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Book of Leviticus - Chapter 15 - Verse 15

15:15
And the priest shall offer them, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD for his issue.

Meaning

In this verse, the concept of atonement and ritual sacrifice in ancient Hebrew religious practices is highlighted. The verse refers to offerings made by a priest on behalf of an individual who has a bodily discharge, which was considered unclean according to the Mosaic Law. The "sin offering" and "burnt offering" mentioned in the verse were common types of sacrifices in ancient Israel, with the sin offering symbolizing the removal of sin and the burnt offering symbolizing complete surrender to God. Through these offerings, the individual sought forgiveness and reconciliation with God for their impurity. The priest acted as an intermediary between the individual and God, performing the necessary rituals to cleanse the person spiritually. The act of atonement was crucial in maintaining purity and holiness in the eyes of the Lord. This verse reflects the importance of acknowledging wrongdoing, seeking forgiveness, and making amends in order to restore one's relationship with God.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of Leviticus 15:15, we observe the significance of the priest's role in offering both sin and burnt offerings for the individual with an issue. This act symbolizes the necessity of atonement for sin before the Lord. The sin offering represents the person's need for forgiveness and cleansing from their transgressions, while the burnt offering signifies their total surrender and dedication to God. The priest's intercession on behalf of the individual demonstrates the mediation between humanity and God, emphasizing the importance of seeking reconciliation and restoration in the presence of the Lord.

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