Sacrifice in the Bible

David sinfully orders a census of Israel. God offers three punishments; David chooses plague, and 70,000 die. David sees the destroying angel at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, buys it, and builds an altar where God stops the plague — the future temple site.

Paul confronts a case of sexual immorality in the church that even pagans would not tolerate. He instructs the church to remove the unrepentant person for the sake of the community's purity. A little leaven leavens the whole lump—Christ is our Passover lamb.

Paul defends his apostolic rights while explaining why he voluntarily forfeits them for the gospel's sake. He becomes all things to all people so that by all means some might be saved. He compares the Christian life to a race, urging discipline to win the prize.

The resurrection chapter: Paul presents the gospel—Christ died, was buried, and rose on the third day. If Christ has not been raised, faith is futile. But Christ has been raised as the firstfruits. Paul explains the resurrection body and declares victory: Where, O death, is your sting?

Jesus is our advocate with the Father. John tests love for God by obedience to His commands—whoever says I know Him but does not keep His commands is a liar. He warns against loving the world and its desires, which are passing away. He addresses children, young people, and fathers, warning about antichrists who deny the Father and Son.

John commands testing the spirits—not every spirit is from God. He declares that God is love, and those who live in love live in God. This is how God showed His love: He sent His one and only Son as an atoning sacrifice. There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out fear.

God appears to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon and offers him anything. Solomon asks for wisdom to govern well. God is pleased and grants him unmatched wisdom plus riches and honor. Solomon's wisdom is demonstrated when he resolves a dispute between two mothers claiming the same baby.

Solomon dedicates the temple with a magnificent prayer. The glory of the Lord fills the temple as a cloud. Solomon prays for God to hear prayers directed toward this house — from foreigners, in battle, during famine, and in exile.

Elijah confronts 450 prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel in a dramatic contest. When Baal fails to answer, Elijah prays and God sends fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice, the altar, and the water. The people cry: The Lord, He is God! Elijah then prays and the drought-ending rain comes.

Believers are living stones being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood. They are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. Peter urges them to live honorably among pagans. He holds up Christ as the example of suffering unjustly—when He suffered, He did not retaliate but entrusted Himself to God.

Hannah, barren and deeply distressed, prays fervently at the tabernacle in Shiloh for a son. She vows to dedicate him to God. God answers her prayer, and she gives birth to Samuel, whose name means heard by God.

The Philistines return the Ark to Israel on a new cart pulled by cows, along with guilt offerings of gold tumors and rats. The Ark arrives at Beth-shemesh, where God strikes men who look inside it.

Saul makes a rash decision to offer sacrifices himself rather than wait for Samuel, violating God's command. Samuel declares that Saul's kingdom will not endure and that God has sought a man after His own heart.

God commands Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, but Saul spares King Agag and the best livestock. Samuel confronts Saul, declaring that obedience is better than sacrifice. God rejects Saul as king over Israel.

Paul urges prayers for all people, including kings and those in authority, so that believers may live peaceful and godly lives. He declares there is one God and one mediator between God and man—the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all.

The Ark of the Covenant is brought into the completed temple by the priests and Levites. As the musicians and singers praise God in unison, the glory of the Lord fills the temple as a cloud so thick that the priests cannot continue ministering.

Fire falls from heaven and consumes the sacrifices, and God's glory fills the temple. God appears to Solomon at night with the famous promise: if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, I will heal their land.

Solomon's building projects, trade routes, and administrative organization are described. He establishes the regular pattern of sacrifices and the rotation of priests and Levites for temple service as David had ordained.

Hezekiah reopens and consecrates the temple in his very first month as king. The Levites cleanse the temple, and Hezekiah restores sacrifices and worship with music. The whole assembly rejoices at how quickly God has restored worship.

Josiah celebrates the greatest Passover since Samuel's time, with meticulous organization of priests, Levites, and offerings. Tragically, Josiah disregards a warning from Pharaoh Necho (who claims to speak for God) and is killed in battle at Megiddo. All Judah mourns, including Jeremiah.

