Leviticus 1:12

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.

Study Bible

He is to cut the animal into pieces
This phrase refers to the specific instructions given to the offerer of the burnt offering. The act of cutting the animal into pieces signifies the detailed and deliberate nature of the sacrificial system. It reflects the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. The division of the animal can be seen as a type of Christ, whose body was broken for humanity's sins. This process also emphasizes the personal involvement of the offerer in the sacrificial act, symbolizing the personal nature of repentance and dedication to God.

and the priest shall arrange them
The priest's role in arranging the pieces highlights the mediatory function of the priesthood in the Old Testament. Priests acted as intermediaries between God and the people, foreshadowing the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who mediates the new covenant. This arrangement by the priest ensures that the offering is presented in an orderly and acceptable manner, reflecting God's desire for order and holiness in worship.

including the head and fat
The inclusion of the head and fat in the offering signifies the completeness of the sacrifice. The head represents leadership and authority, while the fat, often considered the best part, symbolizes abundance and richness. Offering these parts indicates giving the best to God, a principle seen throughout Scripture. This completeness points to the totality of Christ's sacrifice, who gave His all for the redemption of humanity.

atop the burning wood that is on the altar
The burning wood on the altar represents the consuming fire of God's holiness and judgment. The altar, central to Israelite worship, signifies a place of meeting between God and man. The fire consuming the sacrifice symbolizes God's acceptance of the offering and the atonement of sin. This imagery is fulfilled in Christ, who bore the fire of God's wrath on the cross, providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to God. The altar's perpetual fire also points to the continuous need for atonement, ultimately fulfilled in the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Offerer
The individual bringing the burnt offering, responsible for cutting the animal into pieces.

2. The Priest
The mediator between God and the offerer, responsible for arranging the pieces on the altar.

3. The Altar
A sacred place where offerings are made to God, symbolizing His presence and the place of atonement.

4. The Burnt Offering
A voluntary act of worship, atonement for unintentional sin, and expression of devotion, commitment, and complete surrender to God.

5. The Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among His people, where the altar was located.

Teaching Points

Understanding Sacrifice
The burnt offering symbolizes total dedication to God. As believers, we are called to offer our lives wholly to Him, reflecting our commitment and devotion.

Role of the Priest
The priest's role in arranging the offering points to the need for order and intentionality in our worship and service to God. We should approach God with reverence and structure in our spiritual practices.

Symbolism of the Altar
The altar represents God's presence and the place of atonement. In our lives, we must identify and maintain spaces and times dedicated to meeting with God.

Christ as the Fulfillment
The sacrificial system points to Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of His atonement and the grace we receive through faith.

Living Sacrifices
As New Testament believers, we are called to be living sacrifices, continually offering ourselves in service and obedience to God, reflecting His love and holiness in our daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the process of cutting and arranging the burnt offering reflect our approach to worship and dedication to God today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our lives are "living sacrifices" as described in Romans 12:1?

3. How does understanding the role of the priest in Leviticus 1:12 enhance our appreciation for Jesus as our High Priest?

4. What are some practical ways we can create "altars" in our lives to regularly meet with God?

5. How does the concept of total surrender in the burnt offering challenge our current level of commitment and devotion to God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 22
The account of Abraham and Isaac, where God provides a ram for a burnt offering, illustrating faith and obedience.

Hebrews 10
Discusses Christ's sacrifice as the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system, emphasizing the insufficiency of animal sacrifices for complete atonement.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the complete surrender seen in the burnt offering.

1 Peter 2:5
Believers are described as a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.