“And he shall lay his hand upon the head of it, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation: and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle the blood thereof upon the altar round about.”
To understand the significance of this verse, let’s explore its context and the broader themes of the peace offerings outlined in Leviticus.
The Peace Offering: The peace offering was one of the five main types of offerings in the Mosaic Law. It was a voluntary offering, expressing thanksgiving, fellowship, and devotion to God. Unlike other offerings, the peace offering allowed the worshiper to share in a communal meal with God, the priests, and other Israelites.
Symbolism of Laying Hands: The act of laying hands on the head of the animal symbolized the transfer of the worshiper’s sins or guilt onto the offering, representing a substitutionary sacrifice. By laying hands on the animal, the worshiper identified with the offering and acknowledged their need for atonement and reconciliation with God.
Killing the Animal: After laying hands on the animal, the worshiper would kill it. The animal’s death symbolized the shedding of blood as an essential element of atonement. The shedding of blood signified the seriousness of sin and the requirement of a life sacrificed in order to make amends.
Sprinkling the Blood: The sons of Aaron, the priests, would take the blood of the offering and sprinkle it on the altar. This act emphasized the sanctity and consecration of the altar as the meeting place between God and His people. The blood was a means of purification and atonement, symbolizing the covering of sin.
Symbolism and Fulfillment: In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is revealed as the ultimate fulfillment of the peace offering. As the Lamb of God, He became the perfect and final sacrifice for the sins of humanity. In His death on the cross, Jesus shed His blood, providing complete atonement for all who believe in Him. The laying on of hands can also be seen in the transfer of our sins onto Christ, and His death reconciles us with God.
