Leviticus 6: To Obey Better than Sacrifice

Introduction: The Book of Leviticus, the third book of the Torah and the Holy Bible, is a comprehensive guide to divine living, emphasizing the sacredness of life and the holiness of God. Particularly, the sixth chapter serves as a divine blueprint for sacred living. It presents a systematic and organized approach to understanding the value of obedience, the efficacy of atonement, and the blessedness of God’s unchanging, flawless character, thereby leading to a deeper understanding of the sanctity of life and the purpose of human existence.

I. The Law of Offering: Obedience to God’s Commands (Leviticus 6:1-7)

This part of the chapter addresses the wrongdoings of individuals and the corresponding restitution (Leviticus 6:5). It emphasizes the importance of full obedience to God’s commandments, a principle that is echoed in 1 Samuel 15:22 which states that “to obey is better than sacrifice.” The fifth verse of this chapter reminds us of the concept of restitution, which is also mentioned in Exodus 22:1 and Numbers 5:7, highlighting the necessity of making amends for wrongdoing as a step towards living a holy and sanctified life.

II. The Law of Burnt Offering: The Atonement for Sin (Leviticus 6:8-13)

This section deals with the law of the burnt offering and the need for atonement. The recurring theme of atonement seen in this section is also underscored in Hebrews 9:22, “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” The fire on the altar, which is to be kept burning at all times (Leviticus 6:13), serves as a symbol of God’s continuous presence and His continuous requirement for atonement, a concept echoed in Hebrews 10:10-14.

III. The Law of Grain Offering: Purity and Dedication to God (Leviticus 6:14-23)

The grain offering discussed in this segment emphasizes the requirement of purity and total dedication to God. This concept resonates with the teachings of 1 Peter 1:16, “Be holy, for I am holy.” The grain offering, without yeast (Leviticus 6:17), reflects the New Testament teaching that yeast symbolizes sin and impurity (1 Corinthians 5:7-8).

IV. The Law of Sin Offering: Repentance and Reconciliation with God (Leviticus 6:24-30)

The sin offering underscores the necessity of repentance, as no sin can be concealed from God (Proverbs 15:3). The sin offering also enables reconciliation with God, a principle that is consistent with 2 Corinthians 5:18. It signifies the removal of guilt and the restoration of the sinner’s relationship with God, as seen in Isaiah 1:18.

Conclusion: In essence, Leviticus 6 provides a divine blueprint for living a sacred life. It underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commandments, the necessity of atonement for sins, the imperative of purity and total dedication to God, and the requirement of repentance and reconciliation with God. This blueprint forms a foundation of the Christian faith and guides believers towards living a life of sanctity and purpose, reflecting the holiness and goodness of God. As an illustrative and informative chapter, Leviticus 6 serves as a constant reminder of God’s flawless character and His desire for us to emulate his holiness in our lives.