OFFERINGS
In the biblical context, offerings hold significant spiritual and covenantal meaning between God and His people. They are not merely material gifts but symbolize obedience, worship, and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty.
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise— the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. ( Hebrews 13: 15 )
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Etymology
Hebrew:
The primary Hebrew word for “offering” is קָרבָּן ( qorban ). This word comes from the root ב ַר ָק ( qarav), which means “to come near” or “to approach.” Therefore, a qorban or offering in Hebrew denotes something that is brought near to God, often through sacrifice or worship.
- Burnt Offering (Olah)
- Grain Offering (Minchah)
- Peace Offering (Shelamim)
- Sin Offering (Hattat)
- Guilt Offering (Asham)
Greek:
In the New Testament, the primary Greek word for “offering” is προσφορά (prosphora). This word comes from the verb προσφέρω (prosphero), which means “to bring to, offer, present.”
Another Greek term used for the offering is θυσία (thusia), which refers more specifically to a sacrifice or offering, often of an animal or something of value, as part of religious worship.
Offerings: Biblical Covenant Duties
Offerings in the Old Testament were integral to the covenant between God and the people of Israel. The covenant was a solemn agreement initiated by God Himself, often reiterated through various prophets and leaders such as Moses.
Covenant Making and Offerings
The people of Israel declare,
“All that the LORD has spoken we will do.” ( Exodus 19: 8 )
This statement signifies their commitment to obey God’s commands as communicated through Moses. It establishes the foundation of their covenantal relationship with God, where offerings became a tangible expression of their faithfulness and dedication.
The Biblical Rules and Significance of Sacrificial Offerings
Sacrificial offerings in the Bible hold deep spiritual significance, embodying obedience, worship, and atonement for sins.
1.) First Fruits Sacrificed to God
In the book of Leviticus, God establishes guidelines for sacrificial offerings, emphasizing the importance of presenting the best to Him. The concept of offering the first fruits is mentioned in several places in the Old Testament. God commands:
19 “Bring the best of the first fruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God. ( Exodus 23: 19 )
This instruction underscores the principle of giving the first and best of one’s produce as an acknowledgment of God’s provision and sovereignty.
- Unblemished Sacrifices
The requirement for sacrificial animals to be without blemish.
“Do not bring anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf.” ( Leviticus 22: 20 )
This requirement symbolizes the purity and perfection required in the offering brought before God, reflecting the holiness of God Himself.
2) Defective Animals Not Accepted
God’s instructions also cover the handling of animals that do not meet the criteria for sacrificial offerings.
Do not offer to the LORD the blind, the injured or the maimed, or anything with warts or festering or running sores. Do not place any of these on the altar as a food offering presented to the LORD.
( Leviticus 22: 22 )
This directive ensures that only the best and unblemished offerings are presented to God, maintaining the integrity of worship and reverence.
- Alternative Disposal and Compensation
Instead of offering defective animals, God advises:
“You may, however, present as a freewill offering an ox or a sheep that is deformed or stunted, but it will not be accepted in fulfillment of a vow.” ( Leviticus 22: 23 )
This provision allows individuals to offer such animals as freewill offerings but not as replacements for mandatory sacrifices.
3.) Atonement and Symbolism of Sacrificial Blood
The sacrificial system in the Old Testament involved the shedding of blood as a means of atonement and cleansing from sin:
- Life Given for Atonement
“For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” ( Leviticus 17: 11 )
This principle emphasizes the substitutionary nature of sacrifices, where the life of the sacrificial animal represents the offering of life for the sins of the people.
- Symbolism in the New Testament
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb whose death fulfills and surpasses the sacrificial system of the Old Testament.
11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! ( Hebrews 9: 11-14 )
5 TYPES OF OFFERINGS
The five types of offerings in the Old Testament, along with biblical references that illustrate their significance beyond mere legalistic rituals:
1. Burnt Offering (Olah):
A voluntary offering to express devotion and complete surrender to God. Leviticus 1 describes the procedures and regulations for the Burnt Offering. The emphasis is on the offerer’s heart attitude rather than simply following a ritual.
“‘If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you are to offer a male without
defect. You must present it at the entrance to the tent of meeting so that it will be
acceptable to the LORD.
