Leviticus 1:9
The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.
The entrails and legs must be washed with water
In the sacrificial system, the washing of the entrails and legs symbolizes purification and the removal of impurities. This act reflects the need for cleanliness and holiness before God, as seen in other purification rituals throughout Leviticus. The washing signifies the internal and external purity required of the offering, pointing to the holiness God demands from His people. This practice also foreshadows the cleansing work of Jesus Christ, who purifies believers from sin (Hebrews 10:22).

and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar
The complete burning of the offering signifies total dedication and surrender to God. The priest acts as a mediator between the people and God, highlighting the role of Christ as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). The altar, central to the tabernacle and later the temple, represents the place where God meets with His people. The act of burning the entire offering underscores the concept of atonement and the seriousness of sin, requiring a complete sacrifice.

as a burnt offering
The burnt offering, or "olah" in Hebrew, is one of the oldest and most significant offerings, symbolizing atonement and reconciliation with God. It is entirely consumed by fire, representing the worshiper's total devotion and the complete acceptance of the offering by God. This offering prefigures Christ's ultimate sacrifice, who offered Himself wholly to God on behalf of humanity (Ephesians 5:2).

a food offering
Though not consumed by the priests or worshipers, the burnt offering is described as a "food offering" to God, indicating that it is a gift or tribute to the Lord. This terminology emphasizes the relational aspect of the sacrifice, as it is presented to God as an act of worship and fellowship. It reflects the idea that God is pleased with the offerings of His people when given with a sincere heart.

a pleasing aroma to the LORD
The phrase "a pleasing aroma" signifies God's acceptance and satisfaction with the offering. It is a metaphorical expression indicating that the sacrifice is agreeable to God, aligning with His will and purposes. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Christ's sacrifice is described as a fragrant offering to God (Ephesians 5:2). The pleasing aroma underscores the idea that true worship and obedience are delightful to the Lord.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Priest
The individual responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals, acting as a mediator between God and the people.

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

3. Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice in which the entire animal is consumed by fire, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication to God.

4. Entrails and Legs
Parts of the sacrificial animal that are specifically mentioned to be washed, indicating the importance of purity and preparation.

5. Pleasing Aroma
A metaphorical expression indicating that the offering is acceptable and pleasing to God.
Teaching Points
Complete Dedication to God
The burnt offering symbolizes total surrender to God. Believers are called to dedicate every aspect of their lives to Him.

Purity and Preparation
The washing of the entrails and legs signifies the need for purity. Christians should strive for holiness in their walk with God.

Role of the Priest
The priest's role in the offering process points to Jesus as our High Priest, who mediates on our behalf.

Pleasing Aroma
Our lives, like the burnt offering, should be a pleasing aroma to God, characterized by obedience and faithfulness.

Symbolism of Fire
Fire represents purification and the presence of God. Believers are refined through trials and the Holy Spirit's work in their lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of a burnt offering in Leviticus 1:9 relate to the idea of living sacrifices in Romans 12:1?

2. What does the washing of the entrails and legs teach us about the importance of purity in our spiritual lives?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our lives are a "pleasing aroma" to God, as described in Leviticus 1:9?

4. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 1:9 foreshadow the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's refining fire in your life. How did it lead to greater dedication and purity?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 8:20-21
Noah's burnt offering after the flood, which was also described as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, showing the continuity of sacrificial worship.

Exodus 29:18
The consecration of Aaron and his sons, where burnt offerings are described as a pleasing aroma, highlighting the role of priests.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the complete dedication symbolized by the burnt offering.

Hebrews 10:1-10
Discusses the limitations of Old Testament sacrifices and the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice.
Our Reasonable ServiceS.R. Aldridge Leviticus 1:9
The Greatness of GodS.R. Aldridge Leviticus 1:1-9
The Weakness of Man and the Grace of GodS.R. Aldridge Leviticus 1:1-14
Entire Consecration, as Illustrated in the Burnt OfferingR.M. Edgar Leviticus 1:1-17
Law of the Burnt OfferingsR.A. Redford Leviticus 1:1-17
Principles of Spiritual SacrificeW. Clarkson Leviticus 1:2-17
The True End of Sacrifice, - Entire Consecration to GodW. Clarkson Leviticus 1:2-17
The Burnt Sacrifice of the HerdJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 1:3-9
The Killing, Flaying, and Consuming of the VictimR.A. Redford Leviticus 1:5-9
A Devoted LifeW. Y. Fullerton, "Sword and Trowel."Leviticus 1:6-13
Genuine ConsecrationLeviticus 1:6-13
Results of Total Self SurrenderJoseph Cook.Leviticus 1:6-13
The Best OfferingG. S. Reaney.Leviticus 1:6-13
The Sacrificial BurningS. H. Kellogg, D. D.Leviticus 1:6-13
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Altar, Aroma, Burn, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Burnt-sacrifice, Entrails, Fire, Fire-offering, Fragrance, However, Innards, Inner, Inside, Inwards, Legs, Odor, Odour, Offer, Offering, Perfume, Pleasant, Pleasing, Priest, Sacrifice, Savor, Savour, Smell, Smoke, Soothing, Sweet, Wash, Washed
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 1:9

     1210   God, human descriptions
     5163   legs
     5183   smell
     8460   pleasing God

Leviticus 1:1-9

     1680   types

Leviticus 1:1-17

     7316   blood, OT sacrifices

Leviticus 1:3-9

     4293   water
     4615   bull

Leviticus 1:3-13

     7422   ritual

Leviticus 1:3-17

     4552   wood

Library
The Burnt Offering a Picture and a Prophecy
'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. 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
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Collection for St Paul: the Farewell
PHILIPPIANS iv. 10-23 The Philippian alms--His sense of their faithful love--He has received in full--A passage in the Scriptural manner--The letter closes--"Christ is preached"--"Together with them" The work of dictation is nearly done in the Roman lodging. The manuscript will soon be complete, and then soon rolled up and sealed, ready for Epaphroditus; he will place it with reverence and care in his baggage, and see it safe to Philippi. But one topic has to be handled yet before the end. "Now
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

The Child-Life in Nazareth
THE stay of the Holy Family in Egypt must have been of brief duration. The cup of Herod's misdeeds, but also of his misery, was full. During the whole latter part of his life, the dread of a rival to the throne had haunted him, and he had sacrificed thousands, among them those nearest and dearest to him, to lay that ghost. [1084] And still the tyrant was not at rest. A more terrible scene is not presented in history than that of the closing days of Herod. Tormented by nameless fears; ever and again
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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