Leviticus 1:6

Next, he is to skin the burnt offering and cut it into pieces.

Study Bible

Next
The word "next" indicates a sequence of actions in the sacrificial ritual. This sequence is crucial as it reflects the orderliness and precision required in worship. In the Hebrew context, the sacrificial system was a divinely ordained process, emphasizing that approaching God requires adherence to His instructions. This orderliness can inspire believers today to approach God with reverence and respect, understanding that He is a God of order and not chaos.

he is to skin
The act of skinning the burnt offering was a task assigned to the priest. The Hebrew root for "skin" is "פָּשַׁט" (pashat), which means to strip or remove. This act symbolizes the removal of the outer layer, representing the stripping away of sin and impurity. In a spiritual sense, it reminds Christians of the need for inner purity and the removal of the old self, as Paul writes in Ephesians 4:22-24 about putting off the old self and putting on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

the burnt offering
The burnt offering, or "עֹלָה" (olah) in Hebrew, was a sacrifice that was completely consumed by fire on the altar. It signifies total dedication and surrender to God. Historically, the burnt offering was a common form of sacrifice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, but in Israel, it held a unique significance as a means of atonement and worship. For Christians, it foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself completely for the atonement of humanity's sins.

and cut it into pieces
The phrase "cut it into pieces" involves the careful division of the animal into parts. This meticulous process reflects the seriousness and solemnity of the sacrificial act. The Hebrew root "נָתַח" (natach) means to divide or cut. This action can be seen as a metaphor for the examination and offering of every part of one's life to God. It calls believers to present themselves wholly to God, as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him, as Paul exhorts in Romans 12:1.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
- The author of Leviticus, who received the laws and instructions from God on Mount Sinai.

2. Aaron and His Sons
- The priests who were responsible for performing the sacrifices and rituals as outlined in Leviticus.

3. The Tabernacle
- The central place of worship for the Israelites, where sacrifices were offered.

4. The Burnt Offering
- A type of sacrifice in which the entire animal was consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication to God.

5. Israelites
- The people of God who were given these laws to maintain holiness and fellowship with God.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of the Burnt Offering
The burnt offering represents total surrender and dedication to God. Just as the offering was completely consumed, believers are called to give their whole lives to God.

Role of the Priesthood
The priests' role in preparing and offering sacrifices points to the mediatory role of Christ, our High Priest, who intercedes for us.

Holiness and Purity
The detailed instructions for sacrifices emphasize God's holiness and the need for purity in worship. Believers are called to live holy lives, set apart for God.

Foreshadowing of Christ
The sacrificial system foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and offers redemption through His blood.

Practical Worship
The physical act of preparing and offering sacrifices teaches the importance of intentional and active participation in worship, not just passive observance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the process of skinning and cutting the burnt offering into pieces reflect the concept of total dedication to God in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the role of the priest in Leviticus 1:6 point to the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

3. How can the principles of holiness and purity in the sacrificial system be applied to our daily walk with God?

4. What are some practical ways we can offer ourselves as "living sacrifices" in our everyday lives, as described in Romans 12:1?

5. How does understanding the sacrificial system in Leviticus enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice on the cross?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 22
The account of Abraham and Isaac, where God provides a ram for a burnt offering, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.

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

Exodus 29
Details the consecration of the priests, which includes burnt offerings as part of their ordination.

1 Peter 2:5
Describes believers as a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.