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Leviticus 1

17 verses

TL;DR

Leviticus 1 outlines the detailed procedure for burnt offerings of cattle, sheep, goats, and fowl, emphasizing atonement and sanctity of the offering before the LORD.

Summary

God calls Moses to deliver His instructions to the Israelites concerning burnt offerings. The chapter specifies that the offering must be a male animal without blemish, and it must be offered at the tabernacle’s entrance. For cattle, the offering is slaughtered, blood sprinkled, and the animal is cut, with the head and fat placed on the fire while the inner parts are washed. Sheep, goats, and fowl follow similar procedures, with specific mention of turtledoves or young pigeons. Each burnt offering is consumed on the fire, described as a sweet savor to the LORD, underscoring its role in atonement and worship.

Outline
  1. God’s call and command to Moses
  2. Procedure for burnt offerings of cattle
  3. Procedure for sheep/goats and fowl
Themes
AtonementHoliness of sacrificeCovenant worship
Keywords
burnt offeringatonementaltarbloodfiresacrificetabernaclecongregationcovenant
People
MosesLORDAaron's sonsIsraelite people
Places
tabernaclealtarcongregation
Things
burnt offeringaltarbloodfirewoodanimal (cattle, sheep, goat, fowl)turtledove
Key Verses
  • Leviticus 1:1: Introduces divine instruction to Moses
  • Leviticus 1:3: Details the essential requirement of a blemish‑free animal
  • Leviticus 1:4: Explains atonement through the offering
  • Leviticus 1:9: Describes the burnt sacrifice as a sweet savor
  • Leviticus 1:15: Illustrates the procedure for fowl offerings
Questions
  • What does the requirement of a blemish‑free animal symbolize about the nature of worship?
  • How does the ritual of sprinkling blood relate to the concept of atonement?
  • In what way does the description of the offering as a ‘sweet savor’ reflect the relationship between the Israelites and God?
  • Why might the priest’s washing of the inner parts be significant?
  • How does this chapter lay groundwork for later sacrificial systems in the Hebrew Bible?
Sentiment

neutral
Instructional, procedural tone without overt emotional language.