Definition: But he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water: and the priest shall bring [it] all, and burn [it] upon the altar: it [is] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 1:13. It's a really important part of understanding how the Jewish people worshipped God and performed rituals. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a specific type of sacrifice – a burning offering – that was made to honor God. It’s essentially a very deliberate act of worship. Let's break it down word by word: “But he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water:” This means the priest would carefully clean the person being offered, both inside and outside (legs). This wasn't just about a quick rinse; it was a ritualistic cleansing. "And the priest shall bring [it] all, and burn [it] upon the altar:" The priest would gather the offering – the person being offered – and then carefully place it on an altar. The burning is crucial here – it’s not just about adding something to the altar; it's about burning it. “It [is] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.” This is the most important part. “A burnt sacrifice” means this wasn’t just any ordinary offering. It was deliberately prepared to be burned. "Of a sweet savour unto the LORD" – this is a poetic phrase that means it was offered with a special, pleasing aroma to God. It wasn't just about being burned ; it was intended to be a beautiful and heartfelt offering of devotion. What’s the Significance? This verse highlights several key points: Sacrifice as Worship: The entire act – washing, bringing, burning – is focused on worshipping God and showing reverence. It wasn't just about providing food or resources; it was a direct expression of devotion. Central Role of the Priest: The priest played a vital role in this process, acting as a conduit between humanity and God. Emphasis on Beauty & Delight: The offering wasn’t simply about being burned, but also about having a beautiful aroma that pleased God. In short, this verse describes a very specific type of ritual sacrifice – a carefully prepared offering that was meant to be seen as a beautiful expression of worship. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the purpose of sacrifices in Jewish tradition? Give an example of what this type of sacrifice might have looked like?