Leviticus 4:8-12

Cp. 19 21. The fat parts (the same as those reserved for the altar in the Peace-Offering) are then removed from the bullock, and burnt upon the altar of Burnt-Offering. All the remainder (even the whole bullock shall he carry forthin Leviticus 4:12 is traditionally interpreted as directing that the carcase should be carried out whole, and afterwards divided into pieces) shall be taken to a clean place (i.e. one free from ritual impurity) where the ashes (i.e. the ashes to which the Burnt-Offering, and other sacrifices burnt on the altar have been reduced by burning) are poured out (cp. Leviticus 1:16 and Leviticus 6:11) and there burnt on wood with fire (cp. Hebrews 13:11-12).

The traditional view of the sacrifice prescribed in Leviticus 4:3-12 is that it was necessary whenever the high priest had committed any offence in the discharge of his official duty as representative of the nation. In his ordinary life the high priest stands in the same relation to God's law as any other member of the community, and may offer the same sacrifice as the ordinary Israelite. According to some commentators the -sin" of Leviticus 4:3 refers to any offence whatever of the high priest committed in ignorance. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews points to the ideal high priest who is undefiled, separate from sinners (Leviticus 7:26), as distinguished from the high priest under the law, who, by reason of his infirmity, must offer sacrifice for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people (Leviticus 7:27; Leviticus 5:3).