Leviticus 1-3

Up to this point, God has revealed Himself to Moses from the top of Mt. Sinai; now, the Lord calls to Moses from the Tabernacle (i.e., from the midst of His people). He begins with instructions on how voluntary offerings are to be offered, thus providing a means by which His people can draw near to and interact with Him.  He begins with the burnt offering which may incorporate a variety of domestic animals—animals that cost the offerer something. The offerer lays hands on the animal to express his identification with the animal.  The result is that the animal is perceived as a substitute for the offerer.  When performed properly, the burnt offering is a means of acceptance and of bringing God pleasure (cf. vss. 3, 9, 17).  It also provides “kipper” to the offerer.  Most English translations render this Hebrew word as “atonement;” however, the idea is really more about the “removal of evil,” which is the primary obstacle in the divine-human relationship. 

The grain offerings do not function to remove evil (kipper) [a single exception to this is mentioned in 5:11-13], nevertheless, they are a means of pleasing God (cf. vs. 2).  The gift of grain to God is an acknowledgment of God’s gracious provision of the basic necessities of life (cf. Matt. 6:11).  There is no leaven or honey to be added because these ferment (a form of decay) easily, but salt (representing preservation/permanence of the covenant) is to be added.  In short, the grain offerings represent a form of praise.

The peace (also called fellowship or well-being) offering is distinct from the burnt offering in several ways (see chapter 7 for clarification on some of the details that follow).  The most significant is that the offerer shares in eating the meat portions of the animal sacrifice.  The fat is burned on the altar and ascends to God, the  breast and thigh are allotted to the priest, and the remainder is to be eaten by the offerer.  The peace offering had three primary motivations: 1) thanksgiving, 2) payment of a vow, and 3) a free will offering.  In addition to pleasing God, notice that the offerer is benefited by partaking of the sacrifice.  Even though there is a sacrifice that is made, the context for this offering is one of joy, celebration, fellowship, and blessing—much like your next celebration at the local steak house!

You must not read about the offerings without reflecting on how these elements reflect Christ and His work on our behalf!