Leviticus 1:13

The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall bring all of it and burn it on the altar; it is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Study Bible

The entrails and legs
In the Hebrew text, the word for "entrails" is "קֶרֶב" (qereb), which refers to the inner parts or the innermost being. The "legs" are referred to as "כְּרָעַיִם" (kera'ayim), indicating the lower limbs. The washing of these parts symbolizes purification and the removal of impurities, reflecting the need for holiness and cleanliness before God. This act signifies the thoroughness required in worship and the dedication of the whole being to God.

must be washed with water
The Hebrew word for "washed" is "רָחַץ" (rachats), which means to cleanse or bathe. Water is a symbol of purification throughout Scripture, representing spiritual cleansing and renewal. This act of washing signifies the necessity of purity in approaching God, emphasizing that worship must be conducted with a clean heart and spirit.

and the priest shall bring all of it
The role of the priest, "כֹּהֵן" (kohen), is central in the sacrificial system. The priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, bringing the offering to the altar. "All of it" indicates the totality of the sacrifice, symbolizing complete dedication and surrender to God. This reflects the call for believers to offer their whole selves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).

and burn it on the altar
The Hebrew word for "burn" is "קָטַר" (qatar), which means to offer up in smoke. The altar, "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach), is the place of sacrifice and symbolizes the meeting point between God and man. The burning of the offering represents the transformation and ascent of the offering to God, signifying the acceptance of the sacrifice and the worshiper's devotion.

It is a burnt offering
The term "burnt offering" is "עֹלָה" (olah) in Hebrew, meaning "that which goes up." This offering is entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete consecration to God. It represents the worshiper's desire to be wholly devoted to the Lord, with nothing held back.

a food offering made by fire
The phrase "food offering" is "אִשֶּׁה" (isheh), which can be translated as "offering by fire." This indicates that the offering is a gift to God, consumed by fire as a symbol of divine acceptance. The fire represents God's presence and purifying power, transforming the offering into a pleasing aroma.

a pleasing aroma to the LORD
The Hebrew word for "pleasing" is "נִיחוֹחַ" (nihoach), meaning soothing or satisfying. "Aroma" is "רֵיחַ" (reach), which refers to the scent or fragrance. This phrase signifies that the offering is acceptable and delightful to God, symbolizing the worshiper's sincere devotion and the reconciliation between God and humanity. It reflects the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose offering of Himself was a fragrant aroma to God (Ephesians 5:2).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The individual responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals, acting as a mediator between the people and God.

2. Altar
The sacred place where offerings are made to God, symbolizing His presence and the place of atonement.

3. Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice in which the entire animal is consumed by fire, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication to God.

4. Entrails and Legs
Parts of the sacrificial animal that are to be washed, signifying purification and preparation for offering.

5. Pleasing Aroma
The result of the burnt offering, symbolizing the satisfaction and acceptance of the sacrifice by God.

Teaching Points

The Role of Sacrifice in Worship
Sacrifices in the Old Testament were central to worship, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God. Today, our worship should reflect a heart fully surrendered to Him.

Purification and Preparation
The washing of the entrails and legs signifies the importance of purity and preparation in approaching God. Believers are called to examine their hearts and lives, seeking purity through Christ.

Complete Dedication
The burnt offering, being wholly consumed, represents total commitment to God. Christians are encouraged to live lives fully dedicated to God's service and glory.

A Pleasing Aroma to the Lord
Just as the burnt offering was a pleasing aroma, our lives should be a pleasing offering to God, characterized by obedience, love, and faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 1:13 reflect the role of Jesus as our High Priest in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our lives are a "pleasing aroma" to God, similar to the burnt offerings described in Leviticus?

3. How does the concept of purification in the sacrificial process apply to our spiritual lives today?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate complete dedication to God in our daily lives, as symbolized by the burnt offering?

5. How do the sacrificial practices in Leviticus point forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and how should this understanding impact our worship?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 8:20-21
Noah's burnt offering after the flood, which was also described as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, showing the continuity of sacrificial practices and God's response.

Exodus 29:18
The consecration of Aaron and his sons, where burnt offerings are described as a pleasing aroma, highlighting the role of sacrifices in establishing the priesthood.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the complete dedication symbolized by the burnt offering.

Hebrews 10:1-10
Discusses the limitations of Old Testament sacrifices and the fulfillment in Christ, who offered Himself as the ultimate pleasing sacrifice.