Leviticus 1 Overview
Leviticus 1 opens Israel’s sacrificial instructions with the burnt offering. A worshipper may bring an animal from the herd or flock, or a bird if appropriate, but the offering must meet the stated requirements. The worshipper lays a hand upon the animal, it is killed before the LORD, and the priests handle the blood and altar. The whole animal, except specified portions, is burned as a sweet savour unto the LORD. The chapter establishes that approach to God is ordered by God rather than invented by the worshipper.
Before you read Leviticus 1
Coming from
Exodus ends with the tabernacle completed and the glory of the LORD filling it. Leviticus begins by explaining how Israel is to approach and worship the holy God dwelling among them.
In this chapter
The LORD gives Moses the law of the burnt offering for cattle, sheep or goats, and birds.
Leads into
Leviticus 2 turns from animal sacrifice to the meat offering, a grain offering presented with oil and frankincense.
Key understanding
Leviticus 1 opens Israel’s sacrificial instructions with the burnt offering. A worshipper may bring an animal from the herd or flock, or a bird if appropriate, but the offering must meet the stated requirements. The worshipper lays a hand upon the animal, it is killed before the LORD, and the priests handle the blood and altar. The whole animal, except specified portions, is burned as a sweet savour unto the LORD. The chapter establishes that approach to God is ordered by God rather than invented by the worshipper.
Major truths in this chapterExplore deeper
Truth 1
God himself determines how Israel approaches him in tabernacle worship.
Truth 2
The burnt offering is wholly devoted to the LORD, emphasizing complete consecration.
Truth 3
The laying on of the hand identifies the worshipper with the offering presented on his behalf.
Truth 4
Blood is handled according to divine command, showing that sacrifice is not casual or self-designed.
Truth 5
Provision is made for worshippers of different economic means through cattle, flock animals, or birds.
Connections to the rest of ScriptureExplore deeper
Connection 1
Exodus 40 provides the immediate setting: the completed tabernacle now requires ordered worship.
Connection 2
Genesis 8:20–21 records Noah offering burnt offerings and the LORD smelling a sweet savour.
Connection 3
Leviticus 17 later explains the special significance of blood in making atonement upon the altar.
Connection 4
Hebrews 10 contrasts repeated animal sacrifices with the once-for-all offering of Jesus Christ.
What is clear, and where care is neededExplore deeper
Keep this clear 1
The burnt offering belongs to Israel’s sacrificial covenant system; it is not a Christian method for earning forgiveness.
Keep this clear 2
Animal sacrifice points to the seriousness of sin and worship, but the animal itself could not permanently take away sin.
Keep this clear 3
The phrase “accepted for him to make atonement” should be read within the Levitical altar system and not detached from the rest of Scripture.
Keep this clear 4
The chapter regulates sacrifice; it does not teach that costly offerings purchase eternal life.
Read Leviticus 1 watching for…
The repeated phrase “before the LORD.”
The worshipper’s hand placed upon the offering.
The priests’ role in handling blood and fire.
The difference between herd, flock, and bird offerings.
The repeated description of a sweet savour unto the LORD.