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Book of Leviticus - Chapter 4 - Verse 17

4:17
And the priest shall dip his finger in some of the blood, and sprinkle it seven times before the LORD, even before the veil.

Meaning

In this verse, the act of the priest dipping his finger in the blood and sprinkling it seven times before the Lord signifies a symbolic purification ritual in the Old Testament. The blood being used in this context is often associated with atonement for sins and seeking forgiveness from God. The number seven is significant in biblical numerology, representing completeness and perfection. By sprinkling the blood before the veil, which separated the inner sanctuary from the outer, the priest is symbolically cleansing and sanctifying the space before God's presence. This act serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking forgiveness and making amends for any wrongdoings in order to maintain a pure and holy relationship with God. It also underscores the reverent approach to entering into God's presence, emphasizing the need for repentance and spiritual cleansing before coming before the Lord.

Theological Overview

The action of the priest dipping his finger in blood and sprinkling it before the Lord symbolizes a form of atonement and reconciliation with God. The act of sprinkling blood was an integral part of the sacrificial system in ancient Israel, where blood was seen as having a purifying and sanctifying effect. The number seven also holds significance here, as it is often associated with completion and perfection in the Bible. By sprinkling the blood seven times before the Lord, the priest is symbolically completing the act of purification and sanctification, presenting it as a perfect and acceptable offering to God. The veil mentioned in the verse likely refers to the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle, emphasizing the sacredness of the act being performed. Through this ritual, the priest was seeking forgiveness for sins and seeking to restore a right relationship with God on behalf of the people.

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