The Five Main Offerings

2 Replies to “The Five Main Offerings”

1. The book of Leviticus gives us insight into the lives of our forefathers by examining the rules they lived by, rules for worshipping the Lord. No doubt this book of the Bible is a stumbling block for those examining the Christian faith, details that don’t line up anywhere close to our daily life in this modern age. History is not my favorite subject and archeology is foreign to my experience, yet both provide a look into the lives that shaped the lives of those who were sought by God to be his people.

   Without Defect and Pleasing Aroma. These two phrases are repeated throughout the text, no doubt to provide emphasis. Sacrifices are not intended to provide a mechanism to destroy deformed or unproductive livestock. On the contrary, you were only allowed to bring your best, then the aroma would be pleasing. Lord help me to bring my best everyday, only that which would be pleasing to you!

   The idea of unintentional sin is interesting and discussed in detail in chapters 4 & 5.

   • Anyone (Leviticus 4:2)
   • The whole Israelite community (4:13)
   • A Leader (4:22)
   • Member of the community (4:27)
   • Those who do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have witnessed (5:1)
   • Anyone who is unfaithful to the Lord’s holy things (5:15)

   “If anyone sins and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands, even though they do not know it, they are guilty and will be held responsible” (5:17)

   These sacrifices are addressing sin between man and God, transgressions which are revealed on many levels with an emphasis on redemption, on admission of guilt and restoration. The bar is set high quite intentionally and the call to critically look introspectively is undeniable.

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   Notes from the NIV Study Bible:
   

   • Burnt Offering: Voluntary act of worship; atonement for unintentional sin in general; expression of devotion, commitment and complete surrender to God.
   • Grain Offering: Voluntary act of worship; recognition of God’s goodness and provisions; devotion to God
   • Fellowship Offering: Voluntary act of worship; thanksgiving and fellowship (it included a communal meal)
   • Sin Offering: Mandatory atonement for specific unintentional sin; confession of sin; forgiveness of sin; cleansing from defilement
   • Guilt Offering: Mandatory atonement for unintentional sin requiring restitution, cleansing from defilement; make restitution; pay 20% fine

   Reply

2. The book of Leviticus gives us insight into the lives of our forefathers by examining the rules they lived by, rules for worshipping the Lord. No doubt this book of the Bible is a stumbling block for those examining the Christian faith, details that don’t line up anywhere close to our daily life in this modern age. History is not my favorite subject and archeology is foreign to my experience, yet both provide a look into the lives that shaped the lives of those who were sought by God to be his people.

   Without Defect and Pleasing Aroma. These two phrases are repeated throughout the text, no doubt to provide emphasis. Sacrifices are not intended to provide a mechanism to destroy deformed or unproductive livestock. On the contrary, you were only allowed to bring your best, then the aroma would be pleasing. Lord help me to bring my best everyday, only that which would be pleasing to you!

   The idea of unintentional sin is interesting and discussed in detail in chapters 4 & 5.

   • Anyone (Leviticus 4:2)
   • The whole Israelite community (4:13)
   • A Leader (4:22)
   • Member of the community (4:27)
   • Those who do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have witnessed (5:1)
   • Anyone who is unfaithful to the Lord’s holy things (5:15)

   “If anyone sins and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands, even though they do not know it, they are guilty and will be held responsible” (5:17)

   These sacrifices are addressing sin between man and God, transgressions which are revealed on many levels with an emphasis on redemption, on admission of guilt and restoration. The bar is set high quite intentionally and the call to critically look introspectively is undeniable.

   ---

   Notes from the NIV Study Bible:
   

   • Burnt Offering: Voluntary act of worship; atonement for unintentional sin in general; expression of devotion, commitment and complete surrender to God.
   • Grain Offering: Voluntary act of worship; recognition of God’s goodness and provisions; devotion to God
   • Fellowship Offering: Voluntary act of worship; thanksgiving and fellowship (it included a communal meal)
   • Sin Offering: Mandatory atonement for specific unintentional sin; confession of sin; forgiveness of sin; cleansing from defilement
   • Guilt Offering: Mandatory atonement for unintentional sin requiring restitution, cleansing from defilement; make restitution; pay 20% fine

   Reply

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