Leviticus 16:18 – “Then he shall come out to the altar that is before the Lord and make atonement for it. He shall take some of the bull’s blood and some of the goat’s blood and put it on all the horns of the altar.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Leviticus 16:18 details another step in the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) rituals performed by the High Priest, Aaron. After making atonement in the Most Holy Place, Aaron is instructed to come out to the altar that stands before the Lord, which is the altar of incense in the Holy Place. Here, he is to use the blood of both the bull (which was sacrificed for his own sins and those of his household) and the goat (which was sacrificed for the sins of the people) to purify the altar. He is to apply the blood on the horns of the altar, which are its projecting corners.

This act of sprinkling blood on the altar’s horns signifies the purification of the altar from the defilement caused by the sins of the people. The altar of incense, though not in direct contact with the people, was considered defiled due to its location in the midst of a sinful nation. By applying the blood of the sin offerings, the High Priest symbolically cleanses the altar, making it holy once again for use in worship.

Historical Context

The book of Leviticus was written to instruct the Israelites on how to live as God’s chosen people, especially in their worship and daily practices. The Day of Atonement, described in Leviticus 16, was the most significant day of the year for Israel, set apart for repentance, confession, and seeking forgiveness from God. On this day, the High Priest would perform several rituals to atone for his own sins and the sins of the entire community, as well as to cleanse the sanctuary from impurity.

The altar mentioned in Leviticus 16:18 is the altar of incense, which was located in the Holy Place, just outside the Most Holy Place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This altar was used for burning incense daily, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising to God. However, because of the people’s sins, even this holy object needed to be purified. The use of the blood of the bull and goat for purification shows that sin affects not only individuals but also the sanctity of worship and the place where God’s presence dwells.

Theological Implications

Leviticus 16:18 emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the comprehensive nature of atonement. The requirement to cleanse the altar that is “before the Lord” indicates that sin affects everything around it, even the sacred spaces dedicated to God. Theologically, this shows that sin’s defilement is not limited to individuals but extends to the community and their worship practices. This defilement must be addressed through a blood sacrifice to restore holiness.

This verse also reinforces the idea that atonement requires both the removal of sin and the purification of what has been contaminated by sin. The sprinkling of blood on the altar’s horns signifies that even the instruments and places used in worship need to be made holy again. This speaks to the depth of God’s holiness and the lengths to which He goes to ensure His people can continue to worship Him in a pure and undefiled manner.

Literary Analysis

Leviticus 16:18 is part of a carefully ordered narrative that outlines the rituals for the Day of Atonement. The verse follows a logical progression, moving from the Most Holy Place to the Holy Place, reflecting the High Priest’s movement from the innermost sanctuary outward. The specific mention of taking the blood of both the bull and the goat and applying it to “all the horns of the altar” emphasizes the thoroughness required in the atonement process.

The use of blood in this context serves as a vivid symbol of cleansing and sanctification. The repeated references to blood in this chapter highlight its central role in the atonement process. The focus on the “horns of the altar” also draws attention to the idea that the altar itself, a place of intercession and worship, must be purified to function correctly in its role as a means of communication between God and His people.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 30:10: Speaks of the need for annual atonement on the altar of incense, highlighting the importance of purification for continued worship.
• Hebrews 9:21-22: Describes how Moses sprinkled the blood on both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies, reinforcing the idea that everything must be cleansed by blood.
• Isaiah 6:6-7: Isaiah’s vision of his lips being cleansed with a burning coal taken from the altar, symbolizing purification and atonement.
• Hebrews 9:13-14: Explains that the blood of goats and bulls was for the purification of the flesh, but the blood of Christ cleanses our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Leviticus 16:18 serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for thorough cleansing. The idea that even the altar used for daily worship needed purification challenges believers to consider how sin impacts not only their personal lives but also their worship and service to God. It encourages Christians to seek not only personal forgiveness but also to ensure that their worship and community life are pure and pleasing to God.

This verse also points to the importance of ongoing repentance and renewal. Just as the altar had to be cleansed repeatedly, Christians are called to regularly examine their lives, confess their sins, and seek God’s cleansing to maintain a right relationship with Him and to keep their worship sincere and undefiled.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Leviticus 16:18 reveals God’s love in providing a way for His people to be cleansed from their sins and for their worship to be restored to a holy state. God’s holiness demands that sin be addressed, but His love provides the means for that to happen. By giving specific instructions for the purification of the altar, God shows His desire to maintain fellowship with His people and to ensure that their worship remains pure.

God’s love is further demonstrated in His provision for atonement, not only for the people but also for the sacred objects that represent their relationship with Him. This shows His care for the details of worship and His commitment to ensuring that everything associated with His presence is kept holy.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Leviticus 16:18 points directly to the work of Jesus Christ, who fulfills all the requirements for atonement and purification. Just as the blood of the bull and goat was used to purify the altar and make it holy, the blood of Jesus purifies our hearts and lives. His sacrifice on the cross cleanses us from all unrighteousness and makes us holy before God (Hebrews 9:14).

Jesus’ death and resurrection provide the perfect and final solution for the problem of sin. Unlike the repeated sacrifices required in the Old Testament, Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all, fully sufficient to cleanse not only our hearts but also our worship and service to God. Through His blood, we are made clean, and our worship is made acceptable to God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the need to purify the altar help you understand the seriousness of sin and its impact on our worship and relationship with God?
2. What does this verse teach us about the importance of ongoing repentance and renewal in our walk with God?
3. How can reflecting on the cleansing rituals in Leviticus deepen your appreciation for the completeness of Christ’s sacrifice?
4. In what ways does recognizing the thoroughness of God’s instructions for atonement challenge you to seek holiness in your daily life and worship?
5. How does understanding the provision of atonement in the Old Testament encourage you to live in the freedom and confidence that comes from being cleansed by Jesus’ blood?

This article encourages Christians to reflect on Leviticus 16:18, its significance for understanding the depth of God’s holiness and love, and the complete work of Jesus Christ that provides full and final atonement for all who believe, inspiring believers to live lives of holiness and gratitude.