Commentary on Leviticus 3:13

Verse Text: “And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and the sons of Aaron the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.” (Leviticus 3:13 KJV)

Introduction

The book of Leviticus contains detailed instructions regarding the sacrificial system instituted by God to govern the worship and relations of His people. Chapter 3 speaks specifically about peace offerings, which are crucial for understanding the relationship between God and His people. In this verse, the act of laying a hand upon the offering and the subsequent blood ritual are laden with symbolic weight.

Symbolism of the Hand Laid Upon the Offering

In this act of laying hands, several interpretations emerge:

• Identification: The individual offering the sacrifice identifies with the animal, acknowledging their sins and shortcomings, and symbolically transferring their guilt onto the offering. This parallels the New Testament understanding of Christ bearing our sins.
• Acceptance: By laying hands, the offerer expresses their acceptance of the offering as their own personal representation to God, demonstrating sincerity in their act of worship.
• Consecration: The laying on of hands can be seen as a ritual act of consecration, setting apart the offering for a sacred purpose in God’s service.

The Act of Sacrifice

According to Matthew Henry, the sacrifice reflects the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. The act of killing the animal before the tabernacle signifies the gravity of sin where death is the required consequence. The tabernacle represents God's holy presence, underscoring the requirement of holiness and purity in worship.

Albert Barnes elaborates on the idea of the peace offering's significance in fostering fellowship between God and the worshiper. Unlike sin offerings that emphasize atonement for transgressions, peace offerings initiate and celebrate fellowship, expressing gratitude for God's blessings.

The Role of the Priests

The priests' role in sprinkling the blood around the altar represents an essential step in the sacrificial process:

• Intercession: The priests act as mediators between God and humanity. The blood is symbolic of life and the covenant relationship established through sacrifice.
• Purification: Sprinkling blood is a ritualistic act of purification. It signifies the removal of sin and contamination from the approach to the holy God.
• Divine Acceptance: The ritual assures the worshiper of God’s acceptance of the sacrifice. The presence of blood around the altar indicates that the offering is received and that fellowship with God is possible.

Theological Implications

This verse illustrates profound theological truths that transcend the Old Testament practice:

• Christ as the Ultimate Sacrifice: Christians view these Old Testament sacrifices as foreshadows of Christ's atoning work. Adam Clarke highlights how every sacrifice points towards Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
• God's Desire for Relationship: The emphasis on peace offerings shows that God desires not merely obedience but a deep and personal relationship with His people.
• Community worship: Peace offerings were often communal, emphasizing the collective worship of God among His people, thereby promoting unity within the community.

Application for Today

The themes present in Leviticus 3:13 continue to resonate with the church today:

• Understanding Atonement: Pastors and theologians must teach congregations about the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement, rooted in the sacrificial systems of the Old Testament.
• Celebrating Fellowship with God: Worship should foster a sense of community and fellowship with God and one another, just as the peace offerings did in Israel.
• Jesus as Our Peace Offering: Believers are invited to reflect on Christ's sacrifice and how His blood ensures a renewed relationship with God, reinforcing the themes of acceptance and reconciliation.

Conclusion

Leviticus 3:13 highlights the critical components of worship involving sacrifice, identification with the offering, and the mediator's role. The rich symbolism found within this verse calls believers today to a deeper understanding of their relationship with God, emphasizing the centrality of Christ's sacrifice in the unfolding narrative of redemption. Engaging deeply with these texts equips pastors, students, and scholars to communicate effectively the timeless truths within God's Word.