And thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok, which approach unto me, to minister unto me, saith the Lord GOD, a young bullock for a sin offering.
God specifies: 'thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok, which approach unto me... a young bullock for a sin offering.' This distinguishes Zadokite priests (rewarded for faithfulness) from other Levites. The sin offering (חַטָּאת, chatat) addresses ritual impurity and unintentional sin, requiring blood atonement. Even priests needed cleansing before serving—highlighting universal sinfulness. The young bullock's value (substantial animal) demonstrates that approaching God costs—cheap grace is no grace. The phrase 'which approach unto me' (הַקְּרֵבִים אֵלַי, haqqerebim elay) emphasizes privileged access requiring greater holiness. Reformed theology sees this as depicting progressive revelation: Levitical priests approached through animal sacrifice, Christ our High Priest approached through His own blood (Hebrews 9:12), believers approach through Christ's finished work (Hebrews 10:19-22).
Historical Context
Sin offerings addressed unintentional violations and ritual impurity (Leviticus 4-5). Different offerings applied to different persons: bull for high priest or whole congregation (Leviticus 4:3, 14), male goat for ruler (Leviticus 4:23), female goat or lamb for common person (Leviticus 4:28, 32). The Zadokite distinction rewards their faithfulness during Israel's apostasy (Ezekiel 44:15-16). Priestly consecration required sin offerings (Exodus 29:10-14, Leviticus 8:14-17), teaching that ministry requires atonement before service. The bullock's size and cost prevented casual approach—meeting God demands serious preparation. Christ's sacrifice surpassed all Levitical offerings in value (precious blood of Christ, 1 Peter 1:19) and efficacy (eternal redemption, Hebrews 9:12). His once-for-all offering eliminates need for repeated sacrifices.
Questions for Reflection
Do you approach God casually or with serious awareness of sin's costliness requiring atonement?
How does priestly need for sin offerings humble assumptions about personal righteousness?
What does the valuable sacrifice (young bullock) teach about the preciousness of Christ's blood securing your access to God?
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Analysis & Commentary
God specifies: 'thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok, which approach unto me... a young bullock for a sin offering.' This distinguishes Zadokite priests (rewarded for faithfulness) from other Levites. The sin offering (חַטָּאת, chatat) addresses ritual impurity and unintentional sin, requiring blood atonement. Even priests needed cleansing before serving—highlighting universal sinfulness. The young bullock's value (substantial animal) demonstrates that approaching God costs—cheap grace is no grace. The phrase 'which approach unto me' (הַקְּרֵבִים אֵלַי, haqqerebim elay) emphasizes privileged access requiring greater holiness. Reformed theology sees this as depicting progressive revelation: Levitical priests approached through animal sacrifice, Christ our High Priest approached through His own blood (Hebrews 9:12), believers approach through Christ's finished work (Hebrews 10:19-22).