Temple Work of the Old Testament

The Burnt Offering

Abraham was totally devoted to God. To express his commitment and complete surrender to God, Abraham would regularly offer burnt offerings. He would sacrifice a ram without defect and allow the fire to totally consume the animal. This would remind Abraham of the total devotion he had to follow Heavenly Father.

The burnt offering was the most common sacrifice for the Old Testament Israelites Leviticus Chapter 1. It consisted of five steps.

1. The first step was to select an animal without defect. It could be a bull, sheep, goat, dove or pigeon. The choice of animal was largely dependent on the ability of the person to pay. For instance, King Solomon sacrificed a large number of bulls for the dedication of the temple. A poor man without financial means would sacrifice a pigeon or a dove as a burnt offering.
2. Then, the person would present the animal to the priest for examination.
3. Upon approval, the priest would place his hands on the head of the animal to signify the transfer of guilt.
4. The animal would then be slaughtered as the person’s substitute and a portion of the blood was sprinkled against the altar.
5. Finally, the entire carcass of the animal would be totally consumed by fire.

It was very significant that the entire animal be burned completely. The offering of the entire animal symbolized the completeness of their devotion. The burnt offering was not intended to appease the wrath of God or to earn his favor in any way. It was simply a total expression of personal devotion and dedication to the God of the covenant.

Click here to go to the parallel New Testament article addressing Burnt Offerings.