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
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