In the Old Testament, the procedure for offerings made by the common person is detailed primarily in the book of Leviticus. These offerings were a vital part of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God, serving as a means of atonement, thanksgiving, and worship. The offerings varied depending on the purpose and the individual's circumstances, but they were all designed to maintain holiness and fellowship with God.

Types of Offerings

1. Burnt Offering (Leviticus 1:1-17): The burnt offering was a voluntary act of worship, atonement for unintentional sin, and an expression of devotion to God. The common person could offer a bull, sheep, goat, or bird, depending on their economic status. The animal had to be a male without blemish, symbolizing purity and perfection.

· Procedure: The individual would bring the animal to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, lay their hand on its head to symbolize identification and transfer of sin, and then slaughter it. The priest would sprinkle the blood around the altar and burn the entire animal on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord.

2. Grain Offering (Leviticus 2:1-16): This offering was a gift of gratitude and dedication to God. It consisted of fine flour, olive oil, and frankincense, and could be presented in various forms, such as baked cakes or wafers.

· Procedure: A portion of the grain offering, along with all the frankincense, was burned on the altar as a memorial portion. The rest was given to the priests as their share. The offering had to be seasoned with salt, symbolizing the covenant, and could not contain yeast or honey, which represented corruption and decay.

3. Peace Offering (Leviticus 3:1-17): Also known as the fellowship offering, this was a voluntary act of worship, thanksgiving, and fellowship. It could be a male or female animal from the herd or flock, without blemish.

· Procedure: The offerer would lay their hand on the animal's head and slaughter it at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. The priest would sprinkle the blood on the altar and burn the fat and certain internal organs. The meat of the peace offering was shared between the offerer, the priests, and God, symbolizing communion.

4. Sin Offering (Leviticus 4:27-35): This offering was mandatory for atonement of unintentional sins and purification. The common person could offer a female goat or lamb.

· Procedure: The individual would lay their hand on the animal's head and slaughter it. The priest would apply some of the blood to the horns of the altar and pour the rest at its base. The fat was burned on the altar, and the rest of the animal was disposed of outside the camp.

5. Guilt Offering (Leviticus 5:14-6:7): This offering was required for unintentional sins requiring restitution, such as defrauding a neighbor or misusing holy things.

· Procedure: The offerer would bring a ram without blemish and make restitution for the wrong committed, adding a fifth of the value. The priest would make atonement with the ram's blood, and the fat was burned on the altar.

Significance

The offerings were not merely ritualistic but were deeply symbolic, representing the seriousness of sin, the need for atonement, and the desire for a restored relationship with God. They foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and provided a once-for-all atonement for sin. As 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 procedures for the common person's offering highlight the accessibility of God's grace and the importance of obedience and reverence in worship.