Topical Encyclopedia The burnt offering, a significant element in the religious and ceremonial life of ancient Israel, played a crucial role in the consecration of kings. This offering, known in Hebrew as "olah," meaning "that which goes up," was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication to God. The act of offering a burnt sacrifice was a profound expression of worship, atonement, and consecration.Biblical Instances 1. Saul's Anointing and Kingship: Although the specific mention of a burnt offering at Saul's anointing is not detailed, the practice of sacrifices was integral to the religious life of Israel. Saul's reign began with a focus on obedience to God's commands, as seen in 1 Samuel 10:8, where Samuel instructs Saul to wait for him at Gilgal to offer burnt offerings and peace offerings. This underscores the importance of sacrificial rites in establishing and maintaining the king's relationship with God. 2. David's Reign: David, a man after God's own heart, frequently engaged in offering burnt sacrifices. In 2 Samuel 6:17-18, after bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. This act was not only a celebration but also a dedication of his kingship and the nation to God. 3. Solomon's Dedication of the Temple: Solomon's reign is marked by the grand dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. In 1 Kings 8:62-64, Solomon offered a massive number of burnt offerings, peace offerings, and grain offerings. This event was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, symbolizing the consecration of the king, the Temple, and the nation to the LORD. 4. Hezekiah's Reforms: King Hezekiah, known for his religious reforms, reinstituted the practice of burnt offerings as part of his efforts to restore true worship in Judah. In 2 Chronicles 29:27, Hezekiah commanded that burnt offerings be offered on the altar, and as the offerings began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets accompanied the sacrifice, signifying a renewal of covenantal faithfulness. Theological Significance The burnt offering at the consecration of kings served multiple purposes. It was an act of atonement, seeking God's favor and forgiveness for the king and the nation. It also symbolized the king's total dedication and submission to God's authority, acknowledging that his rule was under divine sovereignty. The complete consumption of the offering by fire represented the king's wholehearted commitment to lead the people in accordance with God's laws and purposes. Symbolism and Ritual The ritual of the burnt offering involved the selection of a male animal without blemish, symbolizing purity and perfection. The offerer laid hands on the animal, identifying with it, and then it was slaughtered. The blood was sprinkled on the altar, and the entire animal was burned, creating a pleasing aroma to the LORD (Leviticus 1:3-9). This process underscored the seriousness of the king's role as God's anointed leader and the need for divine guidance and blessing. Conclusion The burnt offering at the consecration of kings was a profound expression of worship and dedication in ancient Israel. It highlighted the king's role as a servant of God, responsible for leading the nation in righteousness and faithfulness. Through this sacrificial act, the king and the people were reminded of their covenant relationship with God and their dependence on His grace and guidance. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 29:21-23And they sacrificed sacrifices to the LORD, and offered burnt offerings to the LORD, on the morrow after that day, even a thousand bullocks, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Sacrifice Renewed Home Dedication. November the Twenty-Fourth the Prayer which Ends in Sacrifice Entire Sanctification in Type. Authorship of the Pentateuch. Scriptural Types. "Lo, I Come": Exposition Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus. Chapter viii Obedience: Its Place in Holy Scripture. Resources What is a burnt offering? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the various sacrifices in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org Why would the aroma of a sacrifice be important to God? | GotQuestions.org Burnt: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Burnt offering for Nazarites After Defilement, or at the End of Their Vow The Burnt offering for the Healed Leper The Burnt offering of Human Victims Execrated The Burnt offering of the Wicked, not Accepted by God The Burnt offering was an Atonement for Sin The Burnt offering with Sounds of Trumpets at Feasts The Burnt offering: Abraham Tried by the Command to offer Isaac As The Burnt offering: After Great Mercies The Burnt offering: Ashes of, Collected at Foot of the Altar, and Conveyed The Burnt offering: At Consecration of Kings The Burnt offering: At Consecration of Levites The Burnt offering: At Consecration Priests The Burnt offering: At Dedication of Sacred Places The Burnt offering: At Purification of Women The Burnt offering: Before Going to War The Burnt offering: Blood of, Sprinkled Round About Upon the Altar The Burnt offering: Devotedness to God The Burnt offering: Every Morning and Evening The Burnt offering: Every Sabbath Day The Burnt offering: Guilt of offering, Except in the Place Appointed The Burnt offering: Guilt of Unauthorised Persons offering The Burnt offering: Guilt Transferred To, by Imposition of Hands The Burnt offering: If a Bird, the Blood Was Wrung out at the Side of the Altar The Burnt offering: Incapable of Removing Sin, and Reconciling to God The Burnt offering: Knowledge of God Better Than The Burnt offering: Love of God Better Than The Burnt offering: Obedience Better Than The Burnt offering: Offered by the Jews Before the Law The Burnt offering: Required to be for the People at Large, Killed and Prepared by the Levites The Burnt offering: Required to Be: A Male Without Blemish The Burnt offering: Required to Be: Entirely Burned The Burnt offering: Required to Be: Killed, If a Beast, by the Person Who Brought It The Burnt offering: Required to Be: Killed, If a Bird, by the Priest The Burnt offering: Required to Be: Offered by Priests Only The Burnt offering: Required to Be: Offered in Righteousness The Burnt offering: Required to Be: Presented at the Door of the Tabernacle The Burnt offering: Required to Be: Voluntary The Burnt offering: Skin of, Given to the Priests for Clothing The Burnt offering: Specially Acceptable The Burnt offering: The Day of Atonement The Burnt offering: The Fat of all Peace offerings Laid On, and Consumed With The Burnt offering: The First Day of Every Month The Burnt offering: The Most Ancient of all Sacrifices The Burnt offering: The Most Costly, No Adequate Tribute to God The Burnt offering: The offering of Christ The Burnt offering: The Seven Days of Unleavened Bread The Burnt offering: To be offered Only to the Lord The Burnt offering: To be Taken From: The Flock or Herd The Burnt offering: To be Taken From: The Fowls Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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