Leviticus 1:15

Then the priest shall bring it to the altar, twist off its head, and burn it on the altar; its blood should be drained out on the side of the altar.

Study Bible

Then the priest
The role of the priest in ancient Israel was central to the sacrificial system. The Hebrew word for priest, "kohen," signifies one who is set apart to perform sacred duties. Priests acted as mediators between God and the people, highlighting the necessity of a divinely appointed intermediary in the process of atonement. This foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who mediates the new covenant.

shall bring it to the altar
The altar, or "mizbeach" in Hebrew, was a sacred place where offerings were made to God. It symbolizes the meeting point between the divine and the human, a place of sacrifice and worship. The act of bringing the offering to the altar signifies the worshiper's intent to draw near to God, acknowledging His holiness and their own need for purification.

wring off its head
This phrase describes a specific method of sacrifice for birds, which were often offered by those who could not afford larger animals. The act of wringing off the head was a swift and humane method of killing, ensuring the sacrifice was made with respect and care. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the costliness of atonement, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who gave His life willingly.

and burn it on the altar
Burning the offering on the altar was an act of consecration, transforming the physical into a pleasing aroma to the Lord. The Hebrew word "olah," often translated as "burnt offering," implies that the offering ascends to God. This symbolizes the complete surrender and dedication of the worshiper to God, a theme echoed in Romans 12:1, where believers are urged to offer themselves as living sacrifices.

and its blood shall be drained out
Blood, or "dam" in Hebrew, is a powerful symbol of life and atonement in the Bible. The draining of the blood signifies the life given in place of the sinner, a vivid reminder of the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a substitute. This prefigures the shedding of Christ's blood, which brings about the ultimate atonement for humanity's sins.

on the side of the altar
The specific instruction to drain the blood on the side of the altar emphasizes the order and precision required in worship. It reflects God's holiness and the need for purity in approaching Him. This detail also points to the meticulous fulfillment of the law by Christ, who perfectly accomplished all that was required for our redemption.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest is the mediator between God and the people, responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals as prescribed in the Law of Moses.

2. Altar
A sacred place where sacrifices are offered to God. In the context of Leviticus, it is the central place of worship and atonement.

3. Sacrifice
The act of offering something valuable to God. In this verse, it refers to the offering of a bird, which is part of the burnt offering ritual.

4. Blood
Symbolizes life and is a crucial element in the sacrificial system, representing atonement and purification.

5. Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice where the entire offering is consumed by fire, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication to God.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The priest acts as an intermediary, highlighting the need for mediation between God and humanity. This foreshadows Christ as our ultimate High Priest.

Significance of the Altar
The altar is a place of encounter with God. It reminds us of the importance of having a dedicated space and time for worship and communion with God.

Symbolism of Blood
Blood represents life and atonement. It points to the seriousness of sin and the cost of reconciliation with God, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus' sacrifice.

Total Surrender
The burnt offering symbolizes complete dedication to God. Believers are called to live lives fully surrendered to God's will.

Understanding Sacrifice
Sacrifices in the Old Testament were a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of God's love and the cost of our redemption.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 1:15 point to the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. What is the significance of the altar in your personal worship, and how can you create a "sacred space" in your daily life?

3. In what ways does the symbolism of blood in the sacrificial system deepen your understanding of Christ's sacrifice?

4. How can you apply the concept of a burnt offering, representing total surrender, to your own life as a living sacrifice?

5. How do the Old Testament sacrifices enhance your appreciation for the New Testament teachings on atonement and redemption?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 8:20
Noah's burnt offering after the flood, which pleased God and led to His promise not to curse the ground again.

Hebrews 9:22
Discusses the necessity of blood for atonement, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the complete dedication symbolized by the burnt offering.