4 You are to lay your hand on the head of the burnt
offering, and it will be accepted on your behalf to make atonement for you.
( Leviticus 1: 3 – 4 )
- Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Burnt Offering was to demonstrate the offerer’s desire for atonement, dedication, and reconciliation with God. It signified the offerer’s acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and their commitment to Him.
- Symbolism
The Burnt Offering symbolized several spiritual truths:
a) Surrender:
The offerer demonstrated their willingness to surrender all aspects of their life to God, acknowledging His lordship.
b) Atonement:
While it didn’t specifically atone for sin as the Sin Offering did, it expressed the offerer’s desire for forgiveness and restoration in their relationship with God.
c) Devotion:
By offering the best of their livestock (bulls, sheep, goats, or birds without defect), the offerer showed their commitment to God’s
commands and their dedication to Him.
10 “‘If the offering is a burnt offering from the flock, from either the sheep or the
goats, you are to offer a male without defect.
( Leviticus 1: 10 )
- Procedure
a) Selection of the Animal:
The offerer would choose a male animal from the herd or flock—bull, sheep, goat, or dove—without blemish or defect, signifying its worthiness as a sacrifice to God.
b) Identification and Confession:
The offerer would lay their hand on the head of the animal, symbolically transferring their sins and identifying with the sacrifice.
4 You are to lay your hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be
accepted on your behalf to make atonement for you.
( Leviticus 1: 4 )
c) Slaughter and Preparation:
The animal would be slaughtered by the offerer, and the priests would sprinkle its blood around the altar.
5 You are to slaughter the young bull before the LORD, and then Aaron’s sons the
priests shall bring the blood and splash it against the sides of the altar at the
entrance to the tent of meeting. 6 You are to skin the burnt offering and cut it into
pieces. 7 The sons of Aaron the priest are to put fire on the altar and arrange
wood on the fire. 8 Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall arrange the pieces, including
the head and the fat, on the wood that is burning on the altar
( Leviticus 1: 5 – 8 )
d) Burning on the Altar:
The entire animal, including its skin and entrails, would be placed on the altar and burned completely as an offering made by fire, producing a pleasing aroma to God.
You are to wash the internal organs and the legs with water, and the priest
is to burn all of it on the altar. It is a burnt offering, a food offering, an aroma
pleasing to the LORD.
( Leviticus 1: 9 )
e) Acceptance by God:
The burning of the sacrifice was seen as an act of worship that pleased God, symbolizing the offerer’s devotion and dedication.
13 You are to wash the internal organs and the legs with water, and the
priest is to bring all of them and burn them on the altar. It is a burnt
offering, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD.
( Leviticus 1: 13 )
SIGNIFICANCE OF BURNT OFFERING
In Christian theology, the burnt offerings of the Old Testament, are often interpreted as foreshadowing or prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
- Symbolic Representation:
Old Testament Reference:
Leviticus 1: 3-9 describes the regulations for the burnt offering. It specifies that the offering had to be a male without defect, and it was completely burnt on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
New Testament Fulfillment:
The Old Testament sacrificial system, including burnt offerings, to Jesus’ sacrifice.
( Hebrews 10: 1-10 )
It explains that the animal sacrifices were a shadow of the good things to come, but they could never make perfect those who draw near to worship. Jesus, on the other hand, offered himself once and for all, fulfilling God’s will and sanctifying believers through his sacrifice.
( Hebrews 9: 11-14 )
It explains that Jesus, as the high priest of the good things to come, entered once and for all into the holy places, securing eternal redemption. His blood cleanses our consciences from the dead and works to serve the living God, surpassing the temporary effectiveness of animal sacrifices.
- Atonement and Forgiveness:
Old Testament Reference:
Leviticus 17:11 states, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.”
New Testament Fulfillment:
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved
from God’s wrath through him!
10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were
reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been
reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
( Romans 5: 8-10 )
Here, it emphasizes that God demonstrates his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Through Jesus’ sacrificial death, we are justified by his blood and reconciled to God, receiving salvation and forgiveness of sins.
- New Covenant:
Old Testament Prophecy:
“The days are coming,” declares the LORD,
“when I will make a new covenant
with the people of Israel
and with the people of Judah.
32 It will not be like the covenant
I made with their ancestors
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,
though I was a husband to them,”
declares the LORD.
