Topical Encyclopedia The burnt offering, a central element of Old Testament worship, holds significant importance in the dedication of sacred places. This offering, known in Hebrew as "olah," meaning "that which goes up," symbolizes the complete surrender and consecration of the worshiper to God. It is entirely consumed by fire, representing total devotion and the desire for atonement and purification.Biblical Instances 1. The Tabernacle Dedication: The dedication of the Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, involved a series of offerings, including burnt offerings. In Exodus 40:29, Moses is instructed to set up the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tabernacle. The burnt offerings were a crucial part of the consecration process, signifying the sanctification of the space for God's presence. 2. The Temple of Solomon: The dedication of Solomon's Temple is another significant event where burnt offerings played a vital role. In 1 Kings 8:62-64, Solomon offers a massive number of sacrifices, including burnt offerings, to dedicate the Temple. The text states, "Then the king and all Israel with him offered sacrifices before the LORD. Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the house of the LORD." 3. The Second Temple: After the Babylonian exile, the returning exiles under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua reinstituted the practice of burnt offerings at the dedication of the Second Temple. Ezra 3:3-6 records that despite their fear of the surrounding peoples, they set up the altar on its foundation and offered burnt offerings to the LORD, both morning and evening. Theological Significance The burnt offering at the dedication of sacred places underscores the holiness required for spaces dedicated to God. It reflects the need for purification and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. The complete consumption of the offering by fire symbolizes the totality of the worshiper's commitment and the desire for divine acceptance. Symbolism and Ritual The ritual of the burnt offering involves the selection of an unblemished animal, which is then slaughtered, and its blood is sprinkled on the altar. The entire animal is burned, creating a pleasing aroma to the LORD (Leviticus 1:9). This act of worship signifies the worshiper's intent to offer themselves wholly to God, seeking His favor and presence. Christological Foreshadowing From a Christian perspective, the burnt offering is seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the burnt offering was wholly consumed, Christ's sacrifice on the cross was complete and sufficient for the atonement of sin. Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Conclusion The burnt offering at the dedication of sacred places serves as a profound reminder of the need for holiness, dedication, and the complete surrender of one's life to God. It is a testament to the seriousness with which the Israelites approached the worship of God and the establishment of spaces for His divine presence. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 7:15One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering: Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 8:64 Library Home Dedication. Prayer and Consecration Hezekiah The Upbringing of Jewish Children The Return of the Exiles Pagan Shrines and Temples. God Rejoicing in the New Creation CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23). Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Introduction. Chapter i. --Life of S. Cyril. Resources What is a burnt offering? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the various sacrifices in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org Why would the aroma of a sacrifice be important to God? | GotQuestions.org Burnt: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Burnt offering for Nazarites After Defilement, or at the End of Their Vow The Burnt offering for the Healed Leper The Burnt offering of Human Victims Execrated The Burnt offering of the Wicked, not Accepted by God The Burnt offering was an Atonement for Sin The Burnt offering with Sounds of Trumpets at Feasts The Burnt offering: Abraham Tried by the Command to offer Isaac As The Burnt offering: After Great Mercies The Burnt offering: Ashes of, Collected at Foot of the Altar, and Conveyed The Burnt offering: At Consecration of Kings The Burnt offering: At Consecration of Levites The Burnt offering: At Consecration Priests The Burnt offering: At Dedication of Sacred Places The Burnt offering: At Purification of Women The Burnt offering: Before Going to War The Burnt offering: Blood of, Sprinkled Round About Upon the Altar The Burnt offering: Devotedness to God The Burnt offering: Every Morning and Evening The Burnt offering: Every Sabbath Day The Burnt offering: Guilt of offering, Except in the Place Appointed The Burnt offering: Guilt of Unauthorised Persons offering The Burnt offering: Guilt Transferred To, by Imposition of Hands The Burnt offering: If a Bird, the Blood Was Wrung out at the Side of the Altar The Burnt offering: Incapable of Removing Sin, and Reconciling to God The Burnt offering: Knowledge of God Better Than The Burnt offering: Love of God Better Than The Burnt offering: Obedience Better Than The Burnt offering: Offered by the Jews Before the Law The Burnt offering: Required to be for the People at Large, Killed and Prepared by the Levites The Burnt offering: Required to Be: A Male Without Blemish The Burnt offering: Required to Be: Entirely Burned The Burnt offering: Required to Be: Killed, If a Beast, by the Person Who Brought It The Burnt offering: Required to Be: Killed, If a Bird, by the Priest The Burnt offering: Required to Be: Offered by Priests Only The Burnt offering: Required to Be: Offered in Righteousness The Burnt offering: Required to Be: Presented at the Door of the Tabernacle The Burnt offering: Required to Be: Voluntary The Burnt offering: Skin of, Given to the Priests for Clothing The Burnt offering: Specially Acceptable The Burnt offering: The Day of Atonement The Burnt offering: The Fat of all Peace offerings Laid On, and Consumed With The Burnt offering: The First Day of Every Month The Burnt offering: The Most Ancient of all Sacrifices The Burnt offering: The Most Costly, No Adequate Tribute to God The Burnt offering: The offering of Christ The Burnt offering: The Seven Days of Unleavened Bread The Burnt offering: To be offered Only to the Lord The Burnt offering: To be Taken From: The Flock or Herd The Burnt offering: To be Taken From: The Fowls Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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