Sacrifices

LITERATURE
I. Terms and Definitions.
zebhach, "sacrifice"; `olah, "burnt offering"; chata'ah, chatta'th, "sin offering"; 'asham, "guilt" or "trespass
offering":
shelem, shelamim, "peace offerings"; minchah, "offering," "present"; zebhach shelamim, "sacrifice of
peace offerings"; zebhach ha-todhah, "thank offerings"; zebhach nedhabhah, "free-will offerings";
zebhach nedher, "votive offerings"; tenuphah, "wave offering"; terumah, "heave offering"; qorban,
"oblation," "gift"; 'ishsheh, "fire offering"; necekh, "drink offering"; kalil, "whole burnt offering"; chagh,
"feast"; lebhonah, "frankincense"; qetorah, qetoreth, "odor," "incense"; melach, "salt"; shemen, "oil":
Zebhach:
a "slaughtered animal," a "sacrifice," general term for animals used in sacrifice, including burnt offerings,
peace offerings, thank offerings, and all sacrifices offered to the Deity and eaten at the festivals. More
particularly it refers to the flesh eaten by the worshippers after the fat parts had been burned on the altar
and the priest had received his portion.
`Olah:
a "burnt offering," sometimes whole burnt offering. Derived from the verb `alah, "to go up." It may mean
"that which goes up to the altar" (Knobel, Wellhausen, Nowack, etc.), or "that which goes up in smoke to
the sky" (Bahr, Delitzsch, Dillmann, etc.); sometimes used synonymously with kalil (which see). The term
applies to beast or fowl when entirely consumed upon the altar, the hide of the beast being taken by the
priest. This was perhaps the most solemn of the sacrifices, and symbolized worship in the full sense, i.e.
adoration, devotion, dedication, supplication, and at times expiation.
Chota'ah, chatta'th:
a "sin offering," a special kind, first mentioned in the Mosaic legislation. It is essentially expiatory,
intended to restore covenant relations with the Deity. The special features were:
(1) the blood must be sprinkled before the sanctuary, put upon the horns of the altar of incense and
poured out at the base of the altar of burnt offering;
(2) the flesh was holy, not to be touched by worshipper, but eaten by the priest only. The special ritual of
the Day of Atonement centers around the sin offering.
'Asham:
"guilt offering," "trespass offering" (King James Version; in Isaiah 53:10, the King James Version and the
Revised Version (British and American) "an offering for sin," the American Revised Version margin
"trespass offering"). A special kind of sin offering introduced in the Mosaic Law and concerned with
offenses against God and man that could be estimated by a money value and thus covered by
compensation or restitution accompanying the offering. A ram of different degrees of value, and worth at
least two shekels, was the usual victim, and it must be accompanied by full restitution with an additional
fifth of the value of the damage. The leper and Nazirite could offer he-lambs. The guilt toward God was
expiated by the blood poured out, and the guilt toward men by the restitution and fine. The calling of the
Servant an 'asham (Isaiah 53:10) shows the value attached to this offering.
Shelem, shelamim:
"peace offering," generally used the plural, shelamim, only once shelem (Amos 5:22). These were
sacrifices of friendship expressing or promoting peaceful relations with the Deity, and almost invariably
accompanied by a meal or feast, an occasion of great joy. They are sometimes called zebhachim,
sometimes zebhach shelamim, and were of different kinds, such as zebhach ha-todhah, "thank offerings,"
which expressed the gratitude of the giver because of some blessings, zebhach nedhabhah, "free-will
offerings," bestowed on the Deity out of a full heart, and zebhach nedher, "votive offerings," which were
offered in fulfillment of a vow.
Minchah:
"meal offering" (the Revised Version), "meat offering" (the King James Version), a gift or presentation, at
first applied to both bloody and unbloody offerings (Genesis 4:5), but in Moses' time confined to cereals,
whether raw or roast, ground to flour or baked and mixed with oil and frankincense. These cereals were
the produce of man's labor with the soil, not fruits, etc., and thus represented the necessities and results
of life, if not life itself. They were the invariable accompaniment of animal sacrifices, and in one instance
could be substituted for them (see SIN OFFERING). The term minchah describes a gift or token of
friendship (Isaiah 39:1), an act of homage (1 Samuel 10:27; 1 Kings 10:25), tribute (Judges 3:15,17),
propitiation to a friend wronged (Ge 32:13,18; Heb 14:19)), to procure favor or assistance (Genesis
43:11; Hosea 10:6).
Tenuphah:
"wave offering," usually the breast, the priest's share of the peace offerings, which was waved before the
altar by both offerer and priest together (the exact motion is not certain), symbolic of its presentation to
Deity and given back by Him to the offerer to be used in the priests' service.
Terumah:
"heave offering," something lifted up, or, properly, separated from the rest and given to the service of the
Deity. Usually the right shoulder or thigh was thus separated for the priest. The term is applied to products
of the soil, or portion of land separated unto the divine service, etc.
Qorban:
"an oblation," or "offering"; another generic term for all kinds of offerings, animal, vegetable, or even gold
and silver. Derived from the verb qarabh, "to draw near," it signifies what is drawn or brought near and
given to God.
'Ishsheh:
"fire offering," applied to offerings made by fire and usually bloody offerings, but at times to the minchah,
the sacred bread and frankincense placed on the tables as a memorial, part of which was burned with the
frankincense, the bulk, however, going to the priest. The gift was thus presented through fire to the Deity
as a sort of etherealized food.
