Leviticus 4:35: “They shall remove all the fat, just as the fat is removed from the lamb of the fellowship offering, and the priest shall burn it on the altar on top of the food offerings presented to the Lord. In this way the priest will make atonement for them for the sin they have committed, and they will be forgiven.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Leviticus 4:35 provides instructions for the final steps in offering a lamb as a sin offering. After the lamb has been slaughtered, the fat is to be removed and burned on the altar, just as it is in the fellowship offering. The burning of the fat on the altar symbolizes the offering of the best and richest part of the animal to God. This act of burning the fat is not merely a ritual but a significant part of the atonement process, as it represents the sinner’s acknowledgment of their sin and their desire to make things right with God.
The verse concludes with the assurance that through this process, the priest makes atonement for the sin, resulting in the sinner’s forgiveness. This highlights the effectiveness of the sacrificial system in restoring the relationship between the individual and God.
Historical Context
Leviticus was written to guide the Israelites in their worship and daily living as they journeyed through the wilderness after leaving Egypt. The sacrificial system detailed in Leviticus was central to their relationship with God, providing a way for the people to atone for their sins and maintain a right relationship with Him. The offering described in Leviticus 4:35 is part of the sin offering, which was required when someone had committed a sin, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
In ancient Israel, the fat of an animal was considered the best and most valuable part, symbolizing the richness of the offering. The burning of the fat on the altar was a way of dedicating the best part of the offering to God, showing reverence and acknowledgment of His holiness.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Leviticus 4:35 underscores the importance of atonement and the necessity of offering the best to God. The removal and burning of the fat symbolize the dedication of the finest parts of the sacrifice to God, reflecting the belief that God deserves the best of what we have to offer. This act of offering the best to God is a reminder that atonement is a serious matter that requires sincerity and a wholehearted commitment.
The verse also highlights the role of the priest in the atonement process. The priest acts as a mediator between the people and God, performing the rituals necessary to ensure that the offering is acceptable and that the sinner is forgiven. This emphasizes the importance of mediation in the process of reconciliation with God.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 4:35 is part of a detailed section on the sin offering, focusing on the specific steps that must be taken to ensure that the offering is acceptable to God. The verse is structured to emphasize the actions required by the priest and the significance of burning the fat on the altar. The repetition of the phrase “on top of the food offerings presented to the Lord” highlights the connection between the sin offering and the fellowship offering, showing that both require the dedication of the best parts to God.
The language of the verse is clear and direct, reflecting the careful and methodical nature of the sacrificial system. The focus on the fat and the burning process underscores the importance of following God’s instructions precisely and offering the best to Him.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 3:16: “All the fat is the Lord’s.”
- Numbers 18:17: “But you must not redeem the firstborn of a cow, a sheep, or a goat; they are holy. Sprinkle their blood on the altar and burn their fat as a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord.”
- Hebrews 10:14: “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Leviticus 4:35 serves as a reminder of the importance of offering the best of what we have to God in our worship and devotion. While the specific sacrificial practices described in Leviticus are no longer observed, the principles behind them remain relevant. Christians are called to give their best to God in all aspects of their lives, recognizing that God deserves the finest offerings we can give.
This verse also emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement. It challenges believers to reflect on the cost of forgiveness and the need to approach God with sincerity and humility, offering their lives as a living sacrifice in response to the grace they have received through Jesus Christ.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 4:35 reflects a loving God who provides a way for His people to be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with Him. The provision for a sin offering shows that God is deeply concerned with the holiness of His people and their relationship with Him. By requiring the best parts of the offering to be dedicated to Him, God demonstrates His desire for sincere and wholehearted worship.
God’s love is evident in His willingness to offer a means of forgiveness and in His desire for His people to live in holiness and fellowship with Him. This reflects His character as both just and merciful, holding His people accountable while also offering them grace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects directly to the work of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system. Just as the fat of the sin offering was burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, Jesus offered Himself as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for the sins of all humanity. Hebrews 10:14 emphasizes that by one sacrifice, Jesus has made perfect those who are being made holy, providing complete and perfect atonement.
Jesus’ sacrifice is the ultimate expression of God’s love and mercy, offering complete and perfect atonement for all sin. This connection underscores the sufficiency of Christ’s work and the finality of His sacrifice, fulfilling the requirements of the law and opening the way for all people to be reconciled to God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Leviticus 4:35 challenge your understanding of what it means to offer your best to God?
- What does this verse teach you about the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement?
- How can you apply the principle of offering your best in your daily walk with God?
- How does this verse deepen your appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the forgiveness that He offers?
This article seeks to connect the teachings of Leviticus with the life of a modern believer, highlighting the continuity of God’s plan for atonement through Jesus Christ.