The burnt offering, known in Hebrew as "olah," meaning "that which goes up," is one of the oldest and most significant offerings in the biblical sacrificial system. It is characterized by the complete consumption of the offering by fire on the altar, symbolizing total dedication and surrender to God. The burnt offering is distinct in its requirement to be voluntary, reflecting the worshiper's free will and desire to honor God.

Biblical Foundation

The instructions for the burnt offering are primarily found in the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus 1:3 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, that he may be accepted by the LORD." This verse highlights the voluntary nature of the offering, as it begins with "If one's offering," indicating that it is not compulsory but rather a personal act of devotion.

Purpose and Significance

The burnt offering served multiple purposes in the spiritual life of Israel. It was an expression of worship, atonement, and consecration. The voluntary aspect of the burnt offering underscores the worshiper's willingness to approach God with a heart of gratitude and reverence. It was a means of seeking favor and acceptance from the LORD, as the offering was wholly consumed, symbolizing the complete surrender of the worshiper to God's will.

Types of Animals

The burnt offering could be made from various types of animals, each with specific requirements. Leviticus 1:10 states, "If, however, one's offering is a burnt offering from the flock—from the sheep or goats—he is to present an unblemished male." The offering could also be a bird, as noted in Leviticus 1:14 : "If, instead, one's offering to the LORD is a burnt offering of birds, he is to present a turtledove or a young pigeon." The choice of animal was often determined by the worshiper's economic status, allowing everyone the opportunity to participate in this act of worship.

Ritual Process

The ritual process of the burnt offering involved several steps, each rich in symbolic meaning. The worshiper would lay hands on the animal, signifying identification and transfer of sin. The animal was then slaughtered, and its blood was sprinkled on the altar, representing purification and atonement. The entire animal was burned on the altar, with the smoke rising as a "pleasing aroma to the LORD" (Leviticus 1:9). This act of burning signified the complete offering of oneself to God, holding nothing back.

Spiritual Implications

The voluntary nature of the burnt offering is a profound reminder of the importance of free will in worship. It emphasizes that true worship and devotion cannot be coerced but must come from a willing heart. The burnt offering foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself willingly and completely for the atonement of humanity's sins. As believers, the call to present our bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1) echoes the principles of the burnt offering, inviting us to live lives of voluntary and total dedication to the Lord.Leviticus 1:3
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 22:18,19
Speak to Aaron, and to his sons, and to all the children of Israel, and say to them, Whatever he be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation for all his vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer to the LORD for a burnt offering;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Separation to God.
... On the Sabbath Day an additional burnt-offering of two lambs with
their meat-offering and drink-offering was required. ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part i separation to god.htm

Home Dedication.
... only in trust, and will again be required from her. ... It is his voluntary response
to and acceptance of his ... of Moriah, and offer him there for a burnt offering!". ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter x home dedication.htm

The Purification of the virgin and the Presentation in the Temple
... of these was Circumcision, representing voluntary subjection to ... for both the
sin-and burnt-offering, would be ... turtle-doves and pigeons,' required for certain ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii the purification of.htm

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
... not to "willful worship, or voluntary humility." The ... is obvious"they are not
required"yea, they ... myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering." But Saul ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxviii the danger of.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... should render"not necessary nor required for fulfilling ... of a relative: the voluntary
bondservant, who ... all defilement: the altar of burnt-offering, from which ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

The Priesthood of Christ
... pleased to kill us, he would not have received burnt-offering and a meat-offering
at our ... This was required by the plan of the true priesthood and sacrifice ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... of Agur's prayer: "One thing have I required of thee ... provide himself a lamb for a
burnt-offering," ver.8 ... disobedience, their temple should be burnt and rebuilt ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two ... and the fulfilment of the vow
is required, at least in ... Lord, or if to offer thereon burnt-offering, or meat ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

The Sin of Silence
... Some of us seem to think that the voluntary principle on ... to bring a little more than
was required, in token ... asking, we shall not offer as burnt offering to the ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the sin of silence.htm

Elucidations.
... "Sacrifice and meat-offering Thou wouldest not, but mine ears hast Thou opened:
burnt-offerings and sacrifice for sin hast Thou not required. ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/elucidations.htm

What is a burnt offering? | GotQuestions.org

What 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

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