The burnt offering, known in Hebrew as "olah," meaning "that which goes up" (referring to the smoke ascending to God), is one of the oldest and most significant offerings in the biblical sacrificial system. It is detailed extensively in the Pentateuch, particularly in the book of Leviticus, and serves as a foundational element of Israelite worship and atonement practices.

Biblical Foundation

The burnt offering is first mentioned in Genesis 8:20, where Noah offers burnt offerings to the LORD after the flood. This act of worship and thanksgiving sets a precedent for future offerings. The formal instructions for the burnt offering are given in Leviticus 1:3-17. The offering could be from the herd or flock, specifically a bull, sheep, or goat, and in some cases, birds such as turtledoves or young pigeons.

Levitical Instructions

Leviticus 1:9 states, "The priest is to burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." This verse underscores the requirement that the entire animal be consumed by fire, symbolizing total surrender and dedication to God. The offering was to be without blemish, representing purity and perfection, and was to be offered voluntarily by the worshiper.

Purpose and Significance

The burnt offering served multiple purposes. Primarily, it was an act of atonement, as indicated in Leviticus 1:4 : "He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him." This laying on of hands symbolized the transfer of sin from the individual to the animal, which was then wholly consumed, signifying the complete removal of sin.

Additionally, the burnt offering was an expression of devotion and commitment to God. The complete burning of the offering symbolized the worshiper's total dedication and submission to the divine will. It was a means of seeking favor and maintaining a right relationship with God.

Daily and Special Occasions

The burnt offering was a regular part of Israel's worship, offered daily, both morning and evening, as described in Exodus 29:38-42. It was also integral to special occasions and festivals, such as the Sabbath (Numbers 28:9-10), the New Moon (Numbers 28:11-15), and the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:24).

Theological Implications

The requirement for the burnt offering to be entirely burned highlights the concept of total consecration to God. It prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself wholly and without blemish for the atonement of humanity's sins. Hebrews 10:10 reflects this fulfillment: "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

In summary, the burnt offering is a profound expression of worship, atonement, and dedication, serving as a vital component of the covenant relationship between God and His people. Its requirement to be entirely burned underscores the completeness of the offering and the totality of devotion expected from the worshiper.Leviticus 1:8,9,12,13
And the priests, Aaron's sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the fat, in order on the wood that is on the fire which is on the altar:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 6:9
Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law of the burnt offering: It is the burnt offering, because of the burning on the altar all night to the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

"Lo, I Come": Exposition
... Sacrifice and offering, burnt offering and sin offering, and all ... do for us that which
God desired and required. ... in the text: "Sacrifice and offering thou didst ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/lo i come exposition.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... According to Jewish tradition a portion of the burnt offering had to be burnt, not
on the ... a mixture, melted together, of the ingredients required by Jewish ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

The First Book
... 80] I think that men gain strength entirely through their ... by the Lord had consumed
the burnt offering: "Nadab and ... the value of more than the required number of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the first book.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... In very many particulars he agrees entirely with the ... His plan, indeed, required great
skill and precision. ... are to be used for the fire of the burnt-offering. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

On the Death of his Father.
... such appointments should, if not entirely, as much as ... And when sacrifices were required,
he supplied them ... hands a reasonable whole burnt offering and spiritual ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xviii on the death.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... The women were immediately and entirely won to Christ's cause. ... on the way thither
it was required of them ... on a mountain, the altar of burnt-offering, which was ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

The City of Benares.
... Benares and the surrounding country are being burnt, and the ... in the palm of their
hands, and offering it up ... It is, however, required of all who dwell in Kasee ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... 1. All the materials that were used required preparation ... This, saith he, is the house
of the Lord God, and this is the altar of the burnt-offering for Israel (1 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... The safety of the Christian entirely depends upon his ... the flood, or that in Sodom
were burned with fire ... waiting without at his time of offering incense within ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of elders who administered justice when required, and settled ... west, cuneiform writing
was almost entirely used, attempts ... it for a whole burnt offering unto the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

What is a burnt offering? | GotQuestions.org

What 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