Leviticus 7:5

The priest shall burn them on the altar as an offering made by fire to the LORD; it is a guilt offering.

Study Bible

The priest shall burn them on the altar
In the Levitical system, priests were responsible for performing sacrifices, acting as mediators between God and the people. The altar, located in the Tabernacle's courtyard, was the designated place for offerings. Burning the sacrifice symbolized complete dedication to God, as the smoke ascended to heaven. This act of burning was a key component of the sacrificial system, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement.

as a food offering to the LORD
The term "food offering" does not imply that God consumes the offering but signifies that it is a pleasing aroma to Him. This phrase highlights the relational aspect of the sacrifice, as offerings were meant to restore fellowship between God and the worshiper. The concept of a pleasing aroma is echoed in other scriptures, such as Ephesians 5:2, where Christ's sacrifice is described similarly, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Jesus.

it is a guilt offering
The guilt offering, or "asham" in Hebrew, was specifically for unintentional sins that required restitution. It underscores the need for repentance and making amends, reflecting God's justice and mercy. This offering foreshadows Christ's atoning work, as He is described in Isaiah 53:10 as a guilt offering for humanity's sins, providing ultimate reconciliation with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest is a 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 offerings and sacrifices are made to God. It symbolizes the presence of God and the place of atonement.

3. Offering Made by Fire
This refers to the sacrificial system where offerings are burned as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, signifying purification and atonement.

4. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who established the sacrificial system as a means for His people to maintain a right relationship with Him.

5. Guilt Offering
A specific type of offering in the Levitical system designed to atone for unintentional sins that required restitution.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The priest's role as a mediator foreshadows Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf.

Significance of the Altar
The altar represents a place of sacrifice and surrender. In our lives, we are called to present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

Understanding the Guilt Offering
The guilt offering emphasizes the need for restitution and reconciliation. In our relationships, we should seek to make amends and restore what has been broken.

The Holiness of God
The sacrificial system highlights God's holiness and the seriousness of sin. We are reminded to approach God with reverence and humility.

Christ as the Fulfillment
Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system, offering Himself once for all. Our faith in Him brings complete atonement and reconciliation with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 7:5 point to the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

2. In what ways can we apply the concept of the altar in our daily spiritual practices?

3. What lessons can we learn from the guilt offering about making restitution in our personal relationships?

4. How does understanding the holiness of God as depicted in Leviticus influence our approach to worship and prayer?

5. How does the sacrificial system in Leviticus enhance our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus as described in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 4-5
These chapters provide detailed instructions on various offerings, including the sin and guilt offerings, highlighting the importance of atonement and restitution.

Hebrews 9:22
This verse underscores the necessity of blood for the forgiveness of sins, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Isaiah 53:10
This prophecy speaks of the suffering servant, whose life is an offering for sin, prefiguring Christ's atoning work.