1. Leviticus 6:7 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does the sacrificial system teach the reader?

Leviticus 6:7 (ESV)

7 And the priest shall make atonement for him before the LORD, and he shall be forgiven for any of the things that one may do and thereby become guilty.”

The sacrificial system presents various analogies to describe the effects of sin. The burnt offering presents a personal picture: a man is guilty of sin, but the animal dies in his place. The sin offering presents a medical picture: sin makes the world unclean such that God cannot dwell with mankind. The blood of the sacrificial animal cleanses the sanctuary so that God may dwell with his people. The reparation offering presents a commercial picture: sin is a debt which man incurs toward God.