Necekh:
"drink offering," or "libation," a liquid offering of wine, rarely water, sometimes of oil, and usually
accompanying the `olah, but often with the peace offerings.
Kalil:
"whole burnt offering," the entire animal being burned upon the altar. Sometimes used synonymously with
`olah. A technical term among the Carthaginians.
Chagh:
a "feast," used metaphorically for a sacrificial feast because the meat of the sacrifices constituted the
material of the feast.
Lebhonah:
"frankincense," "incense," used in combination with the meal offerings and burnt offerings and burned
also upon the altar in the holy place.
See INCENSE.
Qetorah, qetoreth:
"smoke," "odor of sacrifice," or incense ascending as a sweet savor and supposed to be pleasing and
acceptable to God.
Melach:
"salt," used in all sacrifices because of its purifying and preserving qualities.
Shemen:
"oil," generally olive oil, used with the meal offerings of cakes and wafers, etc.
Sacrifice is thus a complex and comprehensive term. In its simplest form it may be defined as "a gift to
God." It is a presentation to Deity of some material object, the possession of the offerer, as an act of
worship. It may be to attain, restore, maintain or to celebrate friendly relations with the Deity. It is religion
in action--in early times, almost the whole of religion--an inseparable accompaniment to all religious
exercises. Few or many motives may actuate it. It may be wholly piacular and expiatory, or an Offering of
food as a gift to God; it may be practically a bribe, or a prayer, an expression of dependence, obligation
and thanksgiving. It may express repentance, faith, adoration, or all of these combined. It was the one
and only way of approach to God. Theophrastus defines it as expressing homage, gratitude and need.
Hubert and Mauss define it as "a religious act which by the consecration of the victim modifies the moral
state of the sacrificer, or of certain material objects which he has in view, i.e., either confers sanctity or
removes it and its analogue, impiety."
II. Origin and Nature of Sacrifices.
The beginnings of sacrifice are hidden in the mysteries of prehistoric life. The earliest narrative in Genesis
records the fact, but gives no account of the origin and primary idea. The custom is sanctioned by the
sacred writings, and later on the long-established custom was adopted and systematized in the Mosaic
Law. The practice was almost universal. The Vedas have their elaborate rituals. Some Semitic peoples,
Greeks, Romans, Africans, and Indians of Mexico offered human sacrifices. It is unknown in Australia, but
even there something akin to it exists, for some natives offer a portion of a kind of honey, others offer a
pebble or a spear to their god. For this practically universal habit of the race, several solutions are offered.
1. Theory of a Divine Revelation:
One view maintains that God Himself initiated the rite by divine order at the beginnings of human history.
Such a theory implies a monotheistic faith on the part of primitive man. This theory was strongly held by
many of the Reformed theologians, and was based mainly on the narrative inGenesis 4:4 f. Abel offered
an acceptable sacrifice, and, according to Hebrews 11:4, this was because of his faith. Faber makes a
strong plea as follows:
Since faith was what made the sacrifice acceptable to God, this faith must have been based upon a
positive enactment of God in the past. Without this divine positive enactment to guarantee its truthfulness,
faith, in Abel, would have been superstition. In other words, faith, in order to be truly based and properly
directed, must have a revelation from God, a positive expression of the divine will. Fairbairn, in his
Typology, goes further and holds that the skins wherewith Adam and Eve were clothed were from animals
which had been slain in sacrifices. This is entirely without support in the narrative. The theory of a divine
order cannot be maintained on the basis of the Biblical narrative. Moreover, it involves certain
assumptions regarding the nature of faith and revelation which are not generally held in this age. A
revelation is not necessarily a positive divine command, an external thing, and faith may be just as real
and true without such a revelation as with it. That there may have been such a revelation cannot be
denied, but it is not a necessary or probable explanation.
2. Theories of a Human Origin:
(1) The Gift-Theory.
By this it is held that sacrifices were originally presents to the deity which the offerer took for granted
would be received with pleasure and even gratitude. Good relations would thus be established with the
god and favors would be secured. Such motives, while certainly true among many heathen people, were
obviously based upon low conceptions of the deity. They were either. Nature-spirits, ancestral ghosts or
fetishes which needed what was given, and of course the god was placed under obligations and his favor
obtained. Or, the god may have been conceived of as a ruler, a king or chief, as was the custom in the
East.
Cicero vouches for such a view when he says:
"Let not the impious dare to appease the gods with gifts. Let them hearken to Plato, who warns them that
there can be no doubt what God's disposition to them will be, since even a good man will refuse to accept
presents from the wicked" (HDB, IV, 331a). This view of sacrifice prevails in classical literature. Spencer
therefore thinks it is self-evident that this was the idea of primitive man. Tylor and Herbert Spencer also
find the origin of sacrifices in the idea of a gift, whether to the deity or to dead ancestors, food being
placed for them, and this afterward comes to be regarded as a sacrifice. Such a view gives no account of
the peculiar value attached to the blood, or to the burnt offerings. It may account for some heathen
systems of sacrifice, but can help in no degree in understanding the Biblical sacrifices.
(2) The Magic Theory.
