ADULT STS LESSON 149 THE BLESSING OF THE TRIBES AND DEATH OF MOSES

LAWS REGULATING VARIOUS SACRIFICES, DCLM ADULTS SEARCH

Last week, we looked at ‘’the Trial and Crucifixion of Christ’’. In this study, lesson 66, we will learn about ‘’Laws Regulating Various Sacrifices

LESSON 66

MEMORY VERSE: “And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein” (Leviticus 6:7).

TEXT: Leviticus Chapters 1 to 7

Leviticus is the third book of the Bible. The name ‘Leviticus’ means “relating to the Levites”.  It is so called because it gives account of the Levitical priesthood, sacrifices under the Levitical dispensation and many other rites and ceremonies in the Old Testament. It is God’s instructions to Moses on the administration and regulation of the sacrificial and religious lives of the children of Israel.

It has been noted also that the key idea of Leviticus is embodied in the command: “…ye shall therefore Sanctify yourselves, and shall be holy.. For I am the LORD.. (Leviticus 11:44,45). The subject of holiness occupies more than ten chapters in the book. A Christian scholar titles the book as holiness code, while a Bible Dictionary describes it as a book of sanctification, of consecration of life, of the avoidance of sin, the combating and removal of sin among the people of God. In the texts, five kinds of offerings or sacrifices were prescribed for the nation, namely: the burnt offering, meat offering, peace offering. God instituted the sacrifice regime because man had sinned and his sins must be atoned before they can forgiven. “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). This study sets down ceremonial and sacrificial requirements or procedures to atone for the sins of the people until the revelation of the complete and perfect atonement by Jesus Christ for the sins of the whole world. The sacrifices in the Old Testament points to the supreme and final sacrifice that was consummated in Christ. Our proper understanding of the “principles of atonement and holiness” taught in the book will deepen our understanding of the New Testament revelations of the Person and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1.PARTICULARS AND SPECIFICATION OF THE SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS

Leviticus 1:1-17;2:1-16;3:1-17;4:1-35;5:1-19; Exodus 20:24;29:14.18; Numbers 28:3;Hebrews 9:22.

The Lord did not leave the children of Israel to figure out how to worship Him, but gave specific procedures through His servant.And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock (Leviticus 1:1,2). Of the five types of offerings specified in our texts, the first three – burnt, meat and peace offerings-constitute what is called ‘the sweet savour’ or ‘voluntary offerings’; while the last two – sin and trespass offerings – are called ‘on sweet savour offerings’. For the procedure for burnt offering, four parts can be identified:

One, the description of the animal to be used. This could be from the herds of cattle or from the flocks of sheep or goats and from fowls (that is, turtledoves or young pigeons). Whatever animal was used must be a male without blemish and offered voluntarily.

Two, the responsibility of the offerer is to bring the animal into the tabernacle courts, lay his hand on it after it was tied to the horns of the altar to identify with the animal as his substitute. Afterwards, the animal is slaughtered, skinned and cut into parts, the inner parts and legs are washed before handing them over to the priest.

Three, the priest’s responsibility is to receive the offerer and the offering, and lead them to the altar of burnt sacrifice. He would collect the blood of the slain animal and sprinkle it on both the altar and the offerer and burn the whole flesh into ashes as a burnt offering.

Four, then there is the sharing of other parts that are not burnt into ashes. God’s portion was the whole offering. The skin of the animal was apportioned to the priest, while the offerer had nothing to himself. However, the procedure for turtledoves or pigeons differs. The offerer simply hands over the bird to the priest, who wrings off the neck and allows the blood to pour at the side of the altar. Then, he would open up the bird in the middle without separating it into two halves, remove the feathers, crop and intestines, and throw them on the ash pile by the altar. The meat offering is bloodless. The word ‘meat’ in the context of this offering means food, meal or grain. It consists of the normal food of the average Israelite. The flour is mingled with oil, frankincense and salt, but no yeast or honey. Once this offering was made unto the Lord, whatever was left of it is for the priests and his sons. Peace offering is offered as a symbol of fellowship and friendship with God in which the offerer, his friends and the priests feasted together as a mark of fellowship.

The procedure for peace offering is similar to that of burnt offering. The offerer and the priest should be ceremonially clean. The offerer chooses an animal from the herds or the flocks, which must be without blemish. The priest collects the blood of the animal in a basin and sprinkles it on the altar. Both the waved breast and heaved shoulder are the priest’s portion, while the remaining parts belong to the offerer. Sin offering is one of two non-sweet savour offerings. It is concerned with sins committed in ignorance or unintentionally. There are four categories of offerers for the sin offering: the priest, the congregation, the ruler and the common man. The sin offering is required for all categories of people, For there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:11).

The procedure is also the same for all categories. Neither the offerer nor the priests have any share in this offering. The last of these sacrifices is the trespass offering and it covers those offences that require restitution, especially when an individual infringed on the rights of others; or when a person sinned against God in specific areas. Though similar to sin offering, it differs in the sense that it is concerned with specific sins, which include concealment of information when under trial, failure to undergo ceremonial cleansing for defilement, failure to fulfil promises in rash vows, sins of ignorance concerning holy things, sins of ignorance in general and breach of trust. From these details, we learn that:

One, God does not leave anything to chance but that He is interested in details.

