iestly system, atonement could only be achieved through a blood sacrifice. Blood was held in particular reverence because it was considered the substance of life (Lev 17:14). The blood of the sacrificial animal therefore, substituted for the life of the offending person. It functioned to return that person to fellowship with God. This life force can redeem a life given over to death, and for that reason can also eliminate defilement and reestablish sundered fellowship (Gerstenberger, 1996;60).From this chapter on a combining of sacrificial rituals becomes a consistent occurrence within the book of Leviticus. Frequently sin offerings, burnt offerings, and often peace offerings are mentioned in the same sequence as the sacrifice (Lev 5:7, 9:2, 9:3, 9:7, 9:22, 10:19, 14:13, 14:19, 14:22, 14:31, 15:15, 15:30). This procedure thus acknowledges that the sin of man is first rendered and the sins effects are dealt with and removed prior to the spiritual death. The sin offering hence nullifies and removes the effects of sin and uncleanness.ConclusionThe concluding remarks in 7:37 and its reference to the opening verses in 1:1-2, constitute the framework enclosing the collection of sacrificial regulations within Levitical law (Gerstenberger, 1996;24). It is within these first seven chapters that God outlines the religious laws for Israel to follow. The sacrifices are arranged so that their concepts and distinctive features are memorable. With the framework that is established in chapters 1-7, the Levitical text is then able to in the remaining chapters describe the roles of sacrifice in festivals and everyday life. The Day of Atonement where the sin offering secured another year for the community of Israel in the eyes of the Lord (Lev 23). This sacrificial system is thus the foundation of life by which the Israelites live their day to day lives. ...