33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
after that time,” declares the LORD.
“I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
( Jeremiah 31: 31-34 )
Here, prophesies about a new covenant that God will make with his people, where he will write his law on their hearts, forgive their sins, and remember them no more.
New Testament Fulfillment:
( Hebrews 8: 6-13 )
Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant, enacted on better promises. Through his sacrifice, believers receive the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal inheritance, establishing a new covenant relationship with God.
- Continuity and Fulfillment:
Old Testament Anticipation:
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—
but my ears you have opened—
burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.
8I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart.”
( Psalm 40: 6 – 8 )
A sacrifice that is pleasing to God, where sacrifices and offerings were ultimately insufficient to fulfill God’s will.
New Testament Fulfillment:
( Hebrews 10: 5-10 )
( Psalm 40 )
Jesus, stated that he came to do God’s will by offering his body as a once for-all sacrifice for sins. Jesus’ sacrifice fulfills the spiritual realities
symbolized by the burnt offerings, demonstrating God’s consistent plan of salvation.
2. Grain Offering (Minchah)
A gift of gratitude and acknowledgment of God’s provision. Leviticus 2 outlines the details of the Grain Offering, emphasizing the sincerity and quality of the offering rather than its quantity.
2 “‘When anyone brings a grain offering to the LORD, their offering is to be of the finest flour. They are to pour olive oil on it, put incense on it 2 and take it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the incense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. 3 The rest of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the food offerings presented to the LORD. ( Leviticus 2: 1 – 3 )
PURPOSE:
The primary purpose of the Grain Offering was to express gratitude to God for His blessings and provisions, whether in times of abundance or scarcity ( Leviticus 2: 1 ).
SYMBOLISM:
The Grain Offering symbolized several spiritual truths:
a) Gratitude:
It represented the offerer’s thankfulness for God’s provision of food and sustenance.
You must not eat any bread, or roasted or new grain, until the very day you bring this offering to your God. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live. ( Leviticus 23: 14 )
b) Dedication:
By offering the first fruits of their harvest or produce, the offerer demonstrated their commitment to honoring God with their resources.
You may bring them to the LORD as an offering of the firstfruits, but they are not to be offered on the altar as a pleasing aroma. ( Leviticus 2: 12 )
c) Communion:
It facilitated communion with God, where the act of offering reflected a desire for a deeper relationship and dependence on Him
( Leviticus 2: 2 )
PROCEDURE
The procedure for the Grain Offering was detailed in Leviticus 2:
a) Types of Offerings:
There were different types of Grain Offerings based on the ingredients used—fine flour, baked goods (cakes or wafers), or roasted grain
( Leviticus 2: 1 – 3 )
b) Preparation:
The offerer would bring the offering to the priest at the entrance of the tent of meeting. The fine flour or grains would be prepared with oil and frankincense. ( Leviticus 2: 1-2 )
c) Portion and Presentation:
A portion of the Grain Offering, along with the frankincense, would be burned on the altar as a memorial portion, producing a pleasing aroma to God.
He shall take out the memorial portion from the grain offering and burn it on the altar as a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. ( Leviticus 2: 9 )
d) Consumption:
The remainder of the Grain Offering would be consumed by the priests, symbolizing their participation in the offering and provision of God’s sustenance.
The rest of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the food offerings presented to the LORD. ( Leviticus 2: 10 )
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE GRAIN OFFERING
1. Unleavened Bread:
Symbol of Purity Leaven (yeast) is consistently used in Scripture as a symbol of corruption, sin, and impurity.
“Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
( Matthew 16: 6 )6 Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? 7Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. ( 1 Corinthians 5: 6-8 )
- Symbolism:
In the context of food offerings, unleavened bread signifies purity and sincerity in worship. The absence of leaven emphasizes the offerer’s desire to approach God in holiness, free from the contamination of sin and evil nature
“‘Every grain offering you bring to the LORD must be made without yeast, for you are not to burn any yeast or honey in a food offering presented to the LORD. ( Leviticus 2: 11)
2. Salt: Symbol of Eternal Covenant
Salt is mentioned in the Bible as a necessary component of the grain offering:
“Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings.” ( Leviticus 2: 13 )
- Symbolism:
Salt symbolizes incorruptibility, permanence, and the eternal nature of God’s covenant. In ancient times, salt was used to preserve and flavor food, symbolizing durability and perpetuity. By adding salt to the food offering, the offerer symbolically dedicated themselves to God in an enduring covenant. It signifies the commitment to live according to God’s eternal laws and principles, maintaining purity and faithfulness in their relationship with Him. (Consecration to God: Commitment to Holiness)
- Scriptural Connection:
Salt is mentioned as a perpetual covenant of salt before the Lord for the priesthood, indicating its enduring significance in sacred rituals and offerings. The addition of salt to the food offering represents the offerer’s consecration and commitment to God forever. It signifies their willingness to uphold God’s eternal laws and principles, maintaining a pure and faithful relationship with Him.
