The burnt offering, a central element of Old Testament sacrificial practices, is a significant aspect of worship and atonement in the Hebrew Bible. This offering, known in Hebrew as "olah," meaning "that which goes up," refers to the smoke ascending to God as the offering is completely consumed by fire. The burnt offering is detailed extensively in the Pentateuch, particularly in the book of Leviticus, and serves as a symbol of complete surrender, devotion, and atonement for sin.

Scriptural Basis

The instructions for the burnt offering are primarily found in Leviticus 1:1-17. The offering could be taken from the herd or the flock, specifically a bull, sheep, or goat, and it had to be a male without blemish, symbolizing purity and perfection. Leviticus 1:3 states, "If one's offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to offer an unblemished male. He must present it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, that he may be accepted by the LORD."

Purpose and Significance

The burnt offering served multiple purposes. It was an act of worship, a means of atonement, and a demonstration of the offerer's devotion to God. The complete consumption of the offering by fire symbolized the total dedication of the worshiper to God. Leviticus 1:4 explains, "He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so that it may be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him."

Ritual Procedure

The ritual procedure for the burnt offering was meticulous. The offerer was required to bring the animal to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, lay hands on its head, and slaughter it. The priests would then sprinkle its blood around the altar, flay the animal, and cut it into pieces. The entire offering, including the head, fat, and entrails, was arranged on the altar and burned. Leviticus 1:9 notes, "The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD."

Symbolism and Theology

The burnt offering is rich in symbolism. The unblemished animal represents the sinless nature required for atonement, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the Lamb of God. The act of laying hands on the animal signifies the transfer of sin from the offerer to the sacrifice, a foreshadowing of Christ bearing the sins of humanity. The complete burning of the offering signifies total consecration to God, an ideal for believers to emulate in their spiritual lives.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, burnt offerings were not unique to Israel but were a common practice among various cultures. However, the Israelite burnt offering was distinct in its theological significance and its role in the covenant relationship between God and His people. It underscored the holiness of God, the seriousness of sin, and the necessity of atonement.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the sacrificial system, including the burnt offering. Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Christ's sacrifice on the cross is seen as the ultimate burnt offering, fully satisfying the requirements of the law and providing eternal atonement for sin.

Conclusion

The burnt offering, taken from the flock or herd, is a profound expression of worship and atonement in the Old Testament. Its detailed regulations and rich symbolism point to the holiness of God and the need for a perfect sacrifice, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Through the lens of the burnt offering, believers are reminded of the call to complete devotion and the transformative power of Christ's atoning work.Leviticus 1:2
Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, If any man of you bring an offering to the LORD, you shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Burnt Offering a Picture and a Prophecy
... as on some great occasions, hundreds of burnt offerings were ... inquire into the
significance of the offering, it turns ... to it, and must therefore be taken to be ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the burnt offering a picture.htm

Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence
... The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed ... and the fields shall yield no
meat; the flock shall be ... lowest, and offer him up for a burnt offering upon a ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/godly fear and its goodly.htm

The Gospel Feast
... God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering," who can ... The Law was not so
much taken away, as the Gospel ... for oil, and for the young of the flock and of ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xii the gospel feast.htm

Letter xix. --(For 347. ) Coss. Rufinus, Eusebius; Pr??f. The Same ...
... book called Leviticus is entirely taken up with ... neither given commandment concerning
whole burnt-offerings,' He ... and duly keep the feast, offering up prayers ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xix for 347 coss rufinus.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... witnesses: May God this woman thou hast taken bless, That ... a thing, He would not now
accept our offering, Or would ... not good fruit's hewn down And burnt, thus by ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... prayers of all saints that are waiting without at his time of offering incense within ...
1. Lightnings here are to be taken for the illuminations of the Spirit in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... by the advice of the magians, he burnt or pulled ... What course was taken by the holy
apostle, in other ... books are filled with similar promises, offering mercy to ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... all deny, but makes a doubt upon the word, whether it is to be taken in this ... Thus
he served Saul; he spared the best of the herd and flock, under pretence ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... Alexander is said to have burnt the former copy ... preferably cypress or laurel;* care
was taken not to ... The recognised offering consisted of flowers, bread, fruit ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... Yet, eventually that swine-herd was clothed in purple and fine linen ... The abbey was
burnt by the cavaliers ... He knew the mode in which plunder taken from the bodies ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

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Burnt: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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