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."

The Lord Calls Moses

1
ADONAI called to Moshe and spoke to him from the tent of meeting. He said, ​
2
"Speak to the people of Isra'el; say to them, 'When any of you brings an offering to ADONAI, you may bring your animal offering either from the herd or from the flock. ​

Burnt Offering from the Herd

3
If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he must offer a male without defect. He is to bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting, so that it can be accepted by ADONAI. ​
4
He is to lay his hand upon the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. ​
5
He is to slaughter the young bull before ADONAI ; and the sons of Aharon, the cohanim, are to present the blood. They are to splash the blood against all sides of the altar, which is by the entrance to the tent of meeting. ​
6
He is to skin the burnt offering and cut it in pieces.
7
The descendants of Aharon the cohen are to put fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire.
8
The sons of Aharon, the cohanim, are to arrange the pieces, the head and the fat on the wood which is on the fire on the altar.
9
He is to wash the entrails and lower parts of the legs with water, and the cohen is to cause all of it to go up in smoke on the altar as a burnt offering; it is an offering made by fire, a fragrant aroma for ADONAI. ​

Burnt Offering from the Flock

10
"'If his offering is from the flock, whether from the sheep or from the goats, for a burnt offering, he must offer a male without defect. ​
11
He is to slaughter it on the north side of the altar before ADONAI; and the sons of Aharon, the cohanim, are to splash its blood against all sides of the altar.
12
He is to cut it into pieces, and the cohen is to arrange them with the head and fat on the wood which is on the fire on the altar.
13
He is to wash the entrails and lower parts of the legs with water; and the cohen is to offer it all and make it go up in smoke on the altar as a burnt offering; it is an offering made by fire, a fragrant aroma for ADONAI.

Burnt Offering of Fowls

14
"'If his offering to ADONAI is a burnt offering of birds, he must offer a dove or a young pigeon. ​
15
The cohen is to bring it to the altar, snap off its head and make it go up in smoke on the altar; its blood is to be drained out on the side of the altar. ​
16
He is to remove the food pouch and its feathers from its neck and discard it on the pile of ashes just east of the altar.
17
He is to pull it open with a wing on each side, but without tearing it in half. The cohen is to make it go up in smoke on the altar, on the wood which is on the fire, as a burnt offering; it is an offering made by fire, a fragrant aroma for ADONAI.

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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