The burning of the common person's offering is a significant aspect of the sacrificial system outlined in the Old Testament, particularly within the Levitical laws. This practice was integral to the Israelites' worship and their covenant relationship with God. It served as a means for individuals to atone for sins, express devotion, and maintain ritual purity.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for the burning of offerings is found in the Book of Leviticus, which details various types of sacrifices, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. Each type of offering had specific instructions regarding its preparation, presentation, and purpose.

Leviticus 1:3-9 describes the procedure for a burnt offering: "If one's offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to offer an unblemished male. He must present it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, that he may be accepted by the LORD. He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so that it may be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. Then he shall slaughter the young bull before the LORD, and Aaron's sons the priests shall present the blood and sprinkle it on all sides of the altar at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Next, he is to skin the burnt offering and cut it into pieces. And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire. Then Aaron's sons the priests shall arrange the pieces, including the head and fat, on the wood that is burning on the altar. The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, a fire offering of a pleasing aroma to the LORD."

Purpose and Symbolism

The burning of the offering symbolized the complete surrender and dedication of the worshiper to God. The act of burning the entire animal on the altar represented the worshiper's desire to be wholly consumed by devotion to the Lord. The smoke ascending to heaven was seen as a "pleasing aroma" to God, signifying His acceptance of the offering and the worshiper's repentance and faith.

The laying of hands on the animal's head before its slaughter was a symbolic act of transferring the individual's sins onto the animal, which then bore the penalty of death on behalf of the offerer. This foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, bore the sins of humanity on the cross.

The Role of the Priesthood

The priests, primarily from the tribe of Levi, played a crucial role in the sacrificial system. They acted as mediators between God and the people, ensuring that the offerings were conducted according to divine instructions. The priests were responsible for the ritual slaughter, the handling of the blood, and the burning of the offerings on the altar.

Leviticus 6:8-13 further emphasizes the priestly duties: "The LORD said to Moses, 'Command Aaron and his sons, This is the law of the burnt offering: The burnt offering shall remain on the hearth on the altar all night until morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar. The priest is to put on his linen robe and linen undergarments, and he shall remove the ashes of the burnt offering that the fire has consumed on the altar and place them beside it. Then he must take off his garments, put on other clothes, and carry the ashes outside the camp to a ceremonially clean place. The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it. The fire must be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not go out.'"

Spiritual Implications

The burning of the common person's offering was not merely a ritualistic act but held deep spiritual significance. It was a tangible expression of repentance, faith, and commitment to God. The sacrificial system underscored the holiness of God, the seriousness of sin, and the necessity of atonement.

In the New Testament, the sacrificial system is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate and final sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." The burning of the common person's offering thus serves as a precursor to the redemptive work of Christ, highlighting the continuity and fulfillment of God's plan for salvation.