There are two slightly variant forms of this:
(a) that of R.C. Thompson (Semitic Magic, Its Origins and Developments, 175-218), who holds that a
sacrificial animal serves as a substitute victim offered to a demon whose activity has brought the offerer
into trouble; the aim of the priest is to entice or drive the malignant spirit out of the sick or sinful man into
the sacrificial victim where it can be isolated or destroyed;
(b) that of L. Marillier, who holds that sacrifice in its origin is essentially a magical rite. The liberation of a
magical force by the effusion of the victim's blood will bend the god to the will of the man. From this arose
under the "cult of the dead" the gift-theory of sacrifice. Men sought to ally themselves with the god in
particular by purifying a victim and effecting communion with the god by the application of the blood to the
altar, or by the sacrifice of the animal and the contact of the sacrificer with its blood. Such theories give no
account of the burnt offerings, meal offerings and sin offerings, disconnect them entirely from any sense
of sin or estrangement from God, and divest them of all piacular value. They may account for certain
depraved and heathen systems, but not for the Biblical.
(3) The Table-Bond Theory.
Ably advocated by Wellhausen and W.R. Smith, this view holds that sacrifices were meals which the
worshippers and the god shared, partaking of the same food and thus establishing a firmer bond of
fellowship between them. Sykes (Nature of Sacrifices, 75) first advocated this, holding that the efficacy of
sacrifices "is the fact that eating and drinking were the known and ordinary symbols of friendship and
were the usual rites in engaging in covenants and leagues." Thus sacrifices are more than gifts; they are
deeds of hospitality which knit god and worshipper together. W.R. Smith has expounded the idea into the
notion that the common meal unites physically those who partake of it. Though this view may contain an
element of truth in regard to certain Arabian customs, it does not help much to account for Bible
sacrifices. As A.B. Davidson says, "It fails utterly to account for the burnt offering, which was one of the
earliest, most solemn and at times the most important of all the sacrifices."
(4) The Sacramental Communion Theory.
This is a modification of the table-bond theory. The basis of it is the totemistic idea of reverencing an
animal which is believed to share with man the divine nature. On certain solemn occasions this animal
would be sacrificed to furnish a feast. At this meal, according to men's savage notions, they literally "ate
the god," and thus incorporated into themselves the physical, the intellectual and the moral qualities
which characterized the animal. If the divine life dwelt in certain animals, then a part of that precious life
would be distributed among all the people (RS2, 313). In some cases the blood is drunk by the
worshippers, thus imbibing the life. Sometimes, as in the case of the sacred camel, they devoured the
quivering flesh before the animal was really dead, and the entire carcass was eaten up before morning.
The brilliant work of W. R. Smith has not been universally accepted. L. Marillier has criticized it along
several lines. It is by no means certain that totemism prevailed so largely among Semites and there is no
evidence of its existence in Israel. Also, if an original bond of friendship existed between the god and the
kin, there is no need to maintain it by such sacrificial rites. There is no clear instance of this having been
done. If on the other hand there was no common bond between the god and the people but that of a
common meal, it does not appear that the god is a totem god. There is no reason why the animal should
have been a totem. In any case, this idea of sacrifice could hardly have been anything but a slow growth,
and consequently not the origin of sacrifice. Hubert and Mauss also point out that W. R. Smith is far from
having established the historical or the logical connection between the common meal and the other kinds
of sacrifices. Under piacula he confuses purification, propitiation and expiations. His attempts to show that
purifications of magical character are late and not sacrificial do not succeed. Smith's theory is mainly the
sacramental, though he does recognize the honorific and piacular element. The theory may be applicable
to some of the heathen or savage feasts of the Arabs, but not to the practices of the Hebrews (see
Encyclopedia Brit, XXIII, 981).
(5) The Homage Theory.
This has been advocated by Warburton and F. D. Maurice. The idea is that sacrifices were originally an
expression of homage and dependence. Man naturally felt impelled to seek closer communion with God,
not so much from a sense of guilt as from a sense of dependence and a desire to show homage and
obedience. In giving expression to this, primitive man had recourse to acts rather than words and
thoughts. Thus sacrifice was an acted prayer, rather than a prayer in words. It was an expression of his
longings and aspirations, his reverence and submission. There is much truth in this view; the elements of
prayer--dependence and submission--enter into some sacrifices, the burnt offerings in particular; but it
does not account for all kinds of offerings.
(6) The Piacular Theory.
This holds that sacrifices are fundamentally expiatory or atoning, and the death of the beast is a vicarious
expiation of the sins of the offerer. Hubert and Mauss admit that in all sacrifices there are some ideas of
purchase or substitution, though these may not have issued from some primitive form. The unifying
principle in all sacrifices is that the divine is put in communication with the profane by the intermediary--
the victim--which may be piacular or honorific. It is thus a messenger, a means of divination, a means of
alimenting the eternal life of the species, a source of magical energy which the rite diffuses over objects in
its neighborhood. Westermarck (Origin of Moral Ideas) makes the original idea in sacrifice a piaculum, a
substitute for the offerer.
This view is the most simple, the most natural, and the only one that can explain certain sacrifices. Man
felt himself under liability to punishment or death. The animal was his, it had life, it was of value, and
perchance the god would accept that life in place of his. He felt that it would be accepted, and thus the
animal was sacrificed. The offerer in a sense gives up part of himself. The beast must be his own; no
sacrifice can be made of another person's property (2 Samuel 24:24 a). The true spirit of sacrifice
appears in a willingness to acknowledge God's right to what is best and dearest (Genesis 12).
