Offerings/ Sacrifices
1. Burnt offering (Leviticus 1) – Bull/ram/dove without blemish offered- Voluntary act of worship, expression of complete surrender to God, also as atonement for unintentional sin. Every part of animal burnt except skin which was given to Levites who could later sell it.
2. Grain offering (Leviticus 2) – Finest flour, olive oil, frankincense, salt, no yeast/honey, (cakes/wafers) offered– Voluntary act of worship, acknowledging God’s goodness and provisions. It was accompanied by a drink offering of about a quart of wine, which was poured into the fire on the altar. The priests were given a portion of this offering, but it had to be eaten within the court of the tabernacle.
3. Peace offering (Fellowship) (Leviticus 3, 7:11-21) – An animal without blemish from herd or flock or a variety of breads offered. Was given as freewill offering to thank God for his goodness or as a part of a fulfillment of a vow (vow offering) or as thanksgiving (thanksgiving offering) for God’s deliverance. Part of it could be eaten by the person who offered. The high priest was given the breast of the animal; the officiating priest was given the right foreleg. These pieces of the offering were called the “wave offering” and the “heave offering” because they were waved or lifted over the altar during the ceremony.
4. Sin Offering (Leviticus 4:1-5, 16:3-22) – Young bull for high priest and congregation, male goat for leader, female goat or lamb for common person, dove or pigeon/finest flour for the poor offered. Mandatory atonement for specific unintentional sin. The purpose of the sin offering was to atone for sin and cleanse from defilement.
5. Guilt Offering (Trespass offering) (Leviticus 5, 6, 7) – Ram offered, Mandatory atonement for unintentional sin requiring restitution. Pay 20% fine.