Leviticus 17:6 – “The priest is to splash the blood against the altar of the LORD at the entrance to the tent of meeting and burn the fat as an aroma pleasing to the LORD.”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 17:6 provides detailed instructions on the proper handling of sacrifices brought to the Tabernacle, the place where God’s presence dwelt among the Israelites. This verse specifically outlines the duties of the priest when an Israelite brings an animal sacrifice. The priest is to “splash the blood against the altar of the LORD” and “burn the fat as an aroma pleasing to the LORD.”
The splashing of the blood on the altar is a significant act because, in the Bible, blood symbolizes life. By splashing the blood on the altar, the priest was symbolically presenting the life of the sacrifice to God, acknowledging that life belongs to Him. The burning of the fat, the best part of the animal, as a pleasing aroma to God indicates that the sacrifice was accepted. This act was a way of honoring God and seeking His favor.
The entire process was not just about the ritual itself but about what it represented—a right relationship with God. The Israelites were to understand that their worship must align with God’s specific instructions, and through this obedient worship, they would receive His blessing and presence.
Historical Context
During the time when Leviticus was written, the Israelites were transitioning from a life of slavery in Egypt to becoming a nation dedicated to God. The Tabernacle served as the central place of worship where the Israelites could meet with God through the mediation of the priests. Sacrifices were a crucial part of maintaining a right relationship with God.
In ancient cultures, sacrifices were often associated with various rituals and gods. However, for Israel, sacrifices were not just religious customs but acts of obedience to the one true God. The detailed instructions in Leviticus 17 were designed to set Israel apart from the pagan nations surrounding them. The requirements for handling blood and fat properly were meant to ensure that worship remained pure, focused solely on God, and free from pagan influence.
Theological Implications
The theological implications of Leviticus 17:6 are profound, revealing key aspects of God’s nature and His relationship with His people. The emphasis on the blood and fat of the sacrifices highlights the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. Blood, representing life, was to be handled with great care and presented to God as an act of atonement. This points to the principle that sin leads to death, and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22).
The burning of the fat as a “pleasing aroma” to the Lord reflects God’s satisfaction when His people obey His commands. It is not the smell itself that pleases God, but the heart of obedience and reverence behind the offering. This symbolizes the deeper spiritual truth that God desires worship that comes from a heart aligned with His will.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 17:6 uses specific language to convey the sacredness of the sacrificial rituals. The phrase “splash the blood against the altar” is vivid and emphasizes the action required to properly present the sacrifice before God. The altar is not just a physical structure but a significant place where God and His people meet, symbolizing atonement, reconciliation, and worship.
The expression “an aroma pleasing to the LORD” is a recurring phrase in the Old Testament used to describe sacrifices that are acceptable to God (see Genesis 8:21, Exodus 29:18). This phrase serves as a reminder that God is looking for worship that is genuine and comes from an obedient heart. The repetition of these phrases throughout the sacrificial laws underscores the importance of following God’s specific instructions for worship.
Biblical Cross-References
Several other passages in Scripture offer further insight into the principles found in Leviticus 17:6:
- Genesis 8:20-21 – After the flood, Noah offers sacrifices, and the aroma is pleasing to the LORD, illustrating the principle that God responds to proper worship.
- Exodus 29:18 – The priests are instructed to burn the whole ram on the altar as a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, reinforcing the significance of sacrifices made in obedience to God’s instructions.
- Hebrews 9:22 – This New Testament verse explains the principle that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness,” connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the sacrifice of Jesus.
- Romans 12:1 – Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as a “living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God,” drawing on the imagery of Old Testament sacrifices to describe the Christian life.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Leviticus 17:6 teaches that worship is not about mere rituals but about a heart that is fully devoted to God and aligned with His Word. While the Old Testament sacrificial system is no longer in practice, the principles behind it remain relevant. God desires sincere worship that comes from a heart of obedience, reverence, and gratitude.
This verse challenges Christians to consider how they approach worship today. Are they following God’s instructions, or are they worshiping based on personal preferences or cultural influences? True worship involves offering the best of ourselves to God, much like the Israelites were to bring their best to the altar. It involves sacrifice, whether it be time, resources, or devotion, all done in a way that honors God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 17:6 reveals God’s love for His people by providing a clear and orderly way for them to approach Him. God is not distant or indifferent; He is actively involved in guiding His people to understand how to worship Him properly. The detailed instructions for sacrifices were not about burdening the people but about ensuring they understood the holiness of God and the importance of coming before Him with the right heart.
God’s love is evident in His desire for His people to experience His presence and blessings through obedient worship. He knows what is best for them and provides the guidelines needed to protect them from sin and idolatry. By following God’s commands, the Israelites could enjoy a deep and meaningful relationship with Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 17:6, with its emphasis on the sacrificial system, points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The splashing of blood on the altar symbolizes the need for atonement, and the New Testament reveals that Jesus fulfilled this need once and for all. Hebrews 9:11-14 describes how Jesus entered the greater and more perfect Tabernacle and offered His own blood, obtaining eternal redemption.
The imagery of a “pleasing aroma” is also applied to Jesus’ sacrifice. Ephesians 5:2 says, “Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate fulfillment of all the sacrifices described in Leviticus, bringing a final and complete atonement for sin. Through His sacrifice, believers are brought into a new covenant relationship with God, no longer needing to offer repeated sacrifices but living in the freedom and grace provided by Christ’s finished work.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Leviticus 17:6 challenge our understanding of worship and obedience to God?
- What can we learn from the specific instructions about blood and fat that apply to our spiritual lives today?
- How does this verse highlight the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement?
- In what ways does understanding the sacrificial system deepen your appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross?
- How can we ensure that our worship is a “pleasing aroma” to God, reflecting a heart of obedience and devotion?
Leviticus 17:6 teaches us that worship is more than a ritual; it is an act of coming before a holy God with a heart of obedience, reverence, and love. It challenges us to offer our lives as living sacrifices, fully devoted to honoring God in all we do.