3. Peace Offering (Shelamim):
A communal meal is shared between the offerer and God, symbolizing fellowship and reconciliation.
Whatever is set aside from the holy offerings the Israelites present to the LORD I give to you and your sons and daughters as your perpetual share. It is an everlasting covenant of salt before the LORD for both you and your offspring.” ( Numbers 18: 19 )
Leviticus 3 describes the Peace Offering as a means of communion with God and with others.
3 “‘If your offering is a fellowship offering, and you offer an animal from the herd, whether male or female, you are to present before the LORD an animal without defect. 2 You are to lay your hand on the head of your offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall splash the blood against the sides of the altar. 3 From the fellowship offering you are to bring a food offering to the LORD: the internal organs and all the fat that is connected to them, 4 both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver, which you will remove with the kidneys. 5 Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar on top of the burnt offering that is lying on the burning wood; it is a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. ( Leviticus 3: 1- 5 )
Purpose:
The Peace Offering expresses gratitude to God for His blessings, typically offered in times of thanksgiving, fulfillment of vows, or voluntary expressions of devotion. ( Leviticus 7: 11-18 )
By sharing a communal meal with God and others, the offerer symbolically enjoyed fellowship and reconciliation. It represented peace and harmony restored between the offerer and God, as well as among the community.
“‘If your offering is a fellowship offering, and you offer an animal from the herd, whether male or female, you are to present before the LORD an animal without defect. 2 You are to lay your hand on the head of your offering and slaughter it at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Then Aaron’s sons the priests shall splash the blood against the sides of the altar. 3 From the fellowship offering you are to bring a food offering to the LORD: the internal organs and all the fat that is connected to them, 4 both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver, which you will remove with the kidneys. 5 Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar on top of the burnt offering that is lying on the burning wood; it is a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. ( Leviticus 3: 1-5 )
The Peace Offering fostered unity and joyous celebration among the worshipers, acknowledging God’s provision and goodness in their lives.
Symbolism
The Peace Offering symbolized several spiritual truths:
a) Fellowship:
It emphasized communion and fellowship with God and among believers, reflecting the unity and peace that come from God.
The meat of their fellowship offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day it is offered; they must leave none of it till morning. ( Leviticus 7: 15 )
b) Thanks giving:
The offering expressed gratitude and acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness and provision.
12 “‘If they offer it as an expression of thankfulness, then along with this thank offering they are to offer thick loaves made without yeast and with olive oil mixed in, thin loaves made without yeast and brushed with oil, and thick loaves of the finest flour well-kneaded and with oil mixed in. 13 Along with their fellowship offering of thanksgiving they are to present an offering with thick loaves of bread made with yeast. ( Leviticus 7: 12 – 13 )
c) Reconciliation:
It signified reconciliation and restored relationships with God and others, promoting harmony and peace in the community.
16 “‘If, however, their offering is the result of a vow or is a freewill offering, the sacrifice shall be eaten on the day they offer it, but anything left over may be eaten on the next day. ( Leviticus 7: 16 )
Procedure
The procedure for the Peace Offering was detailed in Leviticus 3:
d) Types of Offerings:
The Peace Offering could be from the herd (bull or cow), the flock (sheep or goat), or as a bird (dove or pigeon), depending on the offerer’s means.
“‘If you offer an animal from the flock as a fellowship offering to the Lord, you are to offer a male or female without defect. ( Leviticus 3: 6 ) ( Leviticus 3: 12 )
e) Sacrificial Act:
The offerer would bring the animal to the entrance of the tent of the meeting, where they would lay their hand on its head, symbolizing identification and transfer of the offering’s significance.
