As you read the Old Testament have you wondered why animals were sacrificed? The first seven chapters of Leviticus are a “Manuel of Sacrifice” and it is followed by a descriptions of priestly duties in their daily acts of worship. It is worth noting that we, the people, are the giver of the sacrifice or victim and the priest functions as the offeror of the sacrifice on the giver’s behalf. At the time of Israel’s wondering in the desert all of the ancient people of the Near East offered sacrifices to their gods. These people had three main motives in doing so: To keep the gods “happy with them” and thus the gods would give them abundant harvests of grain, animals, etc.

As you read the Old Testament have you wondered why animals were sacrificed?

The first seven chapters of Leviticus are a “Manuel of Sacrifice” and it is followed by a descriptions of priestly duties in their daily acts of worship.

It is worth noting that we, the people, are the giver of the sacrifice or victim and the priest functions as the offeror of the sacrifice on the giver’s behalf.

At the time of Israel’s wondering in the desert all of the ancient people of the Near East offered sacrifices to their gods.

These people had three main motives in doing so:

To keep the gods “happy with them” and thus the gods would give them abundant harvests of grain, animals, etc.

Since the gods gave to the worshipers it was wise for the worshiper to say “thank you.” Lastly, it is wise for worshipers to “keep peace” with the gods. In Leviticus we hear God telling Moses that He too wants sacrifice and also tells Moses the way in which the sacrifice is to be offered. Notice that God ONLY spoke to Moses and Moses was to convey the message to who? God’s chosen people, Israel. God had taken what the people new, animal sacrifices, and gave it a new meaning and an exacting method or rite. The purpose of the Old Testament sacrifice was to bring about an atonement process whereby sinful man could be reconciled with God.

Since the gods gave to the worshipers it was wise for the worshiper to say “thank you.”

Lastly, it is wise for worshipers to “keep peace” with the gods.

In Leviticus we hear God telling Moses that He too wants sacrifice and also tells Moses the way in which the sacrifice is to be offered.

Notice that God ONLY spoke to Moses and Moses was to convey the message to who?

God’s chosen people, Israel.

God had taken what the people new, animal sacrifices, and gave it a new meaning and an exacting method or rite.

The purpose of the Old Testament sacrifice was to bring about an atonement process whereby sinful man could be reconciled with God.

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