Leviticus 1:16
And he is to remove the crop with its contents and throw it to the east side of the altar, in the place for ashes.
And he is to remove the crop with its contents

Before the bird was placed on the altar, its crop and contents were removed. What had been taken in as food was not offered to the Lord, preserving the offering from uncleanness and keeping the sacrifice fitting for holy use. The careful preparation of even the poorest worshiper’s offering showed that God required reverence and purity.

Lev 5:8 He is to bring them to the priest, who shall present…
Lev 14:4-7 the priest shall order that two live clean birds,…
Num 6:10-11 On the eighth day he must bring two turtledoves…

and throw it to the east side of the altar,

The removed material was placed outside the area where the sacrifice was burned. The east side of the altar faced the entrance to the tabernacle courtyard, separating what was discarded from what was presented before the Lord.

Ezk 43:17 The ledge shall also be square, fourteen cubits long…
Num 4:13 Then they shall remove the ashes from the bronze altar,…
Exo 27:13-16 The east side of the courtyard, toward the sunrise…

in the place for ashes.

This was the designated place for ashes and remains taken from the altar. Its use kept the sanctuary orderly and distinguished what belonged to the offering from what had been removed. The sacrifice pointed forward to Christ, whose perfect offering dealt fully with sin and brought cleansing before God.

Lev 4:12 all the rest of the bull—he must take outside the camp…
Lev 6:10-11 And the priest shall put on his linen robe…
Num 19:9 Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to gather up…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Priest
The individual responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals as outlined in Leviticus. The priest acts as a mediator between God and the people.

2. Altar
A sacred structure where offerings and sacrifices are made to God. In this context, it is the place where the burnt offering is prepared and presented.

3. East Side of the Altar
The specific location designated for disposing of the crop and its contents. This direction holds symbolic significance in biblical texts, often associated with beginnings and God's presence.

4. Place for Ashes
A designated area for the disposal of remains from the sacrifices, symbolizing purification and the removal of sin.

5. Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice in which the entire offering is consumed by fire, symbolizing complete surrender and atonement to God.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Instructions
The detailed instructions for sacrifices in Leviticus highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands. As believers, we are called to follow God's Word with precision and reverence.

Symbolism of Purification
The removal of the crop and its contents to the place for ashes symbolizes the purification process. In our spiritual lives, we must continually seek to remove sin and impurities, allowing God to cleanse us.

The Role of Sacrifice
Sacrifices in the Old Testament point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Understanding the sacrificial system helps us appreciate the depth of Christ's atonement and our call to live sacrificially for Him.

God's Holiness and Our Response
The sacrificial system underscores God's holiness and the need for atonement. Our response should be one of awe, worship, and a commitment to holiness in our own lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the specific instruction to remove the crop and its contents reflect the importance of obedience in our relationship with God?

2. In what ways does the symbolism of the east side of the altar and the place for ashes apply to our spiritual journey and the process of purification?

3. How can understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as described in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical ways we can live out the principle of sacrifice in our daily lives, following the example of Christ?

5. How does the concept of God's holiness, as seen in the sacrificial system, influence our approach to worship and our personal walk with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 29
Describes the consecration of priests and the importance of following God's specific instructions for sacrifices, highlighting the role of the priesthood.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the New Covenant and the fulfillment of the law through Christ.

Psalm 51
Emphasizes the importance of a contrite heart over ritual sacrifices, pointing to the internal transformation God desires.
Entire Consecration, as Illustrated in the Burnt OfferingR.M. Edgar Leviticus 1:1-17
Law of the Burnt OfferingsR.A. Redford Leviticus 1:1-17
Principles of Spiritual SacrificeW. Clarkson Leviticus 1:2-17
The True End of Sacrifice, - Entire Consecration to GodW. Clarkson Leviticus 1:2-17
The Burnt Offering of the Flock and of the FowlsJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 1:10-17
Our Lord's Tenderness in Dealing with the Offerings of the PoorH. C. Trumbull.Leviticus 1:14-17
The Burnt Sacrifice of BirdsJ. Bayley, Ph. D.Leviticus 1:14-17
The Offering of Fowls - Turtle-Doves or Young PigeonsR.A. Redford Leviticus 1:14-17
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Altar, Ashes, Aside, Beside, Burned, Cast, Contents, Crop, East, Eastward, Feathers, Filth, Pluck, Remove, Stomach, Thereof, Throw, Waste
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 1:1-17

     7316   blood, OT sacrifices

Leviticus 1:3-17

     4552   wood

Leviticus 1:14-17

     4678   pigeon

Library
The Burnt Offering a Picture and a Prophecy
'And the Lord called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, 2. Speak 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. 3. If 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. 4. And
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Collection for St Paul: the Farewell
PHILIPPIANS iv. 10-23 The Philippian alms--His sense of their faithful love--He has received in full--A passage in the Scriptural manner--The letter closes--"Christ is preached"--"Together with them" The work of dictation is nearly done in the Roman lodging. The manuscript will soon be complete, and then soon rolled up and sealed, ready for Epaphroditus; he will place it with reverence and care in his baggage, and see it safe to Philippi. But one topic has to be handled yet before the end. "Now
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

The Child-Life in Nazareth
THE stay of the Holy Family in Egypt must have been of brief duration. The cup of Herod's misdeeds, but also of his misery, was full. During the whole latter part of his life, the dread of a rival to the throne had haunted him, and he had sacrificed thousands, among them those nearest and dearest to him, to lay that ghost. [1084] And still the tyrant was not at rest. A more terrible scene is not presented in history than that of the closing days of Herod. Tormented by nameless fears; ever and again
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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