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
And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, ​
2
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock. ​

Burnt Offering from the Herd

3
If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD. ​
4
And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. ​
5
And he shall kill the bullock before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the blood round about upon the altar that is by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. ​
6
And he shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into his pieces.
7
And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire upon the altar, and lay the wood in order upon the fire:
8
And the priests, Aaron's sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the fat, in order upon the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar:
9
But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD. ​

Burnt Offering from the Flock

10
And if his offering be of the flocks, namely, of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish. ​
11
And he shall kill it on the side of the altar northward before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall sprinkle his blood round about upon the altar.
12
And he shall cut it into his pieces, with his head and his fat: and the priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar:
13
But he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water: and the priest shall bring it all, and burn it upon the altar: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Burnt Offering of Fowls

14
And if the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the LORD be of fowls, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons. ​
15
And the priest shall bring it unto the altar, and wring off his head, and burn it on the altar; and the blood thereof shall be wrung out at the side of the altar: ​
16
And he shall pluck away his crop with his feathers, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, by the place of the ashes:
17
And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, but shall not divide it asunder: and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that is upon the fire: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto 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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