Burnt offerings, known in Hebrew as "olah," are one of the oldest and most significant forms of sacrifice in the Bible. The term "olah" means "that which goes up," referring to the smoke that ascends to God as the offering is consumed by fire. Burnt offerings are first mentioned in Genesis 8:20, where Noah offers sacrifices to God after the flood. The practice is further detailed in the Mosaic Law, particularly in the book of Leviticus.

In Leviticus 1:3-9 , the burnt offering is described as a voluntary act of worship, atonement for unintentional sin, and an expression of devotion and commitment to God. The offering could be a bull, sheep, goat, or bird, depending on the offerer's economic status. The animal was to be a male without blemish, symbolizing purity and perfection. The offerer would lay hands on the animal, signifying the transfer of sin and identification with the sacrifice. The entire animal, except for its hide, was burned on the altar, signifying total surrender to God.

Burnt offerings were a daily ritual in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, as commanded in Exodus 29:38-42 . They were offered every morning and evening, on Sabbaths, new moons, and during festivals. The continual burnt offering symbolized Israel's constant need for atonement and God's perpetual presence among His people.

Grain Offerings

Grain offerings, or "minchah" in Hebrew, are another form of sacrifice detailed in the Levitical law. Unlike burnt offerings, grain offerings were bloodless and consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. Leviticus 2:1-3 outlines the procedure for presenting a grain offering. A portion of the offering was burned on the altar as a memorial portion, while the remainder was given to the priests.

Grain offerings were an expression of thanksgiving and dedication to God, acknowledging His provision and sustenance. They were often offered alongside burnt offerings and peace offerings, as seen in Numbers 15:3-10 . The use of fine flour and oil symbolized purity and richness, while the addition of frankincense represented the pleasing aroma of the offering to God.

Leaven and honey were prohibited in grain offerings (Leviticus 2:11), as leaven symbolized corruption and sin, and honey, though sweet, could ferment. Salt, however, was required in every grain offering (Leviticus 2:13), symbolizing the covenant between God and His people, as salt was a preservative and a sign of enduring agreement.

Drink Offerings

Drink offerings, or "nesek" in Hebrew, were liquid offerings of wine poured out on the altar. They are often mentioned in conjunction with burnt and grain offerings, as seen in Numbers 15:5-10 . The drink offering was a libation that accompanied the sacrificial meal, symbolizing the outpouring of one's life and devotion to God.

The practice of drink offerings is rooted in the patriarchal period, as seen in Genesis 35:14 , where Jacob pours out a drink offering to God at Bethel. In the Mosaic Law, drink offerings were part of the regular sacrificial system, offered daily, on Sabbaths, and during festivals.

Drink offerings were a symbol of joy and celebration, acknowledging God's blessings and favor. They also represented the complete dedication of the offerer, as the wine was entirely poured out, leaving nothing behind. The Apostle Paul alludes to this symbolism in Philippians 2:17 , where he speaks of being "poured out like a drink offering" upon the sacrifice and service of the Philippians' faith, indicating his willingness to give his life for the sake of the Gospel.