What's easily missed is the symbolic journey of the blood: a portion goes to the incense altar inside the sanctuary as a representation of atonement before God's presence, while the rest is poured out at the base of the outer altar, signifying that the consequence of sin (its impurity) is ultimately dealt with at the boundary of the community. This dual action highlights both the heavenly and earthly dimensions of God's atonement for sin.
And the priest shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of fragrant incense before the LORD that is in the tent of meeting, and all the rest of the blood of the bull he shall pour out at the base of the altar of burnt offering that is at the entrance of the tent of meeting.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage describes a specific ritual for a sin offering, detailing the priestly actions after a bull has been sacrificed. The blood, a potent symbol of atonement, is applied first to the golden incense altar inside the sanctuary and then the remainder is poured out at the base of the burnt offering altar outside. This sequence highlights the progression from a more intimate place before God to the outer court, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of this atonement for sin.
Why does the blood of the sin offering go to two different altars? It might seem like a logistical detail, but it reveals a profound truth about how sin is dealt with.
In Leviticus 4:7, we see the blood of the bull used in two distinct ways:
These two actions, though seemingly separate, work together. The blood reaching the inner altar connects our plea for forgiveness to God's intercessory work, while the blood poured out at the outer altar signifies the complete, outward removal of guilt. It's a beautiful picture of how sin is addressed both in God's presence and in the world.
We often think of ignorance as an excuse, but in God's holiness, even unintentional sin requires a serious sacrifice. Why?
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Leviticus 4 details the sin offering, and this specific instance in verse 7 involves the high priest's sin, or the sin of the congregation, requiring a bull.
Understand the original words
qeren · Hebrew Noun
Protrusions at the corners of an altar used in sacrificial rites; they symbolize the power, strength, and efficacy of the atonement being made. Touching them with blood signifies the application of sanctification to the place of sacrifice.
ohel moed · Hebrew Noun phrase
A place of meeting and worship, specifically the structure where God met with Moses and the Israelites; it was the focal point of God's dwelling among His people in the wilderness.
This passage directly states that almost everything under the law was purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness, highlighting the foundational role of blood in atonement.
Exodus 30:10This verse describes the High Priest making atonement on the horns of the altar of incense once a year, connecting the specific ritual action in Leviticus 4 to a broader annual observance of atonement.
1 John 1:7This New Testament passage explains that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin, showing the ultimate fulfillment of the symbolic cleansing represented by the blood rituals in Leviticus.
Leviticus 8:15This verse describes the anointing of Aaron and his sons, including the application of blood to the horns of the altar of burnt offering, providing context for the priestly role in these sacrifices.
Hebrews 13:11This verse directly links the fate of the sin offering's flesh and blood, which were carried outside the camp and burned, to Jesus suffering outside the city gates, reinforcing the antitypical meaning of these Levitical sacrifices.
calvinLeviticus 4:1-35: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them:
Loquere ad filius Israel, dicendo, Anima quum peccaverit per errorem ab omnibus praeceptis Jehovae qusa non sunt facienda, feceritque quidpiam de uno ex illis:
If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of th…
jfbLeviticus 4:3-35: "If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering."
Le 4:3-35. Sin Offering for the Priest.3. If the priest that is anointed do sin—that is, the high priest, in whom, considering his character as typical mediator, and his exalted office, the people had the deepest interest; and whose transgression of any part of the divine law, therefo…
What's easily missed is the symbolic journey of the blood: a portion goes to the incense altar inside the sanctuary as a representation of atonement before God's presence, while the rest is poured out at the base of the outer altar, signifying that the consequence of sin (its impurity) is ultimately dealt with at the boundary of the community. This dual action highlights both the heavenly and earthly dimensions of God's atonement for sin.
This passage describes a specific ritual for a sin offering, detailing the priestly actions after a bull has been sacrificed. The blood, a potent symbol of atonement, is applied first to the golden incense altar inside the sanctuary and then the remainder is poured out at the base of the burnt offering altar outside. This sequence highlights the progression from a more intimate place before God to the outer court, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of this atonement for sin.
This passage describes a specific ritual for a sin offering, detailing the priestly actions after a bull has been sacrificed. The blood, a potent symbol of atonement, is applied first to the golden incense altar inside the sanctuary and then the remainder is poured out at the base of the burnt offering altar outside. This sequence highlights the progression from a more intimate place before God to the outer court, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of this atonement for sin.
"And the priest shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of fragrant incense before the LORD that is in the tent of meeting, and all the rest of the blood of the bull he shall pour out at the base of the altar of burnt offering…" — What's easily missed is the symbolic journey of the blood: a portion goes to the incense altar inside the sanctuary as a representation of atonement before God's presence, while the rest is poured…
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Last reviewed October 2026