Paul holds up the Macedonian churches as models of generosity—out of severe trial and extreme poverty, they gave beyond their ability. He reminds Corinth of Christ's example: though He was rich, for your sake He became poor, so that through His poverty you might become rich.

King Ahaz of Judah embraces idolatry, even sacrificing his own son. When threatened by Aram and Israel, he appeals to Assyria for help rather than God. He copies a pagan altar design from Damascus and modifies the temple.

A three-year famine is traced to Saul's violation of the Gibeonite treaty. David makes restitution, and Rizpah's devotion to her dead sons moves David to properly bury Saul and Jonathan. Various battles with Philistine giants are recorded.

David sinfully orders a census of Israel. God gives him a choice of three punishments; David chooses plague, and 70,000 die. When the angel reaches Jerusalem, God relents. David buys Araunah's threshing floor and builds an altar — the future site of Solomon's temple.

Moses commands Israel to worship God only at the place He will choose, destroying all Canaanite worship sites — their altars, sacred stones, and Asherah poles. They must not worship God the way the Canaanites worship their gods. Eating meat is permitted anywhere, but sacrifices must be brought only to God's chosen place.

Moses restates the three annual pilgrimage festivals — Passover and Unleavened Bread, Feast of Weeks, and Feast of Tabernacles — when all males must appear before God at His chosen place. No one is to appear empty-handed, but each gives as he is able. Judges must be appointed in every city to administer impartial justice.

Laws address blemished sacrifices (forbidden), idolaters (to be investigated and stoned on multiple witnesses), and difficult legal cases (to be referred to the central court). Moses prophetically sets rules for future kings — the king must write his own copy of God's law and read it daily, not accumulate horses, wives, or wealth.

The Levites' inheritance is described as the Lord Himself and the offerings. Occult practices — divination, sorcery, mediums, spiritists — are strictly forbidden as detestable to God. Moses prophesies that God will raise up a prophet like himself from among the people, whom Israel must obey — a key Messianic prophecy.

Various laws address unsolved murders (a heifer ritual), rights of firstborn sons in polygamous households, rebellious sons (brought before elders), and the treatment of executed criminals whose bodies must not remain on a tree overnight. The ceremonial unsolved murder ritual demonstrates the seriousness of bloodguilt.

God institutes the Passover: each family must sacrifice a lamb, put its blood on the doorposts, and eat the meal in readiness to depart. At midnight, God strikes down all the firstborn in Egypt, and Pharaoh finally releases Israel. The Israelites leave Egypt after 430 years of sojourning.

Moses reads the Book of the Covenant to all Israel and they respond saying they will obey everything. He sprinkles blood on the people to ratify the covenant. Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders ascend the mountain and see God, then Moses goes up alone for forty days and nights.

God gives instructions for the bronze altar of burnt offering and the courtyard of the tabernacle, enclosed by fine linen curtains hung on bronze pillars. He also commands that pure olive oil be used to keep the lampstand burning continually in the tabernacle.

God prescribes the elaborate ordination ceremony for Aaron and his sons, including washing, clothing, anointing with oil, and sacrificing a bull and two rams. The blood is applied to the right ear, thumb, and toe of the priests. Daily burnt offerings are established to consecrate the altar and God's dwelling among His people.

God gives instructions for the altar of incense placed before the veil, and the annual atonement made on its horns. He institutes the half-shekel census offering as ransom money. Recipes are given for the sacred anointing oil and holy incense, both reserved exclusively for tabernacle use.

The bronze altar and bronze basin are constructed for the tabernacle courtyard. The courtyard is enclosed with fine linen hangings on bronze pillars. A detailed inventory records all the gold, silver, and bronze used — nearly a ton of gold, over three tons of silver, and two and a half tons of bronze.

The measuring continues with priests' chambers where they eat holy offerings and change garments. A clear distinction between holy and common space is maintained. The outer dimensions of the entire temple complex are given.

