Laying a hand on the head of the burnt offering symbolized identification and substitution. The worshiper was acknowledging that the animal was taking their place, bearing the penalty of sin on their behalf. This act expressed confession, transfer of guilt, and acceptance of God’s appointed means of atonement.
Leviticus 1:4 says:
“Then he shall put his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.”
By this gesture, the sinner recognized their own guilt and the need for a substitute. The animal would die in their place, foreshadowing the ultimate substitution of Christ for sinners.
Isaiah 53:6 speaks to this principle:
“And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”
In the New Testament, this finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who bore our sins on the cross:
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
The laying on of hands demons/”>demonstrated both the seriousness of sin and the grace of God in providing atonement through a substitute. It was an act of faith, looking forward to the perfect sacrifice of Christ.
