The third book of the Bible, containing laws for worship, sacrifice, and holy living for Israel's priests and people.
Instructions for voluntary burnt offerings, including offerings from the herd (cattle), flock (sheep or goats), and birds (turtledoves or pigeons). Each type of offering required specific procedures but all symbolized complete dedication to God.
Leviticus 1
Leviticus 1
1And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,
God speaks to Moses from the newly completed tabernacle, establishing divine authority for these laws.
2Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.
Introduction to animal sacrifices, specifically from domesticated animals representing valuable possessions.
3If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD.
Specifications for the burnt offering: male, unblemished, and voluntarily given, symbolizing complete dedication to God.
4And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.
The laying on of hands symbolizes transfer of sin and identification with the sacrifice.
Cross References: 2 Chronicles 29:23, Isaiah 53:6, 1 Peter 2:24
5And he shall kill the bullock before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the blood round about upon the altar that is by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
The role of priests in handling the blood, which represents life and atonement.
9But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
Washing represents internal purity, and complete burning symbolizes total dedication to God.
10And if his offering be of the flocks, namely, of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish.
Alternative offerings for those who cannot afford cattle, showing God's provision for all economic levels.
Cross References: Leviticus 22:19-22, Malachi 1:14, James 1:27
11And he shall kill it on the side of the altar northward before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall sprinkle his blood round about upon the altar.
Specific location for sacrifice, emphasizing the importance of following God's precise instructions.
12And he shall cut it into his pieces, with his head and his fat: and the priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar:
Similar preparation required for smaller animals, showing equal importance of all offerings.
Cross References: Genesis 22:9, 1 Kings 18:33, Mark 12:41-44
13But he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water: and the priest shall bring it all, and burn it upon the altar: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
Emphasis on cleanliness and completeness in sacrifice, regardless of the offering's size.
14And if the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the LORD be of fowls, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons.
Provision for the poorest members of society, showing God's concern for all people.
Cross References: Luke 2:24, 2 Corinthians 8:12, James 2:5
15And the priest shall bring it unto the altar, and wring off his head, and burn it on the altar; and the blood thereof shall be wrung out at the side of the altar:
Modified procedure for birds, maintaining the significance while accommodating the different animal.
Cross References: Leviticus 5:7-10, Matthew 10:29, Luke 12:6
16And he shall pluck away his crop with his feathers, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, by the place of the ashes:
Removal of inedible parts, emphasizing the need for purity in sacrifice.
17And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, but shall not divide it asunder: and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that is upon the fire: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
Final preparation and offering, showing that even the smallest offering is acceptable when properly prepared.
Cross References: Genesis 15:10, Mark 12:42-44, 2 Corinthians 9:7