The climactic moment: the glory of the Lord returns to the temple from the east — the same direction it departed in chapter 10. God declares this is His throne forever. The return of God's presence reverses the devastating departure and completes the restoration vision.

The land is divided with a sacred district for the temple, priests, and the prince. Rules for offerings and festivals are established. The prince has responsibilities for maintaining worship — a humble, servant-leadership model.

Regulations for the prince's worship, sabbath offerings, and daily sacrifices. The prince enters by the east gate vestibule but exits a different way. Land inheritance rules prevent the prince from oppressing the people — power is checked.

The altar is rebuilt first, and sacrifices resume before the temple foundation is even laid. When the foundation is finally completed, the people celebrate with praise — but older men who remember Solomon's temple weep at the comparison.

Paul expresses astonishment that the Galatians are turning to a different gospel. He defends his apostolic authority, insisting his gospel came by direct revelation from Jesus Christ, not from any human source. He recounts his conversion and early years of ministry.

Cain and Abel bring offerings to God; Abel's is accepted but Cain's is not. Jealous and angry, Cain murders his brother and is cursed to wander the earth. The chapter traces Cain's descendants and ends with Seth's birth.

The floodwaters recede and the ark comes to rest on the mountains of Ararat. Noah sends out a raven and then a dove to test the waters. When the earth is dry, God tells Noah to leave the ark, and Noah builds an altar and offers sacrifices to the Lord.

God tests Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah. Abraham obeys in faith, binding Isaac on the altar, but the angel of the Lord stops him at the last moment and provides a ram as a substitute. God reaffirms His covenant blessings because of Abraham's obedience.

Joseph plants his silver cup in Benjamin's sack and sends his steward to arrest them. When the cup is found, Judah offers himself as a slave in Benjamin's place, showing how much the brothers have changed. Judah's passionate plea reveals deep concern for their father Jacob.

God, who spoke through the prophets in many ways, has now spoken definitively through His Son, who is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. The Son is superior to angels, having inherited a more excellent name. He sustains all things by His powerful word.

The author warns against drifting from the great salvation announced by the Lord. Jesus was made lower than the angels for a time so that by dying He might destroy the power of death and free those held in slavery by the fear of death. He became like us to be a merciful and faithful high priest.

Jesus is designated by God as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek—not the Levitical order. During His earthly life, He offered prayers with loud cries and tears. Though He was a Son, He learned obedience through suffering. The author rebukes readers for spiritual immaturity, still needing milk instead of solid food.

Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, prefigures Christ's eternal priesthood. Unlike the Levitical priests who die, Jesus lives forever and holds His priesthood permanently. He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.

Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant, established on better promises. The author quotes Jeremiah's prophecy of the new covenant, where God puts His laws in their minds and writes them on their hearts. He will be their God, and they will be His people. The old covenant is obsolete.

The author describes the old tabernacle system with its outer room and Most Holy Place. Christ entered the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not with animal blood but with His own blood, securing eternal redemption. Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Christ offered Himself once for all.

The law's repeated sacrifices could never make worshipers perfect. But by one sacrifice, Christ has made perfect forever those being sanctified. Having confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, believers should draw near to God, hold firmly to hope, and spur one another toward love and good deeds. Do not throw away your confidence.

Final exhortations: keep loving one another, show hospitality to strangers, remember prisoners, honor marriage. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Let us go to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. May the God of peace equip you with everything good for doing His will, working in us what is pleasing to Him through Jesus Christ.

Israel's superficial repentance: Come, let us return to the Lord — but their love is like morning mist that quickly vanishes. God declares: I desire mercy, not sacrifice — a verse Jesus quotes twice. True knowledge of God matters more than religious ritual.

Israel will return to captivity like another Egypt. The prophet is considered a fool, the spiritual man mad. Ephraim's glory will fly away — no birth, no pregnancy, no conception. God found Israel like grapes in the wilderness, but they turned to shame.

