Blood sacrifice was an essential part of Old Testament worship. Generally, the blood was poured under the altar in the Tabernacle. Nevertheless, there were three circumstances in the Old Testament where blood was sprinkled on people. And all of them signify rich spiritual truths.
1. Covenant:
God delivered the children of Israel with a mighty hand from Egyptian tyranny, which they endured for four hundred years. It was three months since they crossed the Red Sea victoriously, while the Egyptian army was drowned. God provided food and water. They also experience victory over the Amalekites by the intercession of Moses and the military attack by Joshua. God revealed Himself on Mount Sinai and made a covenant with the Nation of Israel. The covenant was sealed by blood and Moses sprinkled the blood on the people. (Exodus 24:5-8)
2. Ordination
God commanded Moses to establish the Tabernacle and create the order of priesthood. Aaron and his sons were chosen as the priests. For their consecration, the blood was sprinkled on them, their garments. Thus, they were ordained as priests. (Exodus 29:21) They and their garments were declared holy, consecrated to serve the Lord. Because they were ordained, they were eligible to serve as priests.
3. Purification
The lepers who were cleansed were included in the community. However, they have to go through the process of purification ceremony. One of the aspects of the ceremony is the sprinkling of the blood. (Leviticus 14:6-7) After this, a leper would be admitted into the community of the people of God.
The sprinkling of the blood of Jesus: The sprinkling of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ accomplishes all three things. (I Peter 1:2) First, the new covenant is established. Second, all believers are in the royal priesthood. Third, like the leper, all sinners are cleansed by His blood when they come to Him in faith. Sprinkled with the blood of Christ, our hearts have been made free from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:22-24)
Do I thank God for this covenant, ordination, and purification?