TYPES OF SACRIFICES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Most Christians know that there were several sacrifices in the Old Testament. They also realize that the Old Testament sacrificial system pointed to Christ, and that those sacrifices are not needed today because Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice (Heb. 10:10). This is not the problem we have in our understanding of sacrifices. The problem with the sacrificial system for the New Testament Christian is not that we haven’t heard of it, but that we never had to do it. Therefore, we get confused as to what the purpose of each one was, how it worked, and when a person (under the old covenant) was supposed to offer that sacrifice. Let’s look at the different types of sacrifices to help us better understand the scriptures.

The 5 Types of Sacrifices/Offerings

In the first 7 chapters of Leviticus the parameters are given for 5 different types of sacrifices. They are: burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and trespass offerings. Each had a specific purpose and was to be done according to God’s will.

The Burnt Offering. Tyndale Bible Dictionary describes the burnt offering as a “form of Israelite sacrifice in which a choice animal offered to make atonement for sin was completely consumed by fire.”

The Grain Offering. An offering of grain or fine flour.

The Peace Offering. Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible defines this offering as “A covenant meal which served to affirm the relationship between the worshipper, God, and the community of believers.” In addition, Eerdmans Bible Dictionary goes on to say,

Peace offerings were offered both from devotion free from any particular obligation and in fulfillment of vows made in time of trouble (Lev. 7:16; 22:21). They were also offered during the consecration of priests (9:4, 18, 22), on feast days (23:19), on completion of Nazirite vows (Num. 6:14, 17), and on other occasions that called for particular thanks or attention to God (7:88; Josh. 8:31; Judg. 20:26; 21:4; 1 Sam. 11:15; 1 Kgs. 8:63–64; Ezek. 43:27). The thank, freewill, and votive offerings apparently were categories of peace offering (Lev. 7:11–18; cf. Ps. 54:6–7 MT 8–9]).

The Sin Offering. Found in Leviticus 4:1-6:13, the sin offering, according to the Lexham Bible Dictionary, is “A sacrifice given in acknowledgement of sin (Lev 4:1–6:13; Num 6:10–14; compare 1 John 1:7).”

The Trespass Offering. According to Josephus the guilt offering was geared more toward private sin that was only known by the individual and God. The trespass offering was a burnt offering that would be given by individuals when private sin had been committed.

There is further need to study these things, but it is my hope that this list gives you an idea of what to know when various sacrifices are mentioned. While the Christian has no need for practical knowledge on the subject, it does help us to get a better understanding of what the old covenant required and helps us appreciate the fact that Jesus became that perfect sacrifice for us.

His Servant and Yours,

Matt McBrayer

Don't Raise an Ahaz

Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign; and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: and he did not that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah his God, like David his father. But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations, whom Jehovah cast out from before the children of Israel. And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree . 2 Kings 16:2-4 When was the first time you drove a car? What about the first time you jumped off a diving board or gave a speech? After that first time, it certainly became easier. What about the first lie you told? Did it become easier? King Ahaz of Judah was evil and far from the example of David. Ahaz was the first to offer child sacrifices to t...

At the Feet of Jesus

How amazing it must have been to sit at the feet of Jesus. Have you thought much about that? What would it have been like to be around the Master? It was obviously life altering for His disciples, the majority of which (by historical accounts) would go on to violent deaths. Christians would go on to be persecuted throughout the centuries. Why? Jesus is worth the shame (Acts 5:41). Jesus is worth it all, because “there is no other name, under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). It is for this very reason we think about how amazing it would have been to personally sit at the feet of Jesus. To Talk to Him Must Have Been Tender Talking to Jesus must have been so tender. We know that He would tell people what they needed to hear, and sometimes that was rather forthright (see Matt. 23), but he was loving and compassionate to those who wanted to learn from Him. Remember when parents were b...

Hanging On

Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God Hebrews 12:1-2 In order to hang on, you must let go. This seems counterproductive at first glance. If we let go, we might fall and get hurt. If we let go, we might hurt someone else, and we might even hurt ourselves. Yet, letting go can also allow us to hang on to what matters. We can hang onto the righteousness of God. This helps us to run with patience. When the race is long and arduous, and when life doesn’t end up as we planned, we can look forward to letting go of the doubts and sins that tell us to quit, give up, and stop running...

Ironworks

Search This Blog