Objection is raised to this by A. B. Davidson (Old Testament Theology), Paterson (HDB, IV, 331) and
others, on the ground that such an origin represents too advanced a stage of ethical thought and
reflection for primitive man. We question seriously whether this be an advanced stage of moral reflection.
On the contrary, it represents a very simple and primitive stage. The feeling that sin of some kind is never
absent from human life, and that its true penalty is death, has been inseparable from the human heart's
sense of sin. What could be more simple and natural than to take an innocent animal and offer it in place
of himself, hoping that the Deity would accept it instead? Nor is there much force in Professor Paterson's
objection that sacrifices were preponderantly joyous in character and therefore could not be offered as an
expiation. This joyous character belongs to such sacrifices as peace offerings and thank offerings, but
does not belong to the `olah and others. In most cases the joyous feast followed the killing of the animal
by which the expiation was accomplished, and the feast was joyous because atonement had been made.
In fact, many sacrifices were of the most solemn character and represented the deepest and most serious
emotions of the heart.
(7) Originating in Religious Instincts.
Neither theory of an objective divine revelation, nor of a human origin will account for the universality and
variety of sacrifices. The truth lies in a proper combination of the two. The notion of offering a gift to the
Deity arose out of the religious instincts of the human heart, which in an early period had a consciousness
of something wrong between itself and God, and that this something would mean death sooner or later.
Added to these true instincts was the Omnipresent Spirit to guide men in giving expression. What could
be more simple and primitive than to offer something possessing life? Of course the notion originated in
simple and childlike ideas of God, and its real motive was not to gratify God by sharing a meal with Him,
or to gain His favor by a bribe, but to present Him with something that represented a part of the offerer
which might be accepted in his stead. Thus sacrifices became the leading features of the religious life of
primitive man. Naturally other ideas would be added, such as a gift of food by fire to the Deity, the peace
offerings, etc., to celebrate the friendly relations with God, the thank offerings, the sin offerings, etc., all of
which naturally and logically developed from the primitive idea. It might be expected that there would be
many corruptions and abuses, that the sense of sin would be obscured or lost among some peoples, and
the idea of sacrifice correspondingly degraded. Such has been the case, and as well might we try to
understand man at his best by studying the aboriginal tribes of Africa and Australia, or the inmates of
asylums and penitentiaries, as to attempt to understand the Bible ideas in sacrifices by studying the cults
of those heathen and savage tribes of Semites, etc.
III. Classification of Sacrifices.
1. Maimonides:
Maimonides was among the first to classify them, and he divided them into two kinds:
(1) Those on behalf of the whole congregation, fixed by statute, time, number and ritual being specified.
This would include burnt, meal and peace offerings with their accompaniments. (2) Those on behalf of the
individual, whether by virtue of his connection with the community or as a private person. These would be
burnt offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings with their accompaniments.
2. W. R. Smith and Others:
Others, such as W. R. Smith, classify them as:
(1) honorific, or designed to render homage, devotion, or adoration, such as burnt, meal and peace
offerings; (2) piacular, designed to expiate or make atonement for the errors of the people, i.e. burnt
offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings; (3) communistic, intended to establish the bond between the
god and the worshipper, such as peace offerings.
3. Oehler:
Oehler divides them into two classes, namely:
(1) those which assume that the covenant relation is undisturbed, such as peace offerings; (2) those
intended to do away with any disturbance in the relation and to set it right, such as burnt, sin and guilt
offerings.
4. Paterson and Others:
Professor Paterson and others divide them into three:
(1) animal sacrifices, burnt offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings; (2) vegetable
sacrifices, meal offerings, shewbread, etc.; (3) liquid and incense offerings; wine, oil, water, etc.
5. H. M. Wiener:
H. M. Wiener offers a more suggestive and scientific division (Essays on Pentateuchal Criticism, 200 f):
(1) customary lay offerings, such as had from time immemorial been offered on rude altars of earth or
stone, without priest, used and regulated by Moses and in more or less general use until the exile,
namely, burnt offerings, meal offerings, and peace offerings;
(2) statutory individual offerings, introduced by Moses, offered by laymen with priestly assistance and at
the religious capital, i.e. burnt offerings, peace offerings, meal offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings;
(3) statutory national offerings introduced by Moses and offered by the priest at the religious capital,
namely, burnt, meal, peace and sin offerings.
IV. Sacrifices in the Pre-Mosaic Age.
Out of the obscure period of origins emerged the dimly lighted period of ancient history. Everywhere
sacrifices existed and sometimes abounded as an essential part of religion. The spade of the
archaeologist, and the researches of scholars help us understand the pre-Mosaic period.
1. In Egypt:
In Egypt--probably from the beginning of the 4th millennium BC--there were sacrifices and sacrificial
systems. Temples at Abydos, Thebes, On, etc., were great priestly centers with high priests, lower
priests, rituals and sacrifices in abundance. Burnt, meal and peace offerings predominated. Oxen, wild
goats, pigs, geese were the chief animals offered. Besides these, wine, oil, beer, milk, cakes, grain,
ointment, flowers, fruit, vegetables were offered, but not human beings. In these offerings there were
many resemblances to the Hebrew gifts, and many significant exceptions. Moses would be somewhat
familiar with these practices though not with the details of the ritual. He would appreciate the unifying
power of a national religious center. It is inconceivable that in such an age a national leader and organizer
like Moses would not take special care to institute such a system.
