Reflections on Leviticus 1-5

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Our passage today records five different offerings that the people of Israel were to make – burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings.  We will focus on the sin offering.

  • Sin is serious – The sacrificial system was a constant reminder of the seriousness of sin.  To pay for sin, an animal must die.  Blood must be shed.  In a culture that jokes about or even celebrates many sins, let us remember that sin is a serious thing.
  • Forgiveness is available – The truth of the seriousness of sin could leave us in despair if not for the wonderful truth that forgiveness is available.  Note the glorious repetition in 4:20, 26, 31, 35; 5:6, 10, 13, 16, 18.  Through sacrifice, atonement (payment) is possible which brings forgiveness of sins.
  • Our sin sacrifice – The tabernacle is gone, and we don’t make sacrifices today.  Why?  Because Jesus is our sin offering.  He died to pay (atone) for our sins so that we could be forgiven.  And unlike before when animals needed to be offered again and again, Jesus died to pay for our sins once for all (see Hebrews 10:11-14).  It is finished!  The payment is made!  You are forgiven in Jesus!  Praise the Lord for this wonderful gift!

Leviticus 1-10: Sacrifice

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(1, 6) What was the purpose of the burnt offering (1:4, see also Exodus 29:38-42)?  How does this point to Jesus (Hebrews 7:27)?

How much of the offering was to be consumed on the altar – given to God (1:9)?  How does this point to Jesus, and how does it relate to us (Philippians 2:5-8, Romans 12:1)?  What would it look like for us to do this?

(2, 6) What was the purpose of the grain offering (2:2), and how does Jesus accomplish this purpose for us (Hebrews 7:25)?

How does this offering point to the Holy Spirit (2:1, Luke 4:18, II Corinthians 1:21-22)?

What must not be included in the grain offering (2:11)?  How does that point to Jesus (Hebrews 4:15), and to how we should live (I Corinthians 5:6-8)?

(3, 7) What was the purpose of the peace offering (7:11-16), and how does it point to Jesus (Romans 5:1, Colossians 1:20-22)?

(4-7) What was the purpose of the sin and guilt offerings (note the regular refrain in these verses), and how does it point to Jesus (II Corinthians 5:21, I Peter 2:24, Colossians 2:13)?

(8-9) What did the priests have to do before they could offer sacrifices for the people?  How is Jesus a better high priest (Hebrews 7:26-27)?

(8-10) What refrain runs through chapter 8-9?  In stark contrast, what happens at the beginning of chapter 10 (v1)?  What does this tell us about how we should approach God?  What does this look like?

Reflections on Exodus 38-40

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

The people of Israel finish the tabernacle and God’s presence descends upon it.  Notice:

  • Israel’s obedience – Did you notice the repeated refrain throughout the last two chapters?  Again and again we read that they did everything “as the LORD had commanded Moses.”  They perfectly followed the pattern God gave them for the tabernacle.  Is it your goal to do everything as the Lord has commanded you?  Are you seeking to live out the pattern God has given you for your life as revealed in the Scriptures?  In what ways do you need to closer conform to that pattern?
  • God’s glorious presence – God descends upon the tabernacle.  His glory fills it.  God is dwelling in their midst.  Ponder what it means to be in God’s presence.  How should that affect your life today?
  • God’s guidance – When God’s glory would ascend, the people would set out.  When his glory remained, they remained.  How are you learning to follow God’s guidance in your life?  Right now, do you think you are following, or have you run out in front of him?  Or maybe you are lagging?

Reflections on Exodus 35-37

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

In order to build the tabernacle, Moses needs people to give and people to serve:

  • Giving – The people were asked to bring materials for the tabernacle.  As their hearts moved them, so they should give to this special work of the Lord.  The people were so moved that they gave more than was needed, and had to be restrained from giving more!  Is your heart moved to give to the work of the Lord?  In what ways?  If your heart is not so moved, what does that say about your heart?
  • Serving – Like giving, those whose hearts stirred them were to come to help build the tabernacle.  They needed all kinds of workers to build the frames, craft the furniture, make curtains, create the priestly garments, and construct everything else involved in this gigantic undertaking.  God needs all kinds of people to do all kinds of things in his church today too.  To what service is God stirring your heart?  If your heart is not stirred to serve God, what does that say about your heart?