8 lay your hand on its head and slaughter it in front of the tent of meeting. Then Aaron’s sons shall splash its blood against the sides of the altar. ( Leviticus 3: 8 )
f) Slaughter and Preparation:
The animal would be slaughtered by the offerer, and the priests would sprinkle its blood around the altar. ( Leviticus 3: 2-5 )
8 lay your hand on its head and slaughter it in front of the tent of meeting. Then Aaron’s sons shall splash its blood against the sides of the altar. 9 From the fellowship offering you are to bring a food offering to the Lord: its fat, the entire fat tail cut off close to the backbone, the internal organs and all the fat that is connected to them, 10 both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver, which you will remove with the kidneys. 11 The priest shall burn them on the altar as a food offering presented to the Lord. ( Leviticus 3: 8-11 )
g) Offering on the Altar:
The fat portions (including the kidneys and fat around the liver) would be offered on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
( Leviticus 3: 3-5 )
9 From the fellowship offering you are to bring a food offering to the Lord: its fat, the entire fat tail cut off close to the backbone, the internal organs and all the fat that is connected to them, 10 both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver, which you will remove with the kidneys. 11 The priest shall burn them on the altar as a food offering presented to the Lord. ( Leviticus 3: 9-11 )
h) Shared Meal:
The remainder of the animal would be shared in a communal meal, including the priests and the offerer’s family and guests, signifying fellowship and celebration.
From what you offer you are to present this food offering to the Lord: the internal organs and all the fat that is connected to them, 15 both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver, which you will remove with the kidneys. 16 The priest shall burn them on the altar as a food offering, a pleasing aroma. All the fat is the Lord’s. 17 “‘This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live: You must not eat any fat or any blood.’” ( Leviticus 3: 14 – 17 )
The Significance of the Peace Offering
In the Old Testament, particularly in Leviticus, the peace offering holds profound symbolic meaning. It was an act of worship and communion with God, where the offerer would present an animal sacrifice, laying their hands upon its head. This gesture symbolized the identification and transfer of sins, seeking reconciliation and peace with God. ( Leviticus 3: 2 )
- The essence of the peace offering finds its fulfillment in the New Testament through Jesus Christ.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
( Romans 5: 1 )
This verse encapsulates the Christian understanding that through faith in Christ, believers are reconciled to God, finding peace not through their works but through the finished work of Jesus on the cross.
- Central to Christian doctrine is the assurance of forgiveness and peace of conscience. The sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary signifies the complete payment for our sins.
having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. ( Colossians 2: 14 )
Just as the offerer placed their hands on the sacrificial animal, believers today spiritually identify with Christ’s sacrifice by faith, receiving forgiveness, and peace with God.
Entering into God’s rest and remaining there. This rest signifies the assurance and peace that believers have in Christ, knowing that their sins are forgiven and they are accepted by God. This conviction is not based on our own merits but on God’s grace and Christ’s sacrifice.
- The peace offering in the Old Testament was a symbol of the peace and reconciliation believers now experience through Jesus Christ. It signifies not just the absence of conflict but the presence of true peace with God—a peace that surpasses understanding.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ( Philippians 4: 7 )
4. Sin Offering (Hattat):
Atonement for unintentional sins and ceremonial uncleanness. Leviticus 4 provides instructions for the Sin Offering, emphasizing the need for purification and restoration of relationship with God.
4 The LORD said to Moses, 2 “Say to the Israelites: ‘When anyone sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD’s commands— 3 “‘If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the LORD a young bull without defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed. 4He is to present the bull at the entrance to the tent of meeting before the LORD. He is to lay his hand on its head and slaughter it there before the LORD. ( Leviticus 4: 1-4 )
Purpose
The Sin Offering was prescribed for unintentional sins committed by individuals or the community, as well as for ceremonial uncleanness that hindered their ability to approach God. ( Leviticus 4: 2 )
- This offering was prescribed for various scenarios, whether by the anointed priest ( Leviticus 4: 3 ),
a ruler
22 “‘When a leader sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the commands of the LORD his God, when he realizes his guilt ( Leviticus 4: 22 )
or any member of the congregation
27 “‘If any member of the community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands, when they realize their guilt ( Leviticus 4: 27 ).
