For many Bible readers, Leviticus is the book where their reading plan stalls. Its chapters about animals, blood, priests and offerings seem far removed from modern life. Yet Leviticus is essential for understanding the Bible — especially the New Testament's teaching about Jesus' death. Once you understand the sacrifices, much of the Bible opens up.
Why sacrifices?
Leviticus follows Exodus, which ends with God's glory filling the tabernacle. Now a question arises: how can a holy God live among sinful people? Leviticus answers by describing the sacrifices, the priesthood and the laws of holiness.
The central principle is stated clearly:
"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls." (Leviticus 17:11, KJV)
Sin brings death. In the sacrificial system, God allowed the life of an animal to be given in place of the worshipper's life — a substitute. Sacrifices were not bribes to an angry god; they were God's gracious provision for restoring relationship.
The five main offerings (Leviticus 1–7)
| Offering | What was offered | Main meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Burnt offering | A bull, sheep, goat or bird, completely burned | Total dedication to God; atonement |
| Meat (grain) offering | Fine flour, oil, frankincense, salt — no yeast | Thanksgiving and devotion |
| Peace offering | An animal, partly burned, partly eaten by the worshipper | Fellowship and thanksgiving with God |
| Sin offering | An animal, depending on the person's position | Cleansing from unintentional sin |
| Trespass (guilt) offering | A ram, plus repayment with an added fifth | Making amends for wrongs against God or others |
1. The burnt offering (Leviticus 1)
The whole animal was burned on the altar, rising as "a sweet savour unto the LORD". The worshipper placed a hand on the animal's head, identifying with it. It expressed complete surrender to God.
2. The grain offering (Leviticus 2)
Called the "meat offering" in the KJV (meaning food, not flesh), this offering of flour and oil was a gift of thanks. Part was burned and part given to the priests. It contained no yeast or honey but always included salt — "the salt of the covenant" (2:13).
3. The peace offering (Leviticus 3)
Part of the animal was burned, part given to the priest and part eaten by the worshipper and family. It was a celebration meal, expressing peace and fellowship with God, often offered in thanksgiving or to fulfil a vow.
4. The sin offering (Leviticus 4)
This offering dealt with sins committed unintentionally or in ignorance. The animal required depended on who had sinned — a bull for the high priest or the whole community, a goat for a leader, a female goat or lamb for an ordinary person. Poorer people could bring two birds or even flour (5:7–13). God made a way for everyone, rich or poor.
5. The trespass (guilt) offering (Leviticus 5:14 – 6:7)
When someone had wronged God or a neighbour — for example, by deceiving or stealing — they brought a ram and repaid what they had taken plus an extra fifth. Forgiveness included making things right with others.
The role of the priests
Aaron and his sons served as priests. They offered the sacrifices, taught the law and represented the people before God. Leviticus 8–10 describes their ordination — and the sobering death of Nadab and Abihu, who offered "strange fire", showing that worship must be offered God's way.
Holiness in everyday life
Leviticus also contains laws about food, cleanliness, health and relationships (chapters 11–27). Its repeated theme is: "ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy" (19:2). It is in Leviticus that we find the command, "thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (19:18).
Sacrifices and Jesus
The New Testament, especially the letter to the Hebrews, explains that the sacrifices pointed forward to Jesus:
- The animal sacrifices had to be repeated, because "it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins" (Hebrews 10:4).
- Jesus offered himself "once for all" (Hebrews 10:10). His sacrifice fulfils and completes the whole system.
- He is the perfect burnt offering — wholly given to God; the peace offering — bringing us fellowship with God (Ephesians 2:14); the sin and guilt offering — "who knew no sin" was made "to be sin for us" (2 Corinthians 5:21).
- He is also the perfect high priest who offers the sacrifice (Hebrews 4:14–16).
This is why Christians no longer offer animal sacrifices. The shadow has given way to the reality.
Why read Leviticus today?
- It shows the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God.
- It shows God's grace in providing a way of forgiveness.
- It helps us understand the meaning of the cross.
- It reminds us that holiness touches all of life.
Continue with the Day of Atonement, or go back to the tabernacle. A good commentary on Leviticus or Hebrews is very helpful here.