Leviticus 4:3

The priest that is anointed refers to the high priest, who alone was anointed on the head (Exodus 29:7-9; Leviticus 8:12-13). He is called “the high priest among his brethren” (Leviticus 21:10), though usually simply “the priest.” The term “high priest” literally means “great priest” or “chief priest.”

The high priest stood for and represented the people (Leviticus 16:15-16; Zechariah 3:1-4). Prophets also identified themselves with the sins of the people, confessing “we have sinned” (Nehemiah 1:6; Isaiah 64:5,7; Jeremiah 3:25; 8:14; 14:7; Daniel 9:5,8,11,15).

The high priest was the representative man, acting for the people in all sanctuary matters. In him, the whole priesthood was summed up.

Adam was the representative man whose sin brought death upon all men (Romans 5:12,19; 1 Corinthians 15:22). Christ is the representative of the new humanity, the “last Adam” (1 Corinthians 15:45-47). By one man’s offense judgment came upon all men to condemnation; by the righteousness of one, justification of life (Romans 5:18-19).

The high priest, as a figure of Christ, bore the burdens and sins of Israel. When he sinned, Israel sinned. He was required to bring the same sacrifice for his sin as for the nation’s sin.

A young bullock without blemish was offered by the high priest for his sin and that of the people (Leviticus 4:14). Both male and female animals could be used in sin offerings but had to be without blemish.