Offerings in Leviticus 1-7
A study of Leviticus 1-7, focusing on the types of offerings and their significance.
1. The Burnt Offering
1.1 Meaning and Purpose
Verses: Leviticus 1:3; Romans 12:1
- A voluntary offering made as an act of worship and thanksgiving.
- Signifies complete surrender and devotion to God.
1.2 Requirements
Verses: Leviticus 1:3; Leviticus 1:4
- Must be a male without blemish.
- The offerer lays their hand on the animal's head, transferring identification.
1.3 Procedure
Verses: Leviticus 1:5; Leviticus 1:9
- The blood is sprinkled around the altar.
- The animal is burned completely, a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
2. The Grain Offering
2.1 Meaning and Purpose
Verses: Leviticus 2:1; 2 Corinthians 9:7
- An offering of grain, fine flour, or baked goods.
- Symbolizes dedication of one's labor and provision to God.
2.2 Procedure
Verses: Leviticus 2:2; Leviticus 2:3
- Some is burned on the altar, a memorial portion.
- The remainder is eaten by the priests.
3. The Sin Offering
3.1 Meaning and Purpose
Verses: Leviticus 4:2; Romans 5:11
- An offering to restore fellowship with God after sin.
- Highlights the need for atonement and reconciliation.
3.2 Variations
Verses: Leviticus 4:3; Leviticus 4:13; Leviticus 4:22; Leviticus 4:27
- The type of animal depends on who sinned (priest, community, leader, individual).
- Blood is applied to different parts of the sanctuary depending on the sinner's position.
3.3 Procedure
Verses: Leviticus 4:10; Leviticus 4:12
- Fat is burned on the altar.
- The remainder is handled differently depending on the type of sin offering.
4. The Trespass Offering
4.1 Meaning and Purpose
Verses: Leviticus 5:15; Luke 19:8
- An offering to make restitution for unintentional sins that violate the rights of others or desecrate holy things.
- Emphasizes the importance of making amends and restoring what was taken.
4.2 Requirements
Verses: Leviticus 5:16; Leviticus 6:5
- Requires both a sacrifice and restitution (paying back what was taken plus 20%).
- Demonstrates true repentance and a commitment to righting wrongs.
5. The Peace Offering
5.1 Meaning and Purpose
Verses: Leviticus 7:11; Ephesians 2:14
- A voluntary offering expressing gratitude for peace and fellowship with God and others.
- Celebrates blessings and shared communion.
5.2 Variations
Verses: Leviticus 7:12; Leviticus 7:13
- Can be offered as a thanksgiving, a vow, or a freewill offering.
- Includes unleavened cakes, wafers, and cakes of leavened bread.
5.3 Procedure
Verses: Leviticus 7:15; Leviticus 7:16
- The offerer, priests, and their families partake of the offering.
- Must be eaten within a specific timeframe to avoid uncleanness.