Leviticus 1:17

He shall tear it open by its wings, without dividing the bird completely. And the priest is to burn it on the altar atop the burning wood. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Study Bible

He shall tear it open by its wings
This phrase refers to the specific method of preparing a bird offering, as described in the sacrificial system of ancient Israel. The Hebrew word for "tear" is "בָּדַק" (badak), which implies a careful and deliberate action. This act of tearing by the wings symbolizes a complete offering to God, ensuring that the sacrifice is fully exposed and open before Him. Historically, this method of preparation underscores the importance of purity and transparency in worship, reflecting a heart that is open and sincere before God.

without dividing it completely
The instruction to not divide the bird completely signifies the unity and wholeness of the offering. The Hebrew root "בָּדַל" (badal) means to separate or divide, and here it is negated, emphasizing that the offering, though opened, remains intact. This can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's life, which, though examined and laid bare before God, remains whole and undivided in devotion. It highlights the importance of integrity and completeness in one's relationship with God.

Then the priest shall burn it on the altar
The act of burning the offering on the altar is central to the sacrificial ritual. The Hebrew word "קָטַר" (qatar) means to burn or offer up in smoke, symbolizing the transformation of the physical into the spiritual. This burning represents the ascent of the offering to God, a pleasing aroma that signifies acceptance. The altar, a sacred place of meeting between God and man, serves as a reminder of the holiness required in approaching God.

on the burning wood
The burning wood on the altar is significant, as wood was the fuel that sustained the fire of the offering. In the Hebrew context, wood ("עֵץ" - etz) often symbolizes life and sustenance. The continuous burning of wood on the altar signifies the perpetual nature of worship and the ongoing need for atonement and dedication to God. It serves as a reminder of the living sacrifice that believers are called to be, continually offering themselves to God.

It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire
The term "burnt offering" comes from the Hebrew "עֹלָה" (olah), meaning "that which goes up," referring to the smoke rising to God. This offering made by fire ("אִשֶּׁה" - ishsheh) is a complete and total surrender to God, consumed entirely by the flames. It symbolizes the believer's total dedication and consecration to God, a life wholly given over to His service and glory.

a pleasing aroma to the LORD
The phrase "pleasing aroma" is derived from the Hebrew "רֵיחַ נִיחוֹחַ" (reyach nichoach), indicating something that brings satisfaction and delight to God. This concept is deeply rooted in the idea that God is pleased with the sincere and wholehearted worship of His people. The aroma represents the spiritual essence of the offering, transcending the physical act and reaching the heart of God. It serves as a powerful reminder that true worship is not just about ritual, but about the heart's posture before God, seeking to bring Him joy and honor.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Altar
A sacred place where offerings are made to God, symbolizing worship and atonement.

3. The Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice in which the entire offering is consumed by fire, representing complete surrender to God.

4. The Bird
In this context, a turtledove or young pigeon, which was an acceptable offering for those who could not afford larger animals.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, to whom the offerings are made, signifying His holiness and the need for atonement.

Teaching Points

Complete Surrender
The burnt offering symbolizes total dedication to God. Believers are called to surrender their lives fully to Him, holding nothing back.

Accessibility of Worship
The provision for offering birds shows God's understanding and accommodation for all economic levels, emphasizing that worship is accessible to everyone.

Pleasing Aroma
Our lives, like the burnt offering, should be a pleasing aroma to God, characterized by obedience and devotion.

Role of the Priest
The priest's role as a mediator foreshadows Christ's ultimate priesthood, reminding us of the importance of intercession and mediation in our spiritual lives.

Symbolism of Fire
Fire represents purification and transformation. As believers, we are called to be refined and transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a burnt offering in Leviticus 1:17 relate to the idea of living sacrifices in Romans 12:1?

2. What does the provision for offering birds teach us about God's inclusivity and understanding of human circumstances?

3. In what ways can our lives be a "pleasing aroma" to God today, and what practical steps can we take to achieve this?

4. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus point to the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

5. What does the symbolism of fire in the sacrificial system teach us about the process of spiritual purification and transformation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 8:20-21
Noah's burnt offering after the flood, which was also a pleasing aroma to the LORD, showing the continuity of sacrificial worship.

Exodus 29:18
The burnt offering as a pleasing aroma, highlighting the importance of obedience and dedication in worship.

Romans 12:1
The call for believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the complete surrender seen in burnt offerings.

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