Dear Readers...

Dear Readers:
We have come to a point in our Read Through the Bible Challenge reading that may seem to get bogged down with heavy details and repetition. We need to keep in mind that the book of Genesis spans from Creation to 1804 B.C. (with the book of Job occurring within this timeframe). This is more than all the time of the rest of the Bible combined.

The remaining books of the Bible give greater elaboration on events, the heart and holiness of God, and the condition of man. Every book reminds us of our need for Christ and of God’s merciful provision. In the book of Exodus we read how the Israelites left Egypt under dramatic and miraculous circumstances, all orchestrated by the sovereign hand of Almighty God. He also compassionately tended to their every need for protection, sustenance and guidance. After more than 400 years in Egypt, the Israelites are on their way to the Promised Land, the land of God’s Covenantal promise to Abraham.

The actual exodus took place approximately 1445 B.C. (for those of you who like to make timelines like me!).  The tabernacle was completed one year later signifying that God’s presence would now dwell with His people.  So we can see that the book of Exodus spanned about one year’s time.

The Levites (descendents of the tribe of Levi) are being called out to serve as priests for the people as God establishes Israel as a theocracy (a nation ruled by God). The book of Leviticus, meaning “matters of the Levites,” was God’s instruction to them and to the nation of Israel on how to live a holy life and how to worship the One and Only true God. Specifics were necessary, and God commanded their full obedience.

Leviticus begins with God’s specific instructions regarding the sacrifices. All of the offerings excluded animals that would have been used in pagan rituals such as horses, pigs, camels, donkeys, rabbits, deer and beasts and birds of prey. Let’s examine the five sacrifices and God’s purposes for them:

1. The Burnt Offering for Atonement of Sin:
This offering was a freewill or voluntary offering (Leviticus 1:3-17 and 6:8-13).  Though voluntary, this offering was to be the most frequently offered (every morning and evening, every Sabbath, the first of every month and at special feasts).  It signified voluntary and complete consecration to the Lord. The sin of a penitent person was “transferred” to the animal sacrificed.

An unblemished male bull was to be offered as it represented the choicest, most costly sacrifice. For those who could not afford a bull, God made provision for them to offer a bird (the offering made by Mary and Joseph on the eighth day after Jesus was born).

It is called the burnt sacrifice because the animal was to be completely consumed by fire except for the hide or feathers. The blood however, was caught in a basin signifying that a death had occurred and that the price of sin is death. The blood was sprinkled over the altar by the priest a symbol of being “covered” by the blood of the one bearing the sin. This offering was to make atonement for sin, though only temporary in its solution, thus needing to be repeated.

The continual burning flame of the burnt altar signified God’s readiness to receive repentance and provide restoration.  

Jesus Christ, The One and Only perfect and priceless sacrifice would end the need to repeatedly atone for sin as His shed blood and sacrifice would satisfy the wrath of God once for all.


2. The Grain Offering of a Devoted/Thankful Heart:
This offering was the only non-animal sacrifice and was also freewill or voluntary (Leviticus 2:1-16 and 6:14-23). It could be offered as uncooked flour, baked flour, or the roasted grain of harvest (first fruits) signifying a thankful consecrated heart to serve God.  It was partially burned along with the burnt offering with the remainder belonging to the priest as their provision. No one else was to eat of it. Leaven or yeast was never used as it symbolized sin.

Jesus Christ is our perfect model of a life devoted and consecrated to His (Our) Heavenly Father and His purposes.


3. The Peace Offering of Reconciliation and Fellowship:
The peace offering was the third freewill or voluntary sacrifice (Leviticus 3:1-17 and 7:11-36). It symbolized the peace between God and His true worshipers. It was similar to the sacrifice of the burnt offering in how it was offered though female animals (cattle, sheep or goats) were allowed. This sacrifice differed in that the animal was not entirely consumed by fire.

It was prepared as food to be eaten by the worshiper symbolizing a meal of fellowship and friendship shared between God and His followers. Care was taken not to eat the blood (symbol of life) or the fat (for health and other reasons).

Jesus Christ offers us the way of permanent peace and friendship with Our Heavenly Father.


4. The Sin Offering of Propitiation:
This sacrifice was mandatory (Leviticus 4:1-5:13 and 6:24-30).  Its purpose was to offer a covering for sins committed intentionally or even unintentionally. It carried various degrees of accountability for those in leadership. In other words leaders, priests, the High Priest, the congregation, or an individual’s sin dictated the animal or grain to be offered (lamb, goat, bird or flour). The position of the High Priest carried special gravity as his influence could “taint” the people. This sacrifice included sins for which restitution could not be made or sins committed unwittingly: sins of omission and sins of commission. The remains were taken outside of the camp symbolizing the removal of sin from the people.  

Hebrews 13:12 states: “Therefore Jesus also that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the camp, bearing His reproach.”

Jesus Christ died as a propitiation (appeasement of God’s wrath) for us.


5. The Guilt Offering of a Repentant Heart:
This offering was also mandatory (Leviticus 5:14-6:7 and 7:1-10). It involved the many ways that we are guilty before the Lord, unable to claim holiness on our own. It involved being absolved of the guilt for such things as touching something “unclean,” making a rash oath, withholding evidence and so forth, “because we are certainly guilty before the Lord” –Leviticus 5:19.

This sacrifice included the open confession of the repentant heart in conjunction with the offering. It signified agreement with God regarding our guilt before Him and our need for forgiveness.

The animals offered were a female goat or lamb or two turtledoves or two pigeons (one for sin offering; one for burnt offering) or 1/10 ephah (about two quarts) of flour. God made access to Him available for everyone despite their financial standing.

Guilt, being a legal standing, could only be eradicated by a perfect sacrifice, one who has no guilt before God.

Jesus Christ “paid it all” for our redemption; for our pardon, to be in right standing with God.

There is so much for us in God’s Word; even for our everyday lives from the book of Leviticus. Keep reading and digging; there is always more to be learning and applying!

Be Blessed,
Betsy