The concept of burnt offerings is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, serving as a significant aspect of Israelite worship and sacrificial system. The instructions for burnt offerings are primarily found in the book of Leviticus, which provides detailed guidelines on how these offerings were to be conducted.

Biblical Foundation

The burnt offering, known in Hebrew as "olah," meaning "that which goes up," refers to the smoke that ascends to God as the offering is consumed by fire. This type of offering is first mentioned in Genesis 8:20, where Noah offers burnt offerings to the Lord after the flood. The practice is further elaborated in the Mosaic Law, particularly in Leviticus 1.

Levitical Instructions

Leviticus 1 provides comprehensive instructions for burnt offerings, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands precisely. The chapter begins with the Lord speaking to Moses, instructing him to relay the procedures to the Israelites:

1. Selection of the Animal: The offering must be a male without blemish from the herd or flock (Leviticus 1:3, 10). This requirement underscores the need for purity and perfection in offerings made to God.

2. Presentation and Laying on of Hands: The individual offering the sacrifice is to bring the animal to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him (Leviticus 1:4). This act symbolizes the transfer of sin and the offerer's identification with the sacrifice.

3. Slaughter and Blood Ritual: The animal is to be slaughtered before the Lord, and the priests, the sons of Aaron, are to sprinkle its blood around the altar (Leviticus 1:5, 11). The blood represents life and is a critical element in the atonement process.

4. Preparation of the Offering: The animal is to be skinned and cut into pieces. The priests are to arrange the pieces, along with the head and the fat, on the wood that is on the fire on the altar (Leviticus 1:6-8, 12). The entrails and legs must be washed with water, ensuring cleanliness and purity.

5. Burning on the Altar: The entire offering is to be burned on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the Lord (Leviticus 1:9, 13, 17). This complete consumption by fire signifies total dedication and surrender to God.

Purpose and Significance

The burnt offering served multiple purposes in the Israelite religious system. It was an act of worship, expressing devotion and reverence to God. It also functioned as a means of atonement, symbolizing the offerer's desire for reconciliation with God. The pleasing aroma of the burnt offering represented God's acceptance and favor.

Daily and Special Burnt Offerings

In addition to individual offerings, the Law prescribed daily burnt offerings, as well as additional offerings for Sabbaths, new moons, and festivals (Numbers 28-29). These communal sacrifices underscored the continual need for atonement and the community's collective worship of God.

Christological Foreshadowing

From a Christian perspective, the burnt offering is seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As the perfect and unblemished Lamb of God, Christ's sacrificial death on the cross fulfilled the requirements of the burnt offering, providing complete atonement for sin and reconciling humanity to God.

Conclusion

The instructions for burnt offerings in the Old Testament highlight the seriousness of sin, the necessity of atonement, and the importance of obedience to God's commands. They also point forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the sacrificial system and offers eternal redemption.