It highlights the importance of accountability before God, regardless of one’s position or role in society.
- Through the Sin Offering, the offerer could receive forgiveness and cleansing, restoring their relationship with God and allowing them to participate fully in the community’s worship and rituals.
and do with this bull just as he did with the bull for the sin offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for the community, and they will be forgiven. ( Leviticus 4: 20 )
“‘If any member of the community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD’s commands, when they realize their guilt ( Leviticus 4: 26)
They shall remove all the fat, just as the fat is removed from the fellowship offering, and the priest shall burn it on the altar as an aroma pleasing to the Lord. In this way the priest will make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven. ( Leviticus 4: 31 )
Symbolism
The Sin Offering symbolized several spiritual truths:
b) Atonement
It symbolically transferred the guilt of sin from the offerer to the innocent animal, whose blood was shed as a substitute, providing atonement and reconciliation with God.
25 Then the priest shall take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. 26He shall burn all the fat on the altar as he burned the fat of the fellowship offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for the leader’s sin, and he will be forgiven. ( Leviticus 4: 25 – 26 )
c) Confession and Repentance
The act of laying hands on the animal’s head symbolized identification with the sin and repentance, acknowledging the need for forgiveness and restoration
4He is to present the bull at the entrance to the tent of meeting before the LORD. He is to lay his hand on its head and slaughter it there before the LORD. ( Leviticus 4: 4 )
d) Holiness and Purity
The rituals associated with the Sin Offering underscored God’s holiness and the necessity for His people to maintain purity in their relationship with Him and each other.
21 Then he shall take the bull outside the camp and burn it as he burned the first bull. This is the sin offering for the community. ( Leviticus 4: 21 )
Procedure
The procedure for the Sin Offering was detailed in Leviticus 4.
a) Identification of Sin
The sin or unintentional wrongdoing would be recognized, whether by an individual, the whole community, or a leader.
(Leviticus 4:2 – 3)
b) Selection of the Animal
The offerer would bring a specific animal—depending on their role and status— without blemish or defect, signifying its suitability as a sacrifice for sin. (Leviticus 4:3 – 4)
c) Confession and Atonement
The offerer would lay their hands on the animal’s head, symbolizing the transfer of their guilt and identification with the sacrifice
( Leviticus 4: 4 )
15 The elders of the community are to lay their hands on the bull’s head before the LORD, and the bull shall be slaughtered before the LORD. ( Leviticus 4: 15 )
b) Slaughter and Blood Ritual
The animal would be slaughtered, and its blood would be collected and applied in prescribed ways, depending on the nature of the sin and the identity of the offerer.
27 “‘If any member of the community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD’s commands, when they realize their guilt 28 and the sin they have committed becomes known, they must bring as their offering for the sin they committed a female goat without defect. 29 They are to lay their hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it at the place of the burnt offering. 30 Then the priest is to take some of the blood with his finger and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. ( Leviticus 4: 27 – 30 )
c) Burning and Disposal
The fat of the sacrifice would be burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, while the remainder of the animal would be burned outside the camp in a clean place.
8 He shall remove all the fat from the bull of the sin offering—all the fat that is connected to the internal organs, 9 both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the long lobe of the liver, which he will remove with the kidneys— 10 just as the fat is removed from the ox sacrificed as a fellowship offering. Then the priest shall burn them on the altar of burnt offering. 11 But the hide of the bull and all its flesh, as well as the head and legs, the internal organs and the intestines— 12 that is, all the rest of the bull—he must take outside the camp to a place ceremonially clean, where the ashes are thrown, and burn it there in a wood fire on the ash heap.
( Leviticus 4: 8- 12 )Then he shall take the bull outside the camp and burn it as he burned the first bull. This is the sin offering for the community. ( Leviticus 4: 21 )
The Significance of the Sin Offering
The sin offering underscores that not all sins are equal in God’s eyes. While all sin separates us from God, unintentional sins were seen as less severe but still required atonement. This contrasts with willful sin, where one knowingly and persistently disregards God’s commands, and hence warns that such actions bring judgment rather than forgiveness.
26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. ( Hebrews 10: 26 – 27 )
Christian leaders, despite their position, are not exempt from sin. Leviticus emphasizes that even anointed priests or rulers must offer a sin offering when they sin unintentionally. This principle challenges the misconception that spiritual leaders are infallible or beyond reproach.
Ultimately, the sin offering points to the need for humility, repentance, and reliance on God’s mercy. It teaches that God provides a way for reconciliation even for sins committed unknowingly, underscoring His grace and desire for a restored relationship with His people.
The sin offering serves as a reminder of accountability before God and the provision of atonement for unintentional sins. It encourages humility and repentance, emphasizing that all individuals, regardless of status, must acknowledge their need for God’s forgiveness and grace.
5. Guilt Offering (Asham)
Atonement for specific offenses against God or others, including restitution. The Guilt Offering addressed specific offenses against God or others, requiring restitution and acknowledgment of wrongdoing. It emphasized the importance of justice and reconciliation.
Purpose
The Guilt Offering was required for specific sins or offenses committed against God or others, where restitution and compensation were necessary to make amends.
14 The LORD said to Moses: 15 “When anyone is unfaithful to the LORD by sinning unintentionally in regard to any of the LORD’s holy things, they are to bring to the LORD as a penalty a ram from the flock, one without defect and of the proper value in silver, according to the sanctuary shekel. It is a guilt offering. 16 They must make restitution for what they have failed to do in regard to the holy things, pay an additional penalty of a fifth of its value and give it all to the priest. The priest will make atonement for them with the ram as a guilt offering, and they will be forgiven. ( Leviticus 5: 14 – 16 )
Through the Guilt Offering, the offerer could obtain forgiveness and cleanse their conscience, ensuring justice and reconciliation in the community.
7 “‘The same law applies to both the sin offering[a] and the guilt offering: They belong to the priest who makes atonement with them. 8 The priest who offers a burnt offering for anyone may keep its hide for himself. 9 Every grain offering baked in an oven or cooked in a pan or on a griddle belongs to the priest who offers it, 10 and every grain offering, whether mixed with olive oil or dry, belongs equally to all the sons of Aaron. ( Leviticus 7: 7 – 10 )
Symbolism
The Guilt Offering symbolized several spiritual truths:
a. Acknowledgment of Sin:
The act of bringing a Guilt Offering demonstrated the offerer’s acknowledgment of their specific sin or offense, recognizing its impact on their relationship with God and others.
5 when anyone becomes aware that they are guilty in any of these matters, they must confess in what way they have sinned. ( Leviticus 5: 5 )
Restitution:
The offering of a valuable animal underscored the offerer’s commitment to make restitution and restore what was lost or damaged
Procedure
The procedure for the Guilt Offering was detailed in Leviticus 5 and 7
Identification of Guilt
The offerer would recognize their guilt for a specific offense, whether against God or another person.
(Leviticus 5: 14)
a) Selection of the Animal:
The offerer would bring a ram without defect to the priest as restitution for their guilt. (Leviticus 5:15)
b) Confession and Atonement
The offerer would confess their sin, lay their hands on the head of the ram, and slaughter it as a sacrifice for guilt. (Leviticus 5:15-16)
c) Blood Application
The priest would sprinkle the blood of the ram on the altar and around it, symbolizing atonement and cleansing from guilt. (Leviticus 7: 2-5)
d) Offering of Portions
Certain portions of the ram, such as the fat, kidneys, and liver, would be burned on the altar as an offering made by fire to the Lord.
( Leviticus 7: 3 – 5 )
e) Priestly Participation
The remainder of the ram would be given to the priest as a portion of the offering, indicating their role in facilitating reconciliation and forgiveness. (Leviticus 7: 6 – 7 )
Each of these offerings, while prescribed in the Old Testament, carries deeper spiritual meanings. They were not merely legalistic rituals but served to teach important lessons about sin, forgiveness, thanksgiving, dedication, and communion with God.
In Leviticus, the guilt offering addresses sins committed against both God and other individuals. It distinguishes between sins that directly harm others and those that primarily offend God alone, such as wrongful thoughts or attitudes (Leviticus 5: 1).
The Significance of the Guilt Offering
Sins against God include actions or attitudes that violate His commands or standards, even if they do not directly harm another person. This includes issues like wrong thoughts or attitudes, which are significant because they reflect the state of one’s heart before God.
Additionally, the guilt offering addresses situations where a person fails to speak up or testify truthfully, resulting in harm to others ( Leviticus 5: 1 ). By remaining silent when they have knowledge that could prevent injustice, individuals become implicated in the harm caused, necessitating atonement.
Leviticus 5: 16 outlines the process of atonement through the guilt offering, where the offender brings a specific offering to the priest, typically valued at one-fifth (20%) of a shekel of silver. This act symbolizes restitution and reconciliation with both God and the affected parties.
The principle of atonement for sins against God and others, emphasizes that restitution or compensation is necessary to restore relationships and honor God’s justice.
6 “Say to the Israelites: ‘Any man or woman who wrongs another in any way and so is unfaithful to the LORD is guilty 7 and must confess the sin they have committed. They must make full restitution for the wrong they have done, add a fifth of the value to it and give it all to the person they have wronged.
( Numbers 5 : 6 -7 )
The guilt offering provides a framework for addressing sins that impact both God and fellow humans. It underscores the importance of integrity, honesty, and accountability in our relationships with both God and others. Through this offering, individuals seek forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration of right relationships according to God’s principles of justice and mercy. “
Personal Responsibility in Offerings:
Ultimate Sacrifice of Jesus:
Old Testament Foreshadowing:
Prophesies about the suffering servant who would bear the sins of many and make intercession for transgressors.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.” ( Isaiah 53: 5-6 )
These verses from Isaiah 53 are prophetic and are understood in Christian theology as describing the suffering and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. They highlight several key points:
a). Substitutionary Atonement:
Jesus was pierced and crushed for our transgressions and iniquities. His suffering and death were not for his own sins but for the sins of humanity. This concept of substitutionary atonement is central to Christian understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
b). Peace and Healing:
The punishment that Jesus endured brought peace between God and humanity. Through his wounds, believers receive spiritual healing and reconciliation with God.
c). Universal Sinfulness:
The imagery of sheep going astray emphasizes the universal nature of sin and human waywardness. Despite our sinful nature, God laid upon Jesus the iniquity of us all, demonstrating God’s love and grace toward humanity.
• Approaching God with Humility and Integrity
” In Leviticus, God outlines the requirement for individuals to personally bring their offerings before Him, emphasizing the principles of humility, accountability, and self-acceptance.
30 With their own hands they are to present the food offering to the Lord; they are to bring the fat, together with the breast, and wave the breast before the Lord as a wave offering. ( Leviticus 7: 30 )
This underscores personal responsibility and the need for individuals to acknowledge and seek forgiveness for their sins directly before God.
27 “‘If any member of the community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands, when they realize their guilt 28 and the sin they have committed becomes known, they must bring as their offering for the sin they committed a female goat without defect. 29 They are to lay their hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it at the place of the burnt offering. 30 Then the priest is to take some of the blood with his finger and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. 31 They shall remove all the fat, just as the fat is removed from the fellowship offering, and the priest shall burn it on the altar as an aroma pleasing to the Lord. In this way the priest will make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven. ( Leviticus 4: 27 – 31 )
It demonstrates that all are equal before God in their need for reconciliation and forgiveness, emphasizing humility and admission of wrongdoing.
- The offerer brings the sacrifice voluntarily, expressing gratitude and devotion directly to God. These offerings collectively illustrate the principle that all individuals, regardless of their status in life, must approach God with personal humility, honesty, and acceptance of responsibility for their actions. They highlight the equality before God in terms of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation through personal engagement and acknowledgment of sin.
- Follow Jesus’ teachings
Jesus summarizes the greatest commandment as loving God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength.
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”
( Matthew 22: 37 )30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. ( Mark 12: 30 )
In the New Testament context, offerings take on a spiritual dimension. While animal sacrifices were a prominent feature of Old Testament worship, Jesus’ teachings point to a deeper spiritual offering—offering oneself completely to God. This includes surrendering one’s desires, will, and entire being in loving obedience to Him. The concept of offering extends beyond physical sacrifices to encompass a life dedicated to God’s service, reflecting His love and grace.
The biblical offerings teach us the importance of personal involvement and sincerity in our relationship with God. They emphasize that true repentance and worship require individuals to approach God with humility, admit their faults, and seek forgiveness directly. This principle of personal responsibility underscores the core values of integrity, accountability, and equality before God in our spiritual journey.