Two, He is a God of order and expects that we follow due process In service.

Three, He expects His people to obey His words even to the minutest details.

Four, there are consequences for sins of omission or commission.

Five, there is need for a substitutionary death before our sins can be forgiven.

2.PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS

Leviticus 6:1-30; 1 Samuel 6:3; Romans 12:1,2; Hebrews 13:15,16; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Luke 19:8-10

Generally, the sacrifices are designed to be a ransom for sins and to make personal devotion and consecration to God (Romans 12:1). They are meant to appease the wrath of God against the sinning individual, family or nation as there is provision of atonement for all manner of sins that men commit. The burnt offering is a voluntary act of worship and the only sacrifice that is entirely consumed on the altar. It is a representation of the believer’s consecration, dedication and commitment to God.

There is no hindrance for any willing heart to come before the presence of God, whether rich or poor. The meat offering  is an appreciation and thanksgiving offering, symbolizing fellowship with God and is offered as an expression of worship. Today, believers are to offer to God the sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15,16), talent, treasure, time, leisurer, prayer, service, etc., as tokens of their commitment and dedication. We must ensure that we pay our tithes and offerings and care for our ministers who labor over us in God’s vineyard (Malachi 3:10; Galatians 6:6; 1 Corinthians 9:11).

The ingredients for meat offering- oil, frankincense and salt – symbolize the Holy Spirit, prayer and praise (Hebrews 13:15) and perpetual covenant relationship with God (Leviticus 2:13; Numbers 18:19) respectively. Peace offering is a symbol of fellowship and friendship with God after forgiveness of sin (Romans 5:1). Sin offering is meant to atone for sins committed through  ignorance (Leviticus 4:2,3). Ignorance is not an excuse to disobey God’s law. Trespass offering is for transgressions that require restitutions especially when a persons right had been infringed by another, or where one transgressed God’s command  ignorantly.

We learn here that:

One, All the sacrifices symbolically point to Christ, who atoned for our sins by shedding His blood at Calvary. “…For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7). He was made “…to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his Grace”(2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:7).

Two, that different animals and birds are used for sacrifice is indicative of the fact that all manner of sins must be atoned for.

Three, when God’s right to our tithes and offerings or property rights of men are violated, the wrong has to be made right and the sin atoned (Luke 19:8).

Four, people must recognize the gravity of sin, and not excuse it on the grounds of ignorance. Sin must be exposed, dealt with whenever and wherever it is found; and full restitution made before the offender can be restored into fellowship with God.

Five, New Testament saints do not require any of these ceremonies or sacrifices anymore (Romans 10:4).

Six, it is important to note that the old Testament sacrifices did not really take away sins,For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4).

The offerings only typify the person and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, the perfect and ultimate Sacrifice for the sins of the world. John the Baptist acknowledged this fact and pointed to Jesus, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the World” (John 1:29).

Seven, each worshipper personally brought their animals for the sacrifice.

In the same manner, we must come to Christ personally, acknowledge and confess our sins to Him in order to be forgiven. Christ’s sacrifice at Calvary has fulfilled all requirements once for all. We only need to look to Him to be cleansed. Afterwards, we consecrate our lives completely to Him (Romans 12:1).

3.PENALTIES FOR SACRILEGE AGAINST THE SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS

Leviticus 7:18-38; Isaiah 52:11; 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Timothy 2:19

After giving instructions on how to administer various sacrifices and offerings, the Lord revealed His displeasure against anyone who handles the sacrifices carelessly without following due process or in an unholy manner. All acts of violation attract grievous consequences and punishments. But the soul that eateth of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, that pertain unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, even that soul shall be cut off from his people” (Leviticus 7:20).

An Israelite who violates the procedures for acceptable sacrifice risks being disenfranchised, barred from the privileges of the sanctuary or be cut off by death. In like manner, New Testament believers who partake of the body and blood of Christ unworthily risk sickness or death. “For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body” (1 Corinthians 11:29). Holiness is the watchword for all believers irrespective of their statuses, privileges and positions. Our denominations notwithstanding, we must serve God in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives in order to get to heaven (Hebrews 12:14). God expects those who handle spiritual things or occupy spiritual offices to be diligent in service and walk uprightly (2 Corinthians 4:2).

As we reflect on the perfect Sacrifice of Christ for the atonement of our sins, we are reminded of our obligation and responsibility to present ourselves as living sacrifices unto God (Romans 12:1). Our sacrifices to God must be “holy, acceptable to God”, which is our “reasonable service”. We must also offer the sacrifices of righteousness (Psalm 4:5), praise, prayer, talents, time, service and everything as a symbol of our dedication to God (Hebrews 13:15). This is acceptable in His sight.

Questions for Review:

  1. What is the major purpose of the book of Leviticus?
  2. Mention the various sacrifices from our texts.
  3. What is the significance of the offerings to contemporary Christians?
  4. Why is Christ’s sacrifice superior to all other sacrifices?
  5. How can we make our services acceptable to God?
  6. Mention the possible consequences of violating God’s order.
  7. What should be our watchword as we expect the coming of the Lord? 

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YOUTH STS LESSON 149 THE BLESSINGS OF THE TRIBES AND DEATH OF MOSES Previous post The Trial and Crucifixion of Christ, dclm Youths Search
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