Leviticus 23:19 - You shall offer one male goat for a sin offering, and two male lambs a year old for a sacrifice of peace offerings.

Generated Verse: Leviticus 23:19

What does "Leviticus 23:19" mean?


This verse, Leviticus 23:19, outlines specific animal sacrifices that were required as part of the Feast of Weeks (also known as Pentecost or Shavuot) in ancient Israel. Let's break down the meaning:

"You shall offer one male goat for a sin offering...":

Sin Offering (Chattat): This sacrifice was intended to atone for unintentional sins or impurities. It was a way to cleanse the sanctuary and the people from the negative effects of these sins.
Male Goat: The animal had to be without blemish, as were all sacrifices.
The goat was offered to God. The priest would perform specific rituals with the blood of the goat, including sprinkling it on the altar. Part of the goat would be burned on the altar, and the remainder would be disposed of in a ritually clean place outside the camp.

"...and two male lambs a year old for a sacrifice of peace offerings.":

Peace Offering (Shelamim): This sacrifice was a more general offering expressing thanksgiving, fellowship, or a vow fulfillment to God. It was a voluntary act of worship and communion.
Two Male Lambs a Year Old: Again, these animals needed to be without blemish.
A portion of the peace offering was burned on the altar, a portion was given to the priest, and the remainder was eaten by the one offering the sacrifice and their family/guests. This communal meal symbolized fellowship with God and with one another.

In summary:

This verse prescribes two different types of sacrifices for the Feast of Weeks:

A sin offering (male goat) to atone for unintentional sins or impurities.
A peace offering (two male lambs) to express thanksgiving, fellowship, or fulfill a vow to God.

Significance in the Context of Leviticus and the Feast of Weeks:

Leviticus is about Holiness: The book of Leviticus is largely concerned with defining and maintaining holiness in Israel. Sacrifices were a central part of this system, allowing the people to approach God, atone for sins, and express gratitude.
The Feast of Weeks: This festival, celebrated 50 days after Passover, was originally a harvest festival celebrating the first fruits of the wheat harvest. Over time, it also became associated with the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. The sacrifices outlined in Leviticus 23:19 were part of the larger celebration of God's provision and covenant with Israel.

Christian Perspective:

Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the ultimate sacrifice who fulfilled all the requirements of the Old Testament sacrificial system. Hebrews 10:1-18 explains this.
Therefore, Christians do not practice animal sacrifices today.
Jesus's sacrifice provides complete and permanent atonement for sin, making the Old Testament system of sacrifices obsolete.
The Lord's Supper or Communion, practiced by Christians, is a symbolic remembrance of Jesus's sacrifice.

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