Topical Bible: Offerings: Burnt: Its Purpose Was to Make an Atonement for Sin

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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. Its primary purpose was to make atonement for sin, serving as a means for the worshiper to express devotion, repentance, and a desire for reconciliation with God.

Biblical Foundation

The burnt offering is first mentioned in Genesis 8:20, where Noah, after the flood, builds an altar and offers burnt offerings to the LORD. This act of worship and thanksgiving is met with divine favor, as God promises never to curse the ground again because of man.

The formalization of the burnt offering is detailed in the Mosaic Law, particularly in the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus 1:3-4 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, so that he may be accepted by the LORD. He is to 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 of the burnt offering involved several key steps:

1. Selection of the Animal: The offering had to be a male without blemish, symbolizing purity and perfection. This requirement underscored the holiness of God and the need for a perfect sacrifice to atone for sin.

2. Presentation and Laying on of Hands: The worshiper would bring the animal to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and lay hands on its head. This act symbolized the transfer of sin from the individual to the animal, identifying the offering with the offerer.

3. Slaughter and Blood Ritual: The animal was then slaughtered, and its blood was sprinkled around the altar. Blood, representing life, was a crucial element in the atonement process, as Leviticus 17:11 explains, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life."

4. Burning on the Altar: The entire animal was burned on the altar, creating a "pleasing aroma" to the LORD (Leviticus 1:9). The complete consumption of the offering signified total dedication and surrender to God.

Theological Significance

The burnt offering was a profound expression of worship and atonement. It acknowledged human sinfulness and the need for divine forgiveness. By offering a burnt sacrifice, the worshiper sought to restore fellowship with God, recognizing His holiness and justice.

The burnt offering also foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, offered Himself without blemish to atone for the sins of humanity. Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

Regular and Special Occasions

Burnt offerings were a regular part of Israel's worship, offered daily, weekly on the Sabbath, and during special festivals and occasions (Numbers 28-29). They were also presented in times of national crisis or personal need, reflecting the ongoing need for atonement and divine favor.

In summary, the burnt offering was a central element of Old Testament worship, symbolizing atonement, dedication, and the hope of reconciliation with God. Through this sacrificial system, the Israelites were continually reminded of their dependence on God's grace and mercy.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 1:4
And he shall put his hand on the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 7:1
Likewise this is the law of the trespass offering: it is most holy.
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Library

The Burnt Offering a Picture and a Prophecy
... the sprinkling of the blood, in the burnt offerings and in ... if they are not recognised
as its very centre. ... it was sometimes called 'a whole burnt offering.' The ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the burnt offering a picture.htm

Leviticus.
... Analysis. I. Law of Sacrifices, Chs.1-7. 1. Burnt offering, Ch.1. ... (1) Make a list
of the several offerings and become familiar ... (a) its effect on man's nature,. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter iii leviticus.htm

Separation to God.
... The offerings to be made on the conclusion of his ... necessity alike for sin-offering,
for burnt-offering, and ... a little child to please and serve its parent; but ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part i separation to god.htm

The Epistle to the Hebrews
... Above, in saying "sacrifices and offerings, and whole burnt offerings, and offerings
for sin ... in Christ' to express this identification or its result; he ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/denney/the death of christ/chapter 4 the epistle to.htm

Hezekiah
... Upon the altar were placed sin offerings "to make an ... had been placed upon this prayer;
for at its close fire ... down from heaven to consume the burnt offering and ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 28 hezekiah.htm

Scriptural Types.
... The Saviour himself announced his purpose to die for ... HOLINESS TO THE LORD is its
own interpreter ... early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

Fifth Sunday in Lent
... his prayer, his sprinkled blood, his burnt incense, were ... the blood of rams and other
offerings, and with ... Under its sway grace is perpetually renewed, without ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fifth sunday in lent.htm

The Blood of the Testament
... men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace
offerings of oxen ... upon us that we may prove its cleansing power. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 58 1912/the blood of the testament.htm

The New Covenant.
... Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices ... His assumption
of humanity had for its ultimate end ... The gracious purpose of God is to forgive ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

His Past Work.
... In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sins Thou hadst no pleasure ... were brought into
use, with the one purpose to keep ... the agony of the cross and its shame would ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/i his past work.htm