Leviticus 15:15 – “The priest is to sacrifice them, the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. In this way, he will make atonement before the LORD for the man because of his discharge.”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 15:15 explains the final step in the purification process for a man who has been cleansed from a bodily discharge. After bringing two doves or two young pigeons to the priest at the entrance of the tent of meeting (as stated in Leviticus 15:14), the priest is to sacrifice one bird as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering. This act of sacrifice serves to make atonement for the man before God. The sin offering symbolizes the removal of impurity and sin, while the burnt offering represents complete dedication and worship to God. Together, these sacrifices signify both cleansing and renewed fellowship with God.
Historical Context
The book of Leviticus was given to the Israelites while they were in the wilderness, forming a new nation under God’s covenant after their exodus from Egypt. The laws in Leviticus, including those in chapter 15, were established to guide the Israelites in living as a holy people set apart for God. Ritual purity was essential in the Israelite community because it determined a person’s ability to participate in religious and communal life. The practice of offering a sin offering and a burnt offering after a bodily discharge reflects the understanding that both cleansing from sin and rededication to God were necessary. These sacrifices served as a way to reconcile the individual with God and the community, demonstrating God’s provision for purification and restoration.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Leviticus 15:15 emphasizes the seriousness of sin and impurity and the need for atonement to restore fellowship with God. The sin offering highlights the reality that sin and impurity separate humanity from God, and there must be a means for that impurity to be removed. The burnt offering represents a person’s wholehearted commitment to God, showing that forgiveness leads to renewed dedication. This verse teaches that both aspects—cleansing from sin and recommitting oneself to God—are vital for a healthy relationship with Him. It underscores the principle that approaching God requires both repentance and a heart committed to worship and obedience.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 15:15 is part of the legal code found in Leviticus that outlines the laws for maintaining purity and holiness among the Israelites. The verse is clear and instructional, reflecting the typical style of legal texts. It follows a specific pattern: it identifies the action required (sacrificing two birds), explains the purpose (sin offering and burnt offering), and states the outcome (atonement for the man). The distinction between the two types of offerings is significant. The sin offering deals with purification and forgiveness, while the burnt offering signifies complete surrender to God. The use of sacrificial language reinforces the importance of precise obedience to God’s commands as a way to achieve restoration and reconciliation.
Biblical Cross-References
Other passages in the Bible discuss the need for offerings and sacrifices to make atonement for sin. Leviticus 4:27-31 describes the process for a sin offering for unintentional sins committed by the common people, emphasizing the need for purification through sacrifice. In the New Testament, the concept of sacrifice is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:11-14 explains that while the Old Testament sacrifices had to be repeated, Jesus offered one perfect sacrifice for all time, making further sacrifices unnecessary for those who believe in Him. This shift from repeated offerings to a single, all-sufficient sacrifice highlights the completeness of Jesus’ work on the cross.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Leviticus 15:15 serves as a reminder of the importance of both repentance and dedication in our relationship with God. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principles behind the sin offering and the burnt offering remain relevant. Christians are called to confess their sins and seek God’s forgiveness, knowing that Jesus has already made atonement through His sacrifice. However, forgiveness is only the beginning. Believers are also called to dedicate their lives fully to God, living in a way that reflects His holiness and love. This verse encourages us to take sin seriously, to seek God’s cleansing, and to live with a renewed commitment to serve and honor Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 15:15 reflects God’s love for His people by providing a means for them to be cleansed from impurity and restored to fellowship with Him. The instructions for the sin offering and burnt offering demonstrate God’s desire to provide a way for His people to be made right with Him and to express their renewed commitment. God’s provision for atonement shows His grace in allowing His people to come back into His presence, emphasizing that He is a God of both justice and mercy. This verse demonstrates that God’s love includes both the call to holiness and the provision of grace for when we fall short.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The sacrifices described in Leviticus 15:15 point forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the Law and provides complete and final atonement for sin. In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). His death on the cross serves as both a sin offering, removing our sins, and a burnt offering, signifying His complete obedience and dedication to God’s will. Hebrews 9:12-14 explains that Jesus entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, securing eternal redemption. This makes Jesus’ sacrifice all-sufficient, doing away with the need for the repeated offerings described in Leviticus and providing a way for believers to be fully reconciled to God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does Leviticus 15:15 teach us about the importance of both repentance and dedication in our relationship with God?
- How can we apply the principles of confession, forgiveness, and renewed commitment in our lives today as followers of Christ?
- What does this verse reveal about God’s desire for His people to live in a state of holiness and readiness to approach Him?
- How does Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice fulfill and transform the need for the offerings described in the Old Testament?
- In what practical ways can we live out our dedication to God, reflecting His holiness and grace in our daily lives?
Reflecting on these questions helps us see how the principles behind Leviticus 15:15 are still relevant today, guiding us toward lives of faith, obedience, and closeness with God through the atoning work of Jesus Christ.