Topical Encyclopedia The burnt offering, known in Hebrew as "olah," meaning "that which goes up," is one of the oldest and most significant forms of sacrifice in the biblical tradition. It is characterized by the complete consumption of the offering by fire on the altar, symbolizing total dedication and surrender to God. The burnt offering holds a prominent place in the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament, serving as a means of atonement, worship, and expression of devotion.Biblical Foundation The practice of burnt offerings is deeply rooted in the early narratives of the Bible. The first mention of a burnt offering is found in Genesis 8:20, where Noah, after the flood, builds an altar to the LORD and offers burnt offerings of clean animals and birds. This act of worship is met with divine favor, as the LORD promises never to curse the ground again because of man. In the Mosaic Law, the burnt offering is given a formal structure and becomes a central element of Israel's worship. Leviticus 1 provides detailed instructions for the offering, specifying that it must be a male animal without blemish, from the herd or flock, or a bird, depending on the offerer's means. The offerer is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, symbolically transferring his sins to the animal, which is then slaughtered and completely burned on the altar. The aroma of the burnt offering is described as "a pleasing aroma to the LORD" (Leviticus 1:9). Purpose and Significance The burnt offering serves multiple purposes within the Israelite sacrificial system. Primarily, it acts as an atonement for sin, 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 act of atonement underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a sacrificial substitute to restore the relationship between God and humanity. Beyond atonement, the burnt offering is an expression of worship and devotion. It signifies the offerer's complete surrender and dedication to God, as the entire animal is consumed by fire, leaving nothing for the offerer. This total consumption symbolizes the offerer's desire to give wholly of themselves to the LORD. The burnt offering also plays a role in communal and national worship. It is offered daily, both morning and evening, as a continual reminder of Israel's dependence on God (Exodus 29:38-42). Additionally, burnt offerings are integral to special occasions and festivals, such as the Sabbath, New Moon, and the three major pilgrimage feasts (Numbers 28-29). Christological Fulfillment In the New Testament, the concept of the burnt offering finds its ultimate fulfillment in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:5-10 draws a parallel between the Old Testament sacrifices and the offering of Christ, emphasizing that the sacrifices of the law were a shadow of the good things to come. Jesus, as the perfect and unblemished Lamb of God, offers Himself wholly and completely, achieving what the burnt offerings could only symbolize. His sacrifice is once for all, providing eternal redemption and reconciliation with God. The burnt offering, therefore, not only reflects the ancient practices of Israel but also points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who embodies the complete dedication and atonement that the burnt offering represents. Through His sacrifice, believers are called to offer themselves as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1), echoing the total devotion symbolized by the burnt offering. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 8:21And the LORD smelled a sweet smell; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 1:9,13,17 Library That Holy Communion is not Lightly to be Omitted Princely Service. Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ... The Wordless Book The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements. Prosperity under Persecution Nature of Covenanting. Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. The Priesthood of Christ Resources What does it mean that God is Jehovah-Jireh? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the brazen altar? | GotQuestions.org Why does God desire mercy and acknowledgement of Him instead of sacrifice (Hosea 6:6)? | 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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