Main Idea: The priestly sacrificial system reveals mankind's need for representative atonement for the forgiveness of sin.

The Priests Were Set Apart as Holy Representatives of the People

• The priestly garments demonstrated the dignity and honor of the priestly office
  • Exodus 28:2–5
• The priestly garments demonstrated the representative nature of the priests between the Lord and the people
  • Exodus 28:9–21, 29, 30 (39:1–43)
• The consecration of the priests and furnishings demonstrated the holy nature of the priestly function
  • Exodus 29:35–37 (29:1–34; 40:9–15)
• The regular washing of the priests in the Bronze Basin demonstrated their limited ability to effectively represent the people
  • Exodus 30:17–21

The Priests Offered Regular Public Sacrifices for the People

• The Bronze Altar provided a holy place for public sacrifices
  • Exodus 27:1–8 (38:1–7)
• The twice daily sacrifices for sin, in addition to the other public sacrifices, served as a sin offering for the people
  • Exodus 29:38–46 (Numbers 28 & 29)

So What?

• Jesus, our perfect High Priest, eternally fulfills the priestly sacrificial system through His substitutionary death.
  • Hebrews 4:14–16
  • Hebrews 7:23–28
  • Hebrews 10:11–14