2. In Babylonia:
In Babylonia, from the year 3000 BC or thereabouts, according to E. Meyer (Geschichte des Alterthums),
there were many centers of worship such as Eridu, Nippur, Agade, Erech, Ur, Nisin, Larsa, Sippar, etc.
These and others continued for centuries with elaborate systems of worship, sacrifices, temples,
priesthoods, etc. Considerably over 100 temples and sanctuaries are mentioned on inscriptions, and
several hundreds in the literature and tablets, so that Babylonia was studded with temples and edifices for
the gods. At all these, sacrifices were constantly offered--animal and vegetable. A long list of the offerings
of King Gudea includes oxen, sheep, goats, lambs, fish, birds (i.e. eagles and doves), dates, milk, greens
(Jastrow, in HDB, V, 580, under the word). The sacrifices provided an income for the priests, as did the
Mosaic system at a later time. It had long passed the stage when it was supposed to furnish a meal for
the god. A sacrifice always accompanied a consultation with a priest, and was really an assessment for
the services rendered. It was not a voluntary offering or ritualistic observance. The priests on their own
behalf offered a daily sacrifice, as in the Mosaic Law, and likewise on special occasions, to insure the
good will of the gods they served. It seems certain that in some of the larger centers of worship animals
were offered up twice a day, morning and evening. At these sacrifices certain portions were consumed on
the altar, the rest belonging to the priest. The similarity of much of this to the Mosaic institutions is
obvious. That the culture and civilization of Babylon was known to Egypt and Israel with other nations is
shown clearly by the Tell el-Amarna Letters. Special sacrifices on special occasions were offered in
Babylonia as in Israel. As Jastrow says, "In the Hebrew codes, both as regards the purely legal portions
and those sections dealing with religious ritual, Babylonian methods of legal procedure and of ritual
developed in Babylonian temples must be taken into consideration as determining factors." We do not
doubt that Moses made use of many elements found in the Egyptian and Babylonian systems, and added
to or subtracted from or purified as occasion required. As sacrificial systems and ritual had been in use
more than a millennium before Moses, there is absolutely no need to suppose that Israel's ritual was a
thousand years in developing, and was completed after the exile. To do so is to turn history upside down.
3. Nomads and Tribes of Arabia and Syria:
Among the nomads and tribes of Arabia and Syria, sacrifices had been common for millenniums before
Moses. The researches of Wellhausen and W. R. Smith are valuable here, whatever one may think of
their theories. The offerings were usually from the flocks and herds, sometimes from the spoils taken in
war which had been appropriated as their own. The occasions were many and various, and the ritual was
very simple. A rude altar of earth or stone, or one stone, a sacred spot, the offerer killing the victim and
burning all, or perhaps certain parts and eating the remainder with the clan or family, constituted the
customary details. Sometimes wild animals were offered. Babylonians, Phoenicians and Arabs offered
gazelles, but the Hebrews did not. Arabs would sometimes sacrifice a captive youth, while the
Carthaginians chose some of the fairest of the captives for offerings by night. Assyrian kings sometimes
sacrificed captive kings. The Canaanites and others constantly sacrificed children, especially the firstborn.
4. The Offerings of Cain and Abel:
The account of the offerings of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:4) shows that the ceremony dates from almost
the beginnings of the human race. The custom of offering the firstlings and first-fruits had already begun.
Arabian tribes later had a similar custom. Cain's offering was cereal and is called minchah, "a gift" or
"presentation." The same term is applied to Abel's. There is no hint that the bloody sacrifice was in itself
better than the unbloody one, but it is shown that sacrifice without a right attitude of heart is not
acceptable to God. This same truth is emphasized by the prophets and others, and is needed in this day
as much as then. In this case the altars would be of the common kind, and no priest was needed. The
sacrifices were an act of worship, adoration, dependence, prayer, and possibly propitiation.
5. Of Noah:
The sacrifices of Noah followed and celebrated the epochal and awe-inspiring event of leaving the ark
and beginning life anew. He offered burnt offerings of all the clean animals (Genesis 8:20). On such a
solemn occasion only an `olah would suffice. The custom of using domestic animals had arisen at this
time. The sacrifices expressed adoration, recognition of God's power and sovereignty, and a gift to please
Him, for it is said He smelled a sweet savor and was pleased. It was an odor of satisfaction or restfulness.
Whether or not the idea of expiation was included is difficult to prove.
6. Of Abraham:
Abraham lived at a time when sacrifices and religion were virtually identical. No mention is made of his
offering at Ur or Charan, but on his arrival at Shechem he erected an altar (Genesis 12:7). At Beth-el also
(12:8), and on his return from Egypt he worshipped there (Genesis 13:4). Such sacrifices expressed
adoration and prayer and probably propitiation. They constituted worship, which is a complex exercise. At
Hebron he built an altar (Genesis 13:18), officiating always as his own priest. In Genesis 15:4 he offers a
"covenant" sacrifice, when the animals were slain, divided, the parts set opposite each other, and
prepared for the appearance of the other party to the covenant. The exact idea in the killing of these
animals may be difficult to find, but the effect is to give the occasion great solemnity and the highest
religious sanction. What was done with the carcasses afterward is not told. That animals were slain for
food with no thought of sacrifice is shown by the narrative in chapter 18, where Abraham had a calf slain
for the meal. This is opposed to one of the chief tenets of the Wellhausen school, which maintains that all
slaughtering of animals was sacrificial until the 7th century BC. In Genesis 22 Abraham attempts to offer
up Isaac as a burnt offering, as was probably the custom of his neighbors. That he attempted it shows
that the practice was not shocking to his ethical nature. It tested the strength of his devotion to God,
shows the right spirit in sacrifices, and teaches for all time that God does not desire human sacrifice--a
beast will do. What God does want is the obedient heart. Abraham continued his worship at Beer-sheba
(Genesis 21:33).
