Leviticus 7:2 - The Guilt Offering

The guilt offering must be slaughtered
The guilt offering, also known as the trespass offering, was a specific type of sacrifice in the Levitical system designed to atone for certain sins, particularly those involving desecration of holy things or unintentional sins against others. This offering highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for restitution. The act of slaughtering the animal signifies the transfer of guilt from the sinner to the sacrifice, prefiguring Christ's atoning death.

in the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered
The location for the slaughtering of the guilt offering was the same as that for the burnt offering, which was at the north side of the altar in the Tabernacle courtyard. This shared location underscores the unity and consistency of the sacrificial system. The burnt offering, symbolizing complete dedication to God, complements the guilt offering's focus on atonement and restitution. This foreshadows the comprehensive nature of Christ's sacrifice, which fulfills all aspects of the sacrificial system.

and the priest shall splatter its blood on all sides of the altar
The priest's role in splattering the blood signifies the mediation between God and man. Blood, representing life, was a crucial element in the atonement process, as it symbolized the covering and cleansing of sin. The act of splattering the blood on all sides of the altar indicates the thoroughness of the atonement, ensuring that the sin is fully addressed. This practice points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood was shed for the complete forgiveness of sins, as referenced in Hebrews 9:22, which states that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Guilt Offering (Asham)
A specific type of offering in the Levitical system, meant to atone for certain unintentional sins and acts of desecration or deceit.

2. The Priest
The individual responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals, acting as a mediator between the people and God.

3. The Altar
The sacred place where sacrifices were made, symbolizing the presence of God and the place of atonement.

4. The Burnt Offering
Another type of offering that was completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God.

5. The Tabernacle
The central place of worship for the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness, where these offerings were made.

Teaching Points

Understanding Atonement
The guilt offering highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. It reminds us that sin has consequences and requires a sacrifice for reconciliation with God.

Role of the Priest
The priest's role in the sacrificial system points to Jesus as our High Priest, who mediates on our behalf and offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice.

Symbolism of Blood
The sprinkling of blood signifies purification and the covering of sin. In the New Testament, Jesus' blood cleanses us from all sin, offering a complete and final atonement.

Holiness of Worship
The specific instructions for the place and manner of the offering underscore the holiness required in worship. Our approach to God should be with reverence and obedience.

Christ as Fulfillment
The guilt offering foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Understanding this connection deepens our appreciation for His work on the cross and encourages us to live in gratitude and obedience.

(2, 4) In the place where they kill.--That is, the north side of the altar (Leviticus 1:11).

Shall they kill the trespass offering.--That is, the people who bring these sacrifices shall kill them, since the offerers themselves slaughtered the victim. (See Leviticus 1:5.)

The blood thereof shall he sprinkle.--Better, throw the blood. (See Leviticus 1:5.) Unlike the sin offering, the blood of which was thrown upon the horns of the altar (Leviticus 4:25; Leviticus 4:30; Leviticus 4:34), that of the trespass offering was simply thrown upon the walls of the altar, or round about it. (See Leviticus 5:9.) During the second Temple there was a scarlet line or thread round the altar, exactly in the middle. The blood of the trespass offering and of the peace offering was thrown round about below the central line, whilst that of the whole burnt offering was thrown round about above the central line. . . . Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The guilt offering
הָאָשָׁ֑ם (hā·’ā·šām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 817: Guilt, a fault, a sin-offering

must be slaughtered
יִשְׁחֲטוּ֙ (yiš·ḥă·ṭū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7819: To slaughter, beat

in the place
בִּמְק֗וֹם (bim·qō·wm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition

where
אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the burnt offering
הָ֣עֹלָ֔ה (hā·‘ō·lāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5930: Whole burnt offering

is slaughtered,
יִשְׁחֲט֖וּ (yiš·ḥă·ṭū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7819: To slaughter, beat

and [the priest] shall sprinkle
יִזְרֹ֥ק (yiz·rōq)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2236: Be here and there, scatter, sprinkle, strew

its blood
דָּמ֛וֹ (dā·mōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed

on all sides
סָבִֽיב׃ (sā·ḇîḇ)
Adverb
Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around

of
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the altar.
הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ (ham·miz·bê·aḥ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4196: An altar

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Leviticus 7:2 Catholic BibleOT Law: Leviticus 7:2 In the place where they kill (Le Lv Lev.)