Chapters covering offerings are 1:1 through 6:7, then repeated in 6:8 through 7:36
The first descriptions are given from the viewpoint of the Israelite making the offerings. The second considers the various sacrifices as the priests had to deal with them
Most common of the sacrifices: Bull, ram, male goat, turtledove or young pigeon.
Always males but the species varied based on the individual's economic status
The purpose - Propitiation (appeasing God), seeking atonement (payment for a wrong) and complete surrender, devotion and commitment to God
Verse 2 - "Brings an offering" Corban: A gift presented to the Lord. Literally, "to cause to draw near, bring near, a present or gift, an offering." Used only in Leviticus, Numbers and Isaiah in the Old Testament. (Mark 7:11)
Hebrew "olah" signifies that which rises or ascends. The animal was completely consumed and ascended in smoke to the Lord
The purpose is given in verses 3-4: that the one giving may be accepted by the Lord and the sacrifice may be accepted for him to make atonement on his behalf
It was accepted as a substitute for taking away sins. Represented death for the sins
What's the role of sacrifice in God's plan? All have sinned (Romans 3:23. God will accept a substitute for the death of each sinner (John 1:29, it's Jesus). "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Again, the way to God is only through blood sacrifice and the walk with God is only through obedience to His laws.
Animals had to be:
Male
Without blemish (Hebrews 9:14)
Voluntary (Hebrews 9:14, 25-26)
Accepted for the sinner (Isaiah 53:5, 10-11)
Killed by the sinner (Isaiah 53:7)
Blood sprinkled (Hebrews 10:13, 22; 1 Peter 1:2)
Notice verse 6: Skin the offering and cut it in pieces. Who? The worshipper. God has ALWAYS demanded that worship be a participatory act, not a passive act
Verse 7: Washing "entrails" intestines and legs
"Sweet aroma to the Lord" sweet savour, soothing aroma
Verses 10-13: Offering given from the flock
Similar instructions as the ones given for a bull
Verses 14-17 Offering of birds
Reason not given here but we see in chapter 5 regarding the sin offering, it was for the poor
Verse 14: turtledove or young pigeon. Why not others? In 11:13-19 we'll see most other birds were unclean
Verses 15-17: Unlike before, the priest was responsible for all aspects of this offering
Burnt offerings foreshadowed Jesus call for Christians to give of themselves completely (Matthew 6:33, 16:25; Romans 12:1-2). Are we offering God our wholeness? There is a difference in God offering Jesus for us a sin offering and us offering ourselves to God in dedication and service
Chapter 6:8-13 Same info given from the viewpoint of the priest
"Command Aaron and his sons" versus "Speak to the children of Israel"
Offering to be left on the altar all night until it was reduced to ash
Priest wore a special linen robe when removing ashes. Apparently they were too holy to be removed while wearing common clothes. Priest wore other clothes when removing ashes to a clean place, no dead bodies or carcasses
Verses 12-13: Fire was not allowed to go out. Seems to establish the priority of the burnt offering
This is going to be important later...Nadab and Abihu
Unless the fire was kept going, other sacrifices (peace offering) couldn't be made
Exodus 29:38-42 said continual burnt offerings were to be presented morning and night for the community as a whole
The sin offering was mandatory for one who sinned intentionally
Trespass offering was mandatory for one who deprived another or desecrated something holy
Hebrews 10:4 "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins"
Discuss this looking at the Day of Atonement in 16:15-16 and Hebrews 9:24-28
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