Leviticus 1:12

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:

And he shall cut {H5408} it into his pieces {H5409}, with his head {H7218} and his fat {H6309}: and the priest {H3548} shall lay them in order {H6186} on the wood {H6086} that is on the fire {H784} which is upon the altar {H4196}:

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.

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.

And he shall cut it into its pieces, with its head and its fat; and the priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar:

Commentary

Leviticus 1:12 continues the detailed instructions for the burnt offering, specifically focusing on the preparation of a bird offering (such as a turtledove or a young pigeon, as mentioned in previous verses of this chapter). This verse describes the precise actions the worshiper must take before the priest completes the ritual.

Context

This verse is part of the opening chapter of Leviticus, which meticulously outlines the various types of offerings required by God for the Israelites. The burnt offering (Hebrew: 'olah, meaning "that which ascends") was a voluntary sacrifice that symbolized complete dedication and atonement. Unlike other offerings where only a portion was burned, the entire burnt offering, once prepared, was consumed by fire on the altar, signifying its ascent to God as a pleasing aroma. Verses 10 and 11 detail the initial steps for bird offerings, including the wringing off of the head and draining of the blood, followed by the cutting of the bird into its pieces, which is the focus of verse 12.

Key Themes

  • Meticulous Obedience and Order: The precise instructions for cutting the animal into its pieces and the priest's orderly arrangement on the wood underscore the importance of exact obedience and order in approaching a holy God. This wasn't a casual act but a sacred ritual demanding careful adherence.
  • Complete Dedication: The division of the offering into parts, including the head and fat, and its full consumption by fire, symbolized the worshiper's complete surrender and dedication of their whole being to God. Every part was offered.
  • The Priest's Mediating Role: The verse highlights the priest's essential function in mediating between God and humanity. It is the priest who "shall lay them in order on the wood that [is] on the fire," ensuring the offering is presented acceptably. This foreshadows the ultimate mediating role of Christ, our Great High Priest.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "burnt offering," 'olah (ืขึนืœึธื”), literally means "that which goes up" or "ascends," referring to the smoke of the sacrifice ascending to God. The term "fat" (ื—ึตืœึถื‘ - chelev) often represented the best or choicest part of an animal, which was always reserved for God in sacrifices, signifying that God receives the very best.

Practical Application

While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principles behind these Old Testament rituals remain profound. Leviticus 1:12 reminds us that our worship and devotion to God should be intentional, orderly, and complete. It's about offering our "pieces"โ€”our thoughts, actions, resources, and very livesโ€”to God in a way that honors Him. Just as the burnt offering symbolized Christ's perfect and complete sacrifice for us, it calls us to live lives of full devotion, recognizing the holiness of God and the seriousness of our walk with Him.

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Cross-References

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