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
The LORD called to Moses, and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying, ​
2
“Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘When anyone of you offers an offering to the LORD, you shall offer your offering of the livestock, from the herd and from the flock. ​

Burnt Offering from the Herd

3
“‘If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without defect. He shall offer it at the door of the Tent of Meeting, that he may be accepted before the LORD. ​
4
He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. ​
5
He shall kill the bull before the LORD. Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall present the blood and sprinkle the blood around on the altar that is at the door of the Tent of Meeting. ​
6
He shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into pieces.
7
The sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar, and lay wood in order on the fire;
8
and Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall lay the pieces, the head, and the fat in order on the wood that is on the fire which is on the altar;
9
but its innards and its legs he shall wash with water. The priest shall burn all of it on the altar, for a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to the LORD. ​

Burnt Offering from the Flock

10
“‘If his offering is from the flock, from the sheep, or from the goats, for a burnt offering, he shall offer a male without defect. ​
11
He shall kill it on the north side of the altar before the LORD. Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar.
12
He shall cut it into its pieces, with its head and its fat. The priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire which is on the altar,
13
but the innards and the legs he shall wash with water. The priest shall offer the whole, and burn it on the altar. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to the LORD.

Burnt Offering of Fowls

14
“‘If his offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, then he shall offer his offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons. ​
15
The priest shall bring it to the altar, and wring off its head, and burn it on the altar; and its blood shall be drained out on the side of the altar; ​
16
and he shall take away its crop with its filth, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, in the place of the ashes.
17
He shall tear it by its wings, but shall not divide it apart. The priest shall burn it on the altar, on the wood that is on the fire. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant 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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