Leviticus1

Leviticus chapter one details the regulations for burnt offerings, initiated by the LORD speaking to Moses from the Tabernacle. It outlines the procedures for offering animals from the herd, flock, or fowls, all requiring an unblemished male for animals. The offering involves the offerer laying hands on the sacrifice for atonement, followed by the priests' meticulous handling of the blood and the complete burning of the sacrifice on the altar as a "sweet savour unto the LORD."
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The Lord Calls Moses

1
Then the LORD called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying, ​
2
“Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When any of you brings an offering to the LORD, you may bring as your offering an animal from the herd or the flock. ​

Burnt Offering from the Herd

3
If one’s offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to present an unblemished male. He must bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for its acceptance before the LORD. ​
4
He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. ​
5
And he shall slaughter the young bull before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests are to present the blood and sprinkle it on all sides of the altar at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. ​
6
Next, he is to skin the burnt offering and cut it into pieces.
7
The sons of Aaron the priest shall put a fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire.
8
Then Aaron’s sons the priests are to arrange the pieces, including the head and the fat, atop the burning wood on the altar.
9
The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. ​

Burnt Offering from the Flock

10
If, however, one’s offering is a burnt offering from the flock—from the sheep or goats—he is to present an unblemished male. ​
11
He shall slaughter it on the north side of the altar before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests are to sprinkle its blood against the altar on all sides.
12
He is to cut the animal into pieces, and the priest shall arrange them, including the head and fat, atop the burning wood that is on the altar.
13
The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall bring all of it and burn it on the altar; it is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Burnt Offering of Fowls

14
If, instead, one’s offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, he is to present a turtledove or a young pigeon. ​
15
Then the priest shall bring it to the altar, twist off its head, and burn it on the altar; its blood should be drained out on the side of the altar. ​
16
And he is to remove the crop with its contents and throw it to the east side of the altar, in the place for ashes.
17
He shall tear it open by its wings, without dividing the bird completely. And the priest is to burn it on the altar atop the burning wood. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Study Notes for Leviticus 1

Verse 1

This verse establishes the setting for the entire book of Leviticus. Having completed the Tabernacle (Exodus 40), God now speaks to Moses from within the Sanctuary, signifying His active presence dwelling among the Israelites.

Verse 2

The Hebrew term for 'offering' (qorban) literally means 'that which is brought near.' The purpose of the burnt offering (Olah) was to approach God and secure atonement, and unlike other sacrifices, it was entirely consumed by fire.

Verse 3

The requirement that the animal be a 'male without blemish' stresses the necessity of offering God the highest quality, symbolizing perfection. The voluntary nature of the offering highlights the worshiper's personal desire for reconciliation.

Verse 4

The laying of hands is an act of identification, transferring the offerer's identity (and implicitly, their sin/guilt) onto the animal. This action is essential for the sacrifice to be accepted and to secure atonement (kapparah).

Verse 5

The killing of the animal is performed by the offerer, symbolizing their personal responsibility for their sin. The subsequent handling and sprinkling of the blood by the priests emphasizes that only the consecrated priesthood can mediate the act of cleansing.

Verse 9

The phrase 'sweet savour' (rêaḥ nîḥoaḥ) signifies God's acceptance and pleasure regarding the offering. Because the burnt offering was wholly consumed, it represented complete dedication and surrender to God.

Verse 10

The regulations for sheep and goats are nearly identical to those for cattle, demonstrating that the standard of dedication and the requirement of a perfect animal remain consistent, regardless of the animal's size or value.

Verse 14

This provision ensures that the burnt offering is accessible even to the poor, who could not afford livestock. God provides an equitable system where economic status does not prevent an Israelite from seeking atonement and reconciliation.

Verse 15

Unlike the larger animals, the priest performs the killing of the bird by 'wringing off' the head. The procedure is simplified due to the small size, but the essential elements of blood disposal and burning remain intact.

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