottom of the altar:” - This is the crucial part. The priest is pouring the blood out, meaning he's releasing it onto the floor of the altar. It’s not just a small amount; it's a significant amount. What was happening before this verse? In the story of Lehi, a young man who had been caught in a betrayal, his brother, Benjamin, offered him as a sacrifice to God. Because of this, God couldn't forgive them. This verse is a key part of how God ultimately answered that request – through a ritual sacrifice that symbolized forgiveness. Why was this important? Making Right: It was a way for God to show his forgiveness and make things right after a broken relationship or act of wrongdoing. Symbolic Offering: The blood wasn’t just about the act of offering; it represented the atonement – the removal of guilt and sin. It was a visible sign that the offender had taken responsibility for their mistake. In short, this verse is a powerful image of God's forgiveness being offered through a symbolic sacrifice, which ultimately cleanses the land and sets things right. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of it in more detail? Give an example of how this verse applies to a specific situation (like a betrayal)?