The climactic Suffering Servant passage: He was despised and rejected, a man of sorrows. He bore our griefs, was pierced for our transgressions, and by His wounds we are healed. He was led like a lamb to slaughter. The most detailed messianic prophecy in the Old Testament.

Jephthah, a rejected outcast, is called to lead Gilead against the Ammonites. He attempts diplomacy first, then defeats Ammon. Tragically, he makes a rash vow that costs him his only daughter.

God tells Jeremiah to buy a clay jar and smash it before the elders as a dramatic sign: Jerusalem will be shattered beyond repair. The valley of Ben Hinnom — where children were sacrificed — will become a valley of slaughter.

Jesus feeds five thousand and walks on water. He declares Himself the bread of life—whoever comes to Him will never hunger, and whoever believes will never thirst. Many disciples leave after His hard teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood, but Peter affirms there is no one else to follow.

Jesus declares Himself the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. He teaches that His sheep know His voice and that He gives them eternal life—no one can snatch them from His hand. He proclaims that He and the Father are one.

Mary anoints Jesus' feet with costly perfume. Jesus enters Jerusalem in triumph, and Greeks seek to see Him. He speaks of His death as a grain of wheat falling to the ground, promising that if He is lifted up He will draw all people to Himself. Despite His signs, many still do not believe.

Jesus is arrested in the garden after Judas' betrayal. Peter cuts off the ear of the high priest's servant. Jesus is questioned by Annas and Caiaphas, then brought before Pilate. Peter denies knowing Jesus three times. Jesus tells Pilate His kingdom is not of this world.

Pilate has Jesus flogged, mocked, and presented to the crowd. Despite finding no guilt, he hands Jesus over. Jesus carries His cross to Golgotha and is crucified. He entrusts His mother to John, declares it is finished, and gives up His spirit. His side is pierced, and He is buried in a new tomb.

God speaks from the tabernacle and gives instructions for the burnt offering, which can be a bull, sheep, goat, or bird. The animal must be without defect, and the worshipper lays hands on it as a symbol of identification. The entire animal is burned on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the Lord.

The grain offering is described, made of fine flour with oil and frankincense. It can be baked, cooked on a griddle, or presented raw. No leaven or honey is to be included, but salt must be added to every grain offering as a sign of the covenant.

The peace offering or fellowship offering is detailed. The worshipper may bring cattle, sheep, or goats, and shares the meal with God and the priests. The fat and blood belong to God and must never be eaten. This offering celebrates fellowship between God and His people.

The sin offering addresses unintentional sins by priests, the whole community, leaders, and common people. Different animals are required depending on who sinned — a bull for the priest, a male goat for a leader, a female goat or lamb for ordinary people. Blood is sprinkled to make atonement.

Further provisions for the sin offering address specific situations: failing to testify, touching something unclean, or making a rash oath. The guilt offering (trespass offering) is introduced for sins involving sacred things. A sliding scale allows poorer people to bring lesser offerings.

God gives further instructions to the priests about maintaining the altar fire, which must never go out. Detailed procedures are given for the grain offering, the priestly ordination offering, and the sin offering. The priests are to eat their portion of the offerings in a holy place.

Instructions continue for the guilt offering, peace offering, and thanksgiving offering. A warning is given that anyone who eats fat or blood will be cut off from the people. The chapter concludes with a summary of the entire sacrificial system given at Sinai.

Moses consecrates Aaron and his sons as priests in a public ceremony. He washes them, dresses Aaron in the priestly garments, anoints the tabernacle and altar with oil, and offers sacrifices for their ordination. The priests remain at the tabernacle entrance for seven days to complete their consecration.

On the eighth day after ordination, Aaron begins his priestly ministry by offering sin and burnt offerings for himself and the people. When he finishes, the glory of the Lord appears to all the people and fire comes out from God's presence to consume the offerings. The people shout for joy and fall on their faces.

Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, offer unauthorised fire before the Lord and are immediately consumed by fire from God's presence. God commands Aaron not to mourn publicly and forbids priests from drinking wine before serving. This severe judgment underscores the holiness required in approaching God.

Laws address a woman's ceremonial uncleanness after childbirth — seven days for a boy, fourteen for a girl, followed by further purification periods. After the purification period, she brings a burnt offering and a sin offering to the priest to be declared clean.

The cleansing ritual for someone healed of a skin disease involves two birds (one killed, one released), cedar wood, scarlet yarn, hyssop, washing, shaving, and sacrifices over eight days. Similar procedures address contamination in houses, involving inspection, quarantine, and possible demolition.

Laws address bodily discharges that cause ceremonial uncleanness for both men and women, including chronic discharges, seminal emissions, and menstruation. Detailed purification procedures are prescribed, including washing, waiting periods, and offerings. These laws maintained the purity of the camp where God dwelt.

God prescribes the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the most sacred day in the Israelite calendar. The high priest enters the Most Holy Place once a year with blood to make atonement for the nation. Two goats are used — one sacrificed and one sent into the wilderness as the scapegoat bearing the people's sins.

God centralises all sacrifices at the tabernacle to prevent idolatrous worship at other locations. The chapter strictly prohibits eating blood, explaining that the life of the creature is in the blood and it is given for atonement on the altar. Any animal killed for food must be properly drained of blood.

Further regulations ensure that priests serve in a state of ceremonial cleanness. Unclean priests may not eat the sacred offerings until purified. Rules govern who in a priest's household may eat holy food. Sacrificial animals must be without defect — no blind, injured, or diseased animals are acceptable to God.

God establishes Israel's seven annual festivals: Sabbath, Passover and Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles. Each festival commemorates God's acts and foreshadows His future plans for redemption.

The final chapter addresses vows and dedications to God — how to value persons, animals, houses, and fields dedicated to the Lord. Redemption prices are set for those who wish to buy back what was vowed. The tithe of grain, fruit, and livestock is declared holy to the Lord and not to be substituted.

Jesus sends out the Twelve, feeds five thousand, and Peter confesses Him as the Christ. The Transfiguration reveals His glory before Peter, James, and John. Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem, teaching that whoever wants to follow Him must deny themselves daily.

Jesus heals on the Sabbath at a Pharisee's house and teaches about humility, urging guests to take the lowest seat. He tells the parable of the great banquet where those originally invited refuse to come. He counts the cost of discipleship.

Jesus commends the poor widow's offering and delivers His prophetic discourse about the destruction of Jerusalem and signs of the end. He describes tribulation, the coming of the Son of Man, and urges watchfulness and prayer to stand before the Son of Man.

Judas conspires to betray Jesus. At the Last Supper, Jesus institutes the new covenant in His blood. He predicts Peter's denial, prays on the Mount of Olives in such agony that His sweat becomes like drops of blood, is arrested, and Peter denies Him three times.

Jesus is tried before Pilate and Herod, neither finding guilt. Pilate offers to release Him but the crowd demands Barabbas. Jesus is crucified between two criminals; one repents and Jesus promises him paradise. Darkness covers the land, the temple curtain tears, and Jesus commends His spirit to the Father.

God declares His love for Israel but they question it: How have you loved us? God contrasts Jacob (loved) with Esau (Edom, rejected). The priests dishonor God by offering blind and lame sacrifices — try giving that to your governor, God challenges.

Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, and Jesus declares he will build His church on this rock. Jesus begins revealing His coming death and resurrection, and rebukes Peter for opposing God's plan. He teaches about denying self and taking up the cross.

The events leading to Jesus' crucifixion unfold: the plot to kill Him, the anointing at Bethany, Judas's betrayal, the Last Supper where He institutes communion, the agony in Gethsemane, His arrest, and trial before the Sanhedrin. Peter denies knowing Him three times.

