Leviticus Chapter 1
The book of Leviticus picks up where Exodus left off. We are introduced to the sacrificial system in this book. This was not a new practice for the Israelites; we read of other instances in the Old Testament where sacrifices were offered to God. But now God was establishing a sacrificial system that had a specific place and specific order. God did not want the people to offer sacrifices in any way that they thought was right nor in any place that they determined for themselves. Although we will see that they did both things from time to time as they followed their own heart. And that is the point of this first type of sacrifice that God wants Moses to instruct the people on, this was a sacrifice of total substitution for a life needing to dedicate themselves to God. The person offering the sacrifice showed recognition that they were a sinner and needed to offer themselves to God, but instead they offered an animal to God in their place, a substitution. The sacrifice would be completely burnt on the altar. This burnt offering was a picture of total surrender to God.
Let's Reflect
1. The people were not to get an animal that was wild or undomesticated animal. Where were they to obtain an animal to be used for sacrifice?
2. They were to choose a male animal since it was considered to be more valuable. What other specific things did they need to pay attention to when choosing the animal that would be their sacrifice?
3. God was specific on what type of animal they could choose. They could choose the animal that best fit their stature in life. For example, a rich man would be able to afford a bull for sacrifice, and so he should bring a bull rather than a lessor animal. What other animals could be chosen?
4. The whole animal was to be burned on the sacrifice. What had to be done first to the legs and entrails before adding them to the fire?
5. What does the Bible say about how God received their sacrificial offering?
Devotionals
