Leviticus 8:15 – “Moses slaughtered the bull and took some of the blood, and with his finger he put it on all the horns of the altar to purify the altar. He poured out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. So he consecrated it to make atonement for it.”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 8:15 describes a significant moment in the ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons as priests. After the bull was brought forward as a sin offering, Moses slaughtered it and used its blood to purify the altar. By placing some of the blood on the horns of the altar and pouring the rest at its base, Moses was consecrating the altar, making it holy and acceptable for the sacrifices that would be offered on it.
The blood, in this context, symbolizes the life of the animal and its role in atonement. By applying the blood to the altar, Moses was cleansing it from any impurity, ensuring that it was suitable for use in worship. This act of purification was necessary because the altar was the central place where sacrifices would be made to atone for the sins of the people. Without this consecration, the altar would not have been considered holy, and the sacrifices offered on it would not have been effective in restoring the relationship between God and the people.
Historical Context
The events of Leviticus 8 took place during the Israelites’ time in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. God had given Moses detailed instructions on how to construct the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God’s presence would dwell among His people, and how to ordain the priests who would serve there. The consecration of the altar was a crucial part of this process, as the altar was central to the sacrificial system that would be established.
In the ancient Near East, altars were often seen as sacred spaces where offerings were made to deities. For the Israelites, the altar in the Tabernacle was the place where they could approach God through the sacrifices prescribed in the Law. The use of blood in the consecration of the altar reflected the understanding that life was required to atone for sin, a principle that would be foundational to Israel’s worship.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Leviticus 8:15 underscores the necessity of atonement and purification in approaching God. The blood of the sin offering was used to purify the altar, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the need for it to be dealt with before one can enter into God’s presence. This verse teaches that worship and service to God require holiness and that this holiness can only be achieved through atonement.
The consecration of the altar also highlights the idea that the places and means by which we approach God must be holy. This reflects the broader biblical theme of sanctification, where God sets apart people, objects, and places for His purposes, ensuring that they are clean and pure.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 8:15 is a key verse within the broader narrative of the ordination ceremony. The verse is structured to emphasize the actions of Moses in purifying and consecrating the altar, with a focus on the use of blood as the means of atonement. The repetition of specific actions—slaughtering the bull, applying the blood, and consecrating the altar—reinforces the gravity of the event and the importance of following God’s instructions precisely.
The verse also serves to connect the ordination of the priests with the consecration of the altar, showing that both the people who serve God and the tools they use in worship must be made holy through atonement.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 29:36-37 – “Sacrifice a bull each day as a sin offering to make atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it. For seven days make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will be most holy, and whatever touches it will be holy.”
- Leviticus 16:18-19 – “Then he shall go 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. He shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times to cleanse it and to consecrate it from the uncleanness of the Israelites.”
- Hebrews 9:22 – “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Leviticus 8:15 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of atonement and purification in our relationship with God. Just as the altar needed to be consecrated with blood to be suitable for use in worship, our lives must be cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ to be acceptable before God. This verse challenges believers to recognize the seriousness of sin and the necessity of Christ’s sacrifice for our purification.
The verse also encourages Christians to consider the holiness of the places and practices associated with worship. Whether it’s the physical spaces where we gather to worship or the attitudes and actions we bring into worship, everything should be dedicated to God and made holy through His sanctifying work.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 8:15 reflects God’s love in His provision for atonement and purification. By allowing the altar to be consecrated through the blood of a sin offering, God was making it possible for His people to approach Him in worship and to receive forgiveness for their sins. This provision for atonement is an expression of God’s desire for a relationship with His people, despite their sinfulness.
God’s love is also evident in the care He takes to ensure that the means of worship are holy and acceptable. This attention to detail in the consecration of the altar shows that God values the purity of the relationship He has with His people and provides the means for that relationship to be maintained.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 8:15 points directly to the ultimate fulfillment of atonement in Jesus Christ. While the blood of bulls and goats was used to consecrate the altar and make atonement under the old covenant, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross accomplished a perfect and final atonement for all who believe in Him. Hebrews 9:12 tells us that Christ “entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”
Through Jesus, believers have access to God without the need for repeated sacrifices, as His blood has fully and finally cleansed us from sin. This connection to Christ highlights the profound significance of atonement and the completeness of the salvation He provides.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the consecration of the altar in Leviticus 8:15 challenge you to consider the holiness of your own life and worship practices?
- In what ways can you ensure that your approach to God in worship is marked by purity and reverence?
- How does understanding the role of blood in the atonement of sin deepen your appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross?
- What steps can you take to live a life that reflects the holiness and consecration that God desires for His people?
Leviticus 8:15 invites us to reflect on the seriousness of sin and the provision God has made for our atonement through Jesus Christ. It challenges us to consider how we can live lives that are purified and dedicated to God, fully recognizing the importance of His sacrifice on our behalf.