Following the dramatic exodus from Egypt, the Israelites embarked on a journey through the wilderness under the leadership of Moses. This period marked a significant development in the religious practices of the Israelites, particularly in the offering of sacrifices, which became central to their covenant relationship with God.

The Establishment of the Tabernacle

After the departure from Egypt, God provided Moses with detailed instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that would serve as the focal point for worship and sacrifices. The Tabernacle was completed and consecrated at Mount Sinai, as recorded in Exodus 40. It was here that the sacrificial system was formally instituted, providing a means for the Israelites to maintain their covenant relationship with God.

Types of Sacrifices

The sacrificial system included various offerings, each with specific purposes and regulations, as outlined in the Book of Leviticus. These sacrifices included:

1. Burnt Offerings (Leviticus 1): These were offerings of unblemished animals, wholly consumed by fire, symbolizing complete devotion to God. The burnt offering was a voluntary act of worship, atonement for unintentional sin, and an expression of commitment to God.

2. Grain Offerings (Leviticus 2): These offerings consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. They were presented as an act of thanksgiving and dedication, acknowledging God's provision.

3. Peace Offerings (Leviticus 3): Also known as fellowship offerings, these were shared meals that symbolized peace and communion with God. Portions of the sacrifice were consumed by the offerer, the priests, and the altar.

4. Sin Offerings (Leviticus 4): These were mandatory offerings for atonement of specific unintentional sins, emphasizing the need for purification and forgiveness.

5. Guilt Offerings (Leviticus 5): Similar to sin offerings, these were required for unintentional sins that required restitution, highlighting the importance of making amends.

The Role of the Priests

The Levitical priesthood, established from the tribe of Levi, played a crucial role in the sacrificial system. Aaron and his sons were consecrated as priests, responsible for performing the sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle. Leviticus 8-9 describes the ordination of Aaron and his sons, emphasizing the holiness required of those who served before God.

Sacrifices and the Covenant

The sacrificial system was integral to the Mosaic Covenant, serving as a means for the Israelites to express their obedience and devotion to God. It provided a way to atone for sin, seek forgiveness, and maintain fellowship with the Lord. The sacrifices were a constant reminder of God's holiness and the need for His people to live in accordance with His commandments.

Significant Sacrificial Events

Several key events in the wilderness journey involved sacrifices:

· The Covenant at Sinai (Exodus 24): After receiving the Law, Moses built an altar and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. The blood of the sacrifices was sprinkled on the altar and the people, symbolizing the ratification of the covenant.

· The Consecration of the Tabernacle (Leviticus 9): On the eighth day after the ordination of the priests, Aaron offered sacrifices for himself and the people. The glory of the Lord appeared, and fire consumed the offerings, signifying divine approval.

· The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16): This annual event involved elaborate sacrifices for the atonement of the nation's sins. The high priest entered the Holy of Holies to offer blood on the mercy seat, foreshadowing the ultimate atonement through Christ.

Conclusion

The sacrificial system established after the departure from Egypt was foundational to Israel's worship and relationship with God. It underscored the seriousness of sin, the necessity of atonement, and the holiness of God, setting the stage for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled and transcended the Old Testament sacrifices.Exodus 5:3,17
And they said, The God of the Hebrews has met with us: let us go, we pray you, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice to the LORD our God; lest he fall on us with pestilence, or with the sword.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 18:12
And Jethro, Moses' father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father in law before God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 24:5
And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... are to be observed in their departure from Egypt ... society of men; but only after having
shaved ... At their consecration the following sacrifices were offered: a calf ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

Chapter xlvi
... but it does strongly remind of the fact that at Beersheba Isaac had offered sacrifices
to God ... But raising the question, Why were the sacrifices made here ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... only one in Scripture termed "The man after God's own ... The Cherethites and Pelethites
were soldiers, so that ... Solomon was the one who offered sacrifices unto the ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm

The Pentateuch.
... Only some general remarks can here be offered. ... the progress of which the Egyptians
were visited with ... written and solemnly ratified by the blood of sacrifices. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xix the pentateuch.htm

From Sinai to Kadesh.
... allowed to enter this promised land but were to die ... Institution as is attested by
all the sacrifices; (c) It ... kinds of offering, learn what was offered and how ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter vi from sinai to.htm

Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther.
... wine, oil, and salt, that the sacrifices and offerings of ... his own, when a throne
was offered her; or ... of the latter, the Hebrew Scriptures were translated into ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/hebrew captives or mordecai and.htm

Chapter xii
... is referred to, or where, it is asserted, sacrifices to the ... 2. As the new country
(Haran) still offered too many ... were tied to him by blood and were exerting a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xii.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... of great benefit to his church, as the sacrifices of old ... was here, 'I am now ready
to be offered, and the ... of unfeigned faith and love, for they were the rise ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Letter cxxxviii. (AD 412. )
... age in which sacrifices were still being offered that are ... that God does not need
our sacrifices, it is ... to multiply examples of the evils which were brought in ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxxviii a d 412.htm

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
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savor in their sacrifices. ... They were particularly guilty of this sin while ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxviii the danger of.htm

Is the priesthood of all believers biblical? | GotQuestions.org

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