Book of Leviticus - Chapter 1 - Verse 11

In this verse from Leviticus, the act described is a part of the sacrificial rituals prescribed by God for the Israelites. The verse instructs on the specific method of sacrificing an animal to the Lord at the altar. The animal is to be killed by the one offering the sacrifice on the north side of the altar. This act signifies the surrendering of the animal's life to God as an act of worship and obedience. The blood of the animal is then collected and sprinkled around the altar by the priests, Aaron's sons. The sprinkling of the blood symbolizes purification, atonement, and the sealing of the covenant between God, the offerer, and the people. It is meant to be a solemn and significant act to demonstrate reverence and devotion to God. These sacrificial practices were an essential part of the Israelites' worship and served as a way for them to seek forgiveness and favor from God. Through these rituals, the people acknowledged their dependence on God for forgiveness of sins and sought to maintain their relationship with Him.

The theological interpretation of the verse 'And he shall kill it on the side of the altar northward before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall sprinkle his blood round about upon the altar.', revolves around the concept of sacrifice and atonement in the context of the Old Testament sacrificial system. The act of killing the animal on the side of the altar signifies the offering of a sacrifice to God as an act of worship and obedience. The location northward before the LORD symbolizes the presence of God and the need for offerings to be made in His presence. The sprinkling of the blood by the priests highlights the cleansing and atoning power of the blood of the sacrifice, which was a central component in seeking forgiveness for sins. This verse illustrates the importance of rituals and ceremonies in the worship of God in the Old Testament, pointing towards the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the perfect atonement for sin in the New Testament.