The book of Leviticus commences with instructions on how to carry out sacrifices as offerings unto God in the tabernacle. The somewhat gruesome slaughtering of bulls, sheep, goats, doves or pigeons stands in stark contrast with the gentle peaceful life of Christians in Christ, who with his death on the cross paid the definitive supreme sacrifice for the sin of the world.
First God instructs Moses on how to offer the sacrifice of a bull without defect as a burnt offering. The priest would place his hand on the bull's head before killing it as a symbol of identification so that the sacrifice would make an atonement for him. The animal would then be killed and its blood be sprinkled on the altar, prior to skinning it, cutting it in pieces and then burning it all on the altar as a sacrifice to God.
Then follows similar instructions for the sacrifice of sheep or goats though such sacrifices curiously had to be carried out at the north side of the altar. The animal's blood was sprinkled on the altar, then the animal was cut in pieces and burnt on the altar producing, as with the bulls and birds, a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
In the case of bird sacrifices these could either be doves or young pigeons. The priest should wring off the bird's head and drain off its blood on the side of the altar, removing the crop which should be thrown on the east side of the altar, and tearing the bird open by the wings before burning it on the altar.
Very interesting John and very gruesome as you say.
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying it though
ReplyDelete“I am so grateful and in awe of the ultimate sacrifice that our Lord and Saviour made for us.
Thank you, my dear brother-in-law, for dedicating your time to studying the scriptures, clarifying, and teaching. May God continue to inspire and enlighten you.”