Leviticus Chapter 1 Summary
The burnt offering laws.
Discussion Questions for Leviticus, Chapter 1
- Leviticus comes from the Hebrew word wayyiqra, meaning "and He called." This means that God is summoning Moses to come to Him. How is this an appropriate title for the book that details the way the Levites are to bring the sacrifice to God?
- Leviticus 1:3 states that the sacrifice is to be a male without blemish from the herd. Why does the law specify a gender for the sacrifice? Livestock sales show a higher price given for males in modern society. What is the reason for a higher value being placed on the male animals in trade and spiritual rituals? How is this reflected in society as a whole? How does Christ's appearance to the women first on the morning of His resurrection break this pattern?
- Leviticus 1:4 says that the sacrifice is to be an atonement for sin. Atonement is the means of reconciliation between God and man. The sacrificial system became the repetitive means for man to come before God. How could man become reconciled to God permanently? What would happen if a person could not find a sacrifice worthy of God's specifications or afford to purchase one? How would that affect his relationship with God?
- The directions for each type of offering are very detailed for the priests to follow. How does this reflect the character of God?
- According to Leviticus 1, a person can make three different types of burnt offerings: cattle, sheep or goat, and turtledove or pigeon. Why would God allow three different types of offerings even though He is very specific about how an animal is sacrificed?
- Aaron and his sons are to dress each type of sacrifice as a burnt or food offering to the Lord so that it is a pleasant aroma to God. God, therefore, has a sense of smell. How does this human characteristic relate to mankind? Does it diminish God's perfection to have a human ability?
- Pigeons are seen as bothersome pests in many cities. However, they are one of two types of birds that are to be used as a sacrifice. Why would such a common animal be deemed worthy as an atonement for sin? How does God use the common things in your personal life to bring you closer in relationship to Him?
- By allowing three different types of animals for sacrifice in atonement for sins, what is God ultimately seeking from man in atonement for their sins? How is this demonstrated in today's time?
- Hebrews 9:22 states, "Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." (ESV) Is there a set quantity of blood needed to forgive sin? How often is it required to shed blood? Do you think if a person sacrifices a bull, they do not need to sacrifice as much as a person who sacrificed a turtledove since a bull has more blood? How did this change after Christ died on the cross?
- The wringing of a bird's neck and sprinkling blood, as described in Leviticus 1, is gruesome to imagine. How do these images match the images we have of a current church service? Which is more effective in demonstrating the cost of the atonement for our sins?
Key Words/Phrase
Burnt sacrifice v. 3.
Characters
God, Moses, Aaron's sons.
Strong Verse(s)
4