Jesus is tried before Pilate, who finds no fault in Him but yields to the crowd demanding crucifixion. Judas returns the silver and hangs himself. Jesus is mocked, beaten, and crucified between two criminals. Darkness covers the land, the temple veil tears, and Jesus gives up His spirit. Joseph of Arimathea buries Him in a new tomb.

After feeding four thousand, Jesus heals a blind man at Bethsaida. Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, but Jesus begins revealing His coming suffering and death. He teaches that following Him means denying yourself and taking up your cross.

Jesus teaches about divorce, blesses little children, and encounters the rich young man who goes away sad. He declares that with God all things are possible and predicts His death a third time. James and John seek glory, but Jesus teaches that the Son of Man came to serve and give His life as a ransom.

Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants and answers questions about taxes, the resurrection, and the greatest commandment. He warns against the scribes' hypocrisy and commends the poor widow who gives two small coins—her whole livelihood—as the greatest offering.

A woman anoints Jesus with costly perfume at Bethany. Judas agrees to betray Him. Jesus shares the Last Supper, institutes the new covenant, and prays in Gethsemane. He is arrested, tried before the Sanhedrin, and Peter denies Him three times.

Jesus is tried before Pilate, who releases Barabbas instead. Soldiers mock Jesus with a purple robe and crown of thorns, then crucify Him. Darkness covers the land, Jesus cries out and breathes His last, the temple curtain tears, and a centurion declares He was truly the Son of God.

God commands that ceremonially unclean people be sent outside the camp to protect its purity. Laws address restitution for wrongs, with an added fifth added to compensation. The chapter details the test of bitter water for a woman suspected of adultery by her husband.

God establishes the Nazirite vow — a voluntary consecration involving abstaining from wine and grape products, not cutting hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies. The chapter concludes with the famous Aaronic blessing: The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you.

Over twelve days, each tribal leader brings identical dedication offerings for the altar — silver plates and bowls, gold dishes of incense, and animals for various offerings. Though the gifts are the same, God records each one individually, honouring every tribe's contribution. Moses hears God's voice from above the mercy seat.

God instructs Moses on setting up the lampstand so its seven lamps illuminate the area in front of it. The Levites are ceremonially cleansed, consecrated with laying on of hands by the Israelites, and presented as a wave offering before the Lord. Service age limits are set from twenty-five to fifty.

Israel celebrates the Passover at Sinai one year after the exodus. A provision allows those who are unclean or traveling to observe Passover one month later. God's cloud over the tabernacle guides Israel's movements — when it lifts, they march; when it settles, they camp.

God gives supplementary laws about offerings to be observed once Israel enters the Promised Land — a sign of ongoing hope despite the wilderness sentence. A man caught gathering wood on the Sabbath is stoned. God commands Israel to wear tassels on their garments as reminders to obey His commands.

God defines the roles of priests and Levites more precisely. Priests alone handle the sacred objects and altar; Levites assist them. The Levites receive the tithe of all Israel as their inheritance in place of land. In turn, the Levites give a tenth of the tithe to the priests.

God institutes the red heifer purification ceremony for cleansing from contact with a dead body. The heifer is burned completely and its ashes mixed with water to create purification water. Anyone who touches a corpse is unclean for seven days and must be sprinkled on the third and seventh days.

Balaam attempts to curse Israel three times as Balak requests, but each time God compels him to bless Israel instead. Balaam declares that God is not a man that He should lie, and that what He has blessed cannot be cursed. Frustrated, Balak takes Balaam to another location for another attempt.

God restates the daily, weekly, and monthly offerings that must be maintained — the daily burnt offerings of two lambs, the Sabbath offerings, and the New Moon offerings. Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread offerings are detailed. These offerings ensure continual worship and atonement.

The offerings for the remaining festivals are prescribed: the Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles requires an extraordinary number of bull offerings — seventy bulls over the week, decreasing each day — making it the most lavish celebration.

Paul calls believers to imitate Christ's humility: though He was in the form of God, He emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and humbled Himself to death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name. Paul urges them to work out their salvation with fear and trembling as God works in them.