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Book of Leviticus - Chapter 4 - Verse 6

4:6
And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the veil of the sanctuary.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Leviticus, the act of the priest dipping his finger in the blood and sprinkling it seven times before the LORD holds deep symbolic significance in the religious rituals of ancient Israel. The blood was considered a powerful symbol of atonement and purification, representing the life force of the animal sacrificed. By sprinkling the blood before the LORD, the priest was seeking forgiveness and reconciliation on behalf of the people. The number seven is also significant in biblical numerology, symbolizing completion and perfection. Therefore, the act of sprinkling the blood seven times before the veil of the sanctuary was a ritual of complete purification and offering to the divine. This verse showcases the meticulous attention to detail and adherence to ritual purity that characterized the religious practices of ancient Israel, highlighting the importance of symbolism and ceremony in the worship of the LORD.

Theological Overview

In this particular verse, the act of the priest dipping his finger in the blood and sprinkling it seven times before the Lord, highlights the significance of blood in the Old Testament sacrificial system. Blood was considered sacred and had a purifying effect, symbolizing the atonement for sin. This ritual of sprinkling blood before the presence of the Lord was a solemn and holy act, emphasizing the sacredness of the sanctuary and the need for cleansing and forgiveness. The number seven in the Bible often represents completion or perfection, suggesting the thoroughness and effectiveness of this purification process. The act of sprinkling blood before the veil of the sanctuary also points to the separation between God and humanity due to sin, and signifies the need for a mediator to bridge the gap. Overall, this verse underscores the importance of atonement, purification, and the role of the priest as a mediator between God and the people.

American Standard Version

and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before Jehovah, before the veil of the sanctuary.
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