Leviticus 3:5

Then Aaron's sons are to burn it on the altar atop the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, as an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Study Bible

Then Aaron’s sons
Aaron's sons, the priests, were responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals. This highlights the hereditary priesthood established by God through Aaron, emphasizing the importance of lineage and divine appointment in the priestly duties. The priesthood was a sacred office, and Aaron's sons were consecrated to serve in the tabernacle, representing the people before God.

are to burn it on the altar
The act of burning the offering on the altar signifies complete dedication to God. The altar, located in the Tabernacle's courtyard, was the central place for sacrifices, symbolizing the meeting point between God and man. Burning the offering represents purification and the transformation of the physical into the spiritual, as the smoke ascends to heaven.

atop the burnt offering
The peace offering was placed on top of the burnt offering, indicating a hierarchy and order in the sacrificial system. The burnt offering, which was entirely consumed by fire, symbolized atonement and complete surrender to God. By placing the peace offering atop it, it shows that reconciliation and fellowship with God are built upon the foundation of atonement.

that is on the burning wood
The burning wood signifies the continuous nature of the sacrificial fire, which was to be kept burning perpetually on the altar (Leviticus 6:12-13). This represents the ongoing need for atonement and the perpetual nature of God's covenant with Israel. The wood, often acacia, was chosen for its availability and durability.

as a food offering
The term "food offering" indicates that the sacrifice is seen as a meal shared with God, symbolizing fellowship and communion. This reflects the cultural practice of sharing meals as a sign of peace and relationship. The offering is not consumed by God in a literal sense but is a symbolic act of giving to God what is valuable.

a pleasing aroma to the LORD
The phrase "a pleasing aroma" is a metaphorical expression indicating God's acceptance of the offering. It signifies that the sacrifice, when offered with a sincere heart, is pleasing to God. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Christ's sacrifice is described as a fragrant offering (Ephesians 5:2), drawing a parallel between the Old Testament sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron's Sons
The priests who were responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals. They were the descendants of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel.

2. The Altar
A sacred place where offerings and sacrifices were made to God. It was central to the worship practices of the Israelites.

3. Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice that was completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication to God.

4. Offering Made by Fire
A sacrificial act involving the burning of offerings, which was a common practice in ancient Israelite worship.

5. Pleasing Aroma to the LORD
A phrase indicating that the sacrifice was acceptable and pleasing to God, symbolizing His satisfaction with the offering.

Teaching Points

The Role of Priests
The priests acted as mediators between God and the people, highlighting the importance of spiritual leadership and intercession in the community of faith.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
Sacrifices in the Old Testament were a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of Jesus' atonement for our sins.

Total Dedication
Just as the burnt offering was completely consumed, believers are called to offer their whole lives to God, holding nothing back.

Pleasing God
Our actions and offerings should aim to please God, reflecting a heart of obedience and reverence.

Spiritual Sacrifices Today
In the New Covenant, our sacrifices are spiritual—praise, service, and love for others, which are pleasing to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Aaron's sons as priests inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today?

2. In what ways can we offer our lives as a "pleasing aroma" to God in our daily activities?

3. How does the concept of a burnt offering in Leviticus 3:5 relate to the idea of living sacrifices in Romans 12:1?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure our actions and offerings are pleasing to God, as described in Hebrews 13:15-16?

5. How can understanding the sacrificial system in Leviticus deepen our appreciation for Christ's sacrifice on the cross?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29:18
This verse also speaks of a burnt offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, emphasizing the importance of sacrifices in the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Hebrews 13:15-16
These verses encourage believers to offer sacrifices of praise and good deeds, drawing a parallel between Old Testament sacrifices and New Testament spiritual offerings.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is a spiritual act of worship, connecting the physical sacrifices of the Old Testament to the spiritual dedication in the New Testament.