7. Of Job:
Whatever may be the date of the writing of the Book of Job, the saint himself is represented as living in
the Patriarchal age. He constantly offered sacrifices on behalf of his children (1:5), "sanctifying" them. His
purpose no doubt was to atone for possible sin. The sacrifices were mainly expiatory. This is true also of
the sacrifices of his friends (42:7-9).
8. Of Isaac:
Isaac seems to have had a permanent altar at Beer-sheba and to have regularly offered sacrifices.
Adoration, expiation and supplication would constitute his chief motives (Genesis 26:25).
9. Of Jacob:
Jacob's first recorded sacrifice was the pouring of the oil upon the stone at Beth-el (Genesis 28:18). This
was consecration or dedication in recognition of the awe-inspiring presence of the Deity. After his
covenant with Laban he offered sacrifices (zebhachim) and they ate bread (Genesis 31:54). At Shechem,
Jacob erected an altar (Genesis 33:20). At Beth-el (Genesis 35:7) and at Beer-sheba he offered sacrifices
to Isaac's God (Genesis 46:1).
10. Of Israel in Egypt:
While the Israelites were in Egypt they would be accustomed to spring sacrifices and spring feasts, for
these had been common among the Arabs and Syrians, etc., for centuries. Nabatean inscriptions testify
to this. Egyptian sacrifices have been mentioned (see above). At these spring festivals it was probably
customary to offer the firstlings of the flocks (compare Exodus 13:15). At the harvest festivals sacrificial
feasts were celebrated. It was to some such feast Moses said Israel as a people wished to go in the
wilderness (Exodus 3:18; 5:3; 7:16). Pharaoh understood and asked who was to go (Exodus 10:8).
Moses demanded flocks and herds for the feast (Exodus 10:9). Pharaoh would keep the flocks, etc.
(Exodus 10:24), but Moses said they must offer sacrifices and burnt offerings (Exodus 10:25).
The sacrifice of the Passover soon occurs (Exodus 12:3-11). That the Hebrews had been accustomed to
sacrifice their own firstborn at this season has no support and is altogether improbable (Frazer, Golden
Bough(3), pt. III, 175 f). The whole ceremony is very primitive and has retained its primitiveness to the
end. The choosing of the lamb or kid, the killing at a certain time, the family gathered in the home, the
carcass roasted whole, eaten that night, and the remainder, if any, burned, while the feasters had staff in
hand, etc., all this was continued. The blood in this case protected from the Deity, and the whole
ceremony was "holy" and only for the circumcised. Frazer in his Golden Bough gives a very different
interpretation.
11. Of Jethro:
As a priest of Midian, Jethro was an expert in sacrificing. On meeting Moses and the people he offered
both `olah and zebhachim and made a feast (Exodus 18:12).
12. Summary and Conclusions:
From the above it is evident that sacrifices were almost the substance of religion in that ancient world.
From hilltops and temples innumerable, the smoke of sacrifices was constantly rising heavenward. Burnt
offerings and peace offerings were well known. Moses, in establishing a religion, must have a sacrificial
system. He had abundance of materials to choose from, and under divine guidance would adopt such
rules and regulations as the pedagogic plans and purposes of God would require in preparing for better
things.

Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
Bibliography Information
Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'SACRIFICE,
IN THE OLD TESTAMENT, 1'". "International Standard Bible
Encyclopedia". 1915.  
. The Mosaic Sacrificial System.
1. The Covenant Sacrifice:
The fundamental function of Moses' work was to establish the covenant between Israel and God. This
important transaction took place at Sinai and was accompanied by solemn sacrifices. The foundation
principle was obedience, not sacrifices (Exodus 19:4-8). No mention is made of these at the time, as they
were incidental--mere by-laws to the constitution. The center of gravity in Israel's religion is now shifted
from sacrifices to obedience and loyalty to Yahweh. Sacrifices were helps to that end and without
obedience were worthless. This is in exact accordance withJeremiah 7:21. God did not speak unto the
fathers at this time about sacrifices; He did speak about obedience.
The covenant having been made, the terms and conditions are laid down by Moses and accepted by the
people (Exodus 24:3). The Decalogue and Covenant Code are given, an altar is built, burnt offerings and
peace offerings of oxen are slain by young men servants of Moses, not by priests, and blood is sprinkled
on the altar (Exodus 24:4). The blood would symbolize the community of life between Yahweh and Israel,
and consecrated the altar. The Law was read, the pledge again given, and Moses sprinkled the
representatives of the people, consecrating them also (Exodus 24:7). Ascending the mount, they had a
vision of God, held a feast before Him, showing the joys and privileges of the new relationship. The
striking feature of these ceremonies is the use of the blood. It is expiatory and consecrating, it is life
offered to God, it consecrates the altar and the people:
they are now acceptable to God and dare approach Him and feast with Him. There is no idea of God's
drinking the blood. The entire ritual is far removed from the crass features of common Semitic worship.
2. The Common Altars:
In the Covenant Code, which the people accepted, the customary altars are not abolished, but regulated
(Exodus 20:24). This law expressly applies to the time when they shall be settled in Canaan. `In the whole
place where I cause my name to be remembered,' etc. (Exodus 20:24margin). No need to change the
reading to "in every place where I cause," etc., as the Wellhausen school does for obvious reasons. All
the land was eligible. On such rude altars sacrifices were allowed. This same law is implied
in Deuteronomy 16:21, a passage either ignored or explained away by the Wellhausen school (see
Wiener, Essays in Pentateuchal Criticism, 200 f). Moses commanded Joshua in accordance with it
(Deuteronomy 27:5). Joshua, Gideon, Jephthah, Samuel, Saul, David, Elijah and many others used such
altars. There were altars at Shechem (Joshua 24:1,26), Mizpah in Gilead (Judges 11:11), Gilgal
(1 Samuel 13:9). High places were chiefly used until the times of Hezekiah and Josiah, when they were
abolished because of their corruptions, etc. All such altars were perfectly legitimate and in fact necessary,
until there was a central capital and sanctuary in Jerusalem. The customary burnt offerings and peace
offerings with the worshipper officiating were the chief factors. Heathen sacrifices and the use of heathen
altars were strictly forbidden (Exodus 22:20; (Hebrews 1:9); Exodus 34:15)
3. The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons:
The altar used at the consecration of Aaron and his sons was a "horned" or official altar, the central one.
The offerings were a bullock, two rams, unleavened bread, etc. (Exodus 29:1-4), and were brought to the
door of the sanctuary. The ritual consisted of Aaron laying his hand on the bullock's head, designating it
as his substitute (Exodus 29:10), killing it before the tent of meeting (Exodus 29:11), smearing some
blood on the horns of the altar, and pouring the rest at its base (Exodus 29:12). The blood consecrated
the altar, the life was given as atonement for sins, the fat parts were burned upon the altar as food for
God, and the flesh and remainder were burned without the camp (Exodus 29:13,14). This is a sin
offering--chaTTa'th--the first time the term is used. Probably introduced by Moses, it was intended to be
piacular and to "cover" possible sin. One ram was next slain, blood was sprinkled round about the altar,
flesh was cut in pieces, washed and piled on the altar, then burned as an offering by fire ('ishsheh) unto
God as a burnt offering, an odor of a sweet savor (Exodus 29:15-18). The naive and primitive nature of
this idea is apparent. The other ram, the ram of consecration, is slain, blood is smeared on Aaron's right
ear, thumb and great toe; in the case of his sons likewise. The blood is sprinkled on the altar round about;
some upon the garments of Aaron and his sons (Exodus 29:19-21). Certain parts are waved before
Yahweh along with the bread, and are then burned upon the altar (Exodus 29:22-25). The breast is
offered as a wave offering (tenuphah), and the right thigh or shoulder as a heave offering (terumah).
These portions here first mentioned were the priests' portion for all time to come, although this particular
one went to Moses, since he officiated (Exodus 29:26-30). The flesh must be boiled in a holy place, and
must be eaten by Aaron and his sons only, and at the sanctuary. What was left till morning must be
burned (Exodus 29:31-34). Consecrated to a holy service it was dangerous for anyone else to touch it, or
the divine wrath would flame forth. The same ceremony on each of the seven days atoned for, cleansed
and consecrated the altar to the service of Yahweh, and it was most holy (Exodus 29:35-37). The altar of
incense is ordered (Exodus 30:1), and Aaron is to put the blood of the sin offering once a year upon its
horns to consecrate it.
4. Sacrifices before the Golden Calf:
When the golden calf was made an altar was erected, burnt offerings and peace offerings were
presented. From the latter a feast was made, the people followed the usual habits at such festivals, went
to excess and joined in revelry. Moses' ear quickly detected the nature of the sounds. The covenant was
now broken and no sacrifice was available for this sin. Vengeance was executed on 3,000 Israelites.
Moses mightily interceded with God. A moral reaction was begun; new tables of the Law were made with
more stringent laws against idols and idol worship (Exodus 32:1-35).
5. The Law of the Burnt Offering (`Olah):
At the setting-up of the tabernacle burnt and meal offerings were sacrificed (Exodus 40:29). The law of
the burnt offering is found in Le 1. Common altars and customary burnt offerings needed no minute
regulations, but this ritual was intended primarily for the priest, and was taught to the people as needed.
They were for the statutory individual and national offering upon the "horned" altar before the sanctuary.
Already the daily burnt offerings of the priests had been provided for (Exodus 29:38-42). The burnt
offering is here called qorban, "oblation."
(1) Ritual for the Offerer (Leviticus 1:3-17).
This may have been from the herd or flock or fowls, brought to the tent of meeting; hands were laid
(heavily) upon its head designating it as the offerer's substitute, it was killed, flayed and cut in pieces. If of
the flock, it was to be killed on the north side of the altar; if a fowl, the priest must kill it.
(2) Ritual for the Priest (Leviticus 1:3-17).
If a bullock or of the flock, the priest was to sprinkle the blood round about the altar, put on the fire, lay the
wood and pieces of the carcass, wash the inwards, legs, etc., and burn it all as a sweet savor to God. If a
fowl, he must wring the neck, drain out the blood on the side of the altar, cast the crop, filth, etc., among
the ashes, rend the wings without dividing the bird and burn the carcass on the altar.
(3) General Laws for the Priest.
The burnt offering must be continued every morning and every evening (Exodus 29:38; Numbers 28:3-8).
At the fulfillment of his vow the Nazirite must present it before God and offer it upon the altar through the
priest (Numbers 6:14,16):
on the Sabbath, two lambs (Numbers 28:9); on the first of the month, two bullocks, one ram and seven
lambs (Numbers 28:11); on the day of first-fruits, the same (Numbers 28:27); on the 1st day of the 7th
month, one bullock, one ram, seven lambs (Numbers 29:8); on the 15th day, 13 bullocks, two rams, 14
lambs, the number of bullocks diminishing daily until the 7th day, when seven bullocks, two rams, 14
lambs were offered (Numbers 29:12-34); on the 22nd day of this month one bullock, one ram and seven
lambs were offered (Numbers 29:35,36). Non-Israelites were permitted to offer the `olah, but no other
sacrifices (Leviticus 17:8; 22:18,25).
(4) Laws in Deuteronomy 12:6,13,14,27; 27:6.
Anticipating a central sanctuary in the future, the lawgiver counsels the people to bring their offerings
there (Deuteronomy 12:6,11); they must be careful not to offer them in any place (Deuteronomy 12:13),
but must patronize the central sanctuary (Deuteronomy 12:14). In the meantime common altars and
customary sacrifices were allowable and generally necessary (Deuteronomy 16:21; 27:6).
6. The Law of the Meal Offering (Minchah):
The term "meal offering" is here confined to offerings of flour or meal, etc. (the King James Version "meat-
offering"), and was first used at the consecration of Aaron and his sons (Exodus 29:41). These must not
be offered on the altar of incense (Exodus 30:9); were used at the completion of the tabernacle (Exodus
40:29); and always with the morning and evening burnt offerings.
(1) Ritual for the Offerer (Leviticus 2:1-16).
It must be of fine flour, with oil and frankincense added, and brought to the priest; if baked in the oven,
unleavened cakes mingled with oil, or wafers and oil; if of the baking pan, fine flour mingled with oil parted
into pieces and oil thereon; if of the frying pan, the same ingredients. Leaven and honey must never be
used as they quickly become corrupt. Every offering must be seasoned with salt. If of the first-fruits
(bikkurim), it should consist of grain in the ear, parched with oil and frankincense upon it.
(2) Ritual for the Priest (Leviticus 2:1-16).
This required him to take out a handful with the oil and frankincense thereon and burn it as a memorial
upon the altar. The remainder was holy and belonged to the priest. Of the cakes, after bringing them to
the altar, he was to take a portion, burn it and appropriate the remainder; the same with the first-fruits.
(3) General Laws for the Priest (Leviticus 6:14-18 (Hebrew 7-11), etc.).
He might eat his portion without leaven in the holy place. At his anointing Aaron offered his own oblation
of fine flour--1/10 of an ephah, one-half in the morning and one-half in the evening. If baked, it must be
with oil. This meal offering must all be burnt; none could be eaten. With the sin offerings and guilt
offerings every meal offering baked in any way belongs to the priest (Leviticus 7:9,10; 10:12; Numbers
18:9). The meal offerings accompanied the other offerings on all important occasions, such as the
consecration of Aaron (Leviticus 9:4,17); cleansing of a leper (Leviticus 14:10,20,21,31); feast of first-
fruits (Leviticus 23:13); Pentecost (Leviticus 23:16); set feasts (Leviticus 23:37). Special charge was given
to Eleazar to care for the continual meal offerings (Numbers 4:16). The Nazirite must offer it (Numbers
6:15,17). When the tribes presented their offerings, meal offerings were always included (Numbers
7:13,19, etc.); when the Levites were set apart (Numbers 8:8); with vows of freewill offerings (Numbers
15:4,6); with the sin offerings (Numbers 15:24); at all the several seasons (Numbers 28:5-29:39). A
special form was the "showbread" (bread of memorial). Twelve loaves were to be placed in two rows or
heaps of six each on a pure table in the holy place, with frankincense on each pile or row. These were to
remain for one week and then to be eaten by the priests. They were an offering of food by fire, though
probably only the frankincense was actually burned (Leviticus 24:5).
7. The Law of the Peace Offering:
The peace offerings indicated right relations with God, expressing good-fellowship, gratitude and
obligation. The common altars were fitted for their use (Exodus 20:24), as feasts had been thus
celebrated from time immemorial. At the feast before God on the Mount, peace offerings provided the
food (Exodus 24:5); also before the golden bull (Exodus 32:6). The wave offerings and heave offerings
were portions of these.
(1) Ritual for the Offerer (Leviticus 3:1-17).
The offering might be a bullock, a lamb, or a goat, either male or female, latitude being allowed in this
case. The ritual was the same as in the case of the burnt offering (see above).
(2) Ritual for the Priest (Leviticus 3:1-17).
Blood must be sprinkled on the altar round about, the caul, the liver and the kidneys must be taken away
and the fat parts burned on the altar; the fat tail of the lamb must also be burned. These