Leviticus Chapter 1 introduces the burnt offering, a key ritual in Israel’s sacrificial system, prefiguring Jesus Christ’s perfect sacrifice. The chapter outlines God’s instructions, given through Moses at the tent of meeting, for how Israelites should present burnt offerings to worship and seek atonement. The offering could be from the herd (cattle), flock (sheep or goats), or birds (turtledoves or pigeons), accommodating different economic means. The animal had to be a male without blemish, symbolizing purity. The worshiper voluntarily brought the offering to the entrance of the tent, laid hands on it to identify with it, and slaughtered it. The priests then sprinkled the blood on the altar and burned the entire animal (or specific parts for birds) as a “pleasing aroma” to the Lord, signifying God’s acceptance. The chapter emphasizes complete devotion, atonement for sin, and the worshiper’s desire for fellowship with God, pointing Christians to Christ’s total, sinless sacrifice on the cross, which fulfills and surpasses the burnt offering’s temporary atonement.
