Leviticus 1:15

Then the priest shall bring it to the altar, twist off its head, and burn it on the altar; its blood should be drained out on the side of the altar.

Study Bible

Then the priest shall bring it to the altar
The role of the priest in the sacrificial system was central, acting as a mediator between God and the people. The altar, located in the Tabernacle's courtyard, was the designated place for sacrifices, symbolizing God's presence and the need for atonement. This act of bringing the offering to the altar signifies the approach to God, emphasizing the need for a mediator, which foreshadows Christ as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).

twist off its head
This phrase describes the specific method of sacrifice for a bird offering, which was typically a turtledove or young pigeon. The act of twisting off the head was a practical method for a small animal and highlights the seriousness of sin requiring a life to be given. This act can be seen as a type of Christ's sacrifice, where His life was given for the atonement of sin (Isaiah 53:5).

and burn it on the altar
Burning the offering on the altar was a way to transform the physical sacrifice into a pleasing aroma to the Lord, symbolizing complete dedication and surrender to God. This act of burning represents the total consumption of the offering, pointing to the totality of Christ's sacrifice on the cross (Ephesians 5:2).

its blood should be drained out on the side of the altar
The draining of blood is significant as blood represents life (Leviticus 17:11). The act of pouring it out on the altar's side signifies the offering of life to God and the cleansing power of the sacrifice. This prefigures the shedding of Christ's blood, which is essential for the forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22). The side of the altar, where the blood was poured, can be seen as a place of purification and sanctification, pointing to the cleansing power of Jesus' blood.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest is the mediator between God and the people, responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals as prescribed in the Law of Moses.

2. Altar
A sacred place where sacrifices are offered to God. In the context of Leviticus, it is the central place of worship and atonement.

3. Sacrifice
The act of offering something valuable to God. In this verse, it refers to the offering of a bird, which is part of the burnt offering ritual.

4. Blood
Symbolizes life and is a crucial element in the sacrificial system, representing atonement and purification.

5. Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice where the entire offering is consumed by fire, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication to God.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The priest acts as an intermediary, highlighting the need for mediation between God and humanity. This foreshadows Christ as our ultimate High Priest.

Significance of the Altar
The altar is a place of encounter with God. It reminds us of the importance of having a dedicated space and time for worship and communion with God.

Symbolism of Blood
Blood represents life and atonement. It points to the seriousness of sin and the cost of reconciliation with God, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus' sacrifice.

Total Surrender
The burnt offering symbolizes complete dedication to God. Believers are called to live lives fully surrendered to God's will.

Understanding Sacrifice
Sacrifices in the Old Testament were a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of God's love and the cost of our redemption.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 1:15 point to the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. What is the significance of the altar in your personal worship, and how can you create a "sacred space" in your daily life?

3. In what ways does the symbolism of blood in the sacrificial system deepen your understanding of Christ's sacrifice?

4. How can you apply the concept of a burnt offering, representing total surrender, to your own life as a living sacrifice?

5. How do the Old Testament sacrifices enhance your appreciation for the New Testament teachings on atonement and redemption?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 8:20
Noah's burnt offering after the flood, which pleased God and led to His promise not to curse the ground again.

Hebrews 9:22
Discusses the necessity of blood for atonement, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the complete dedication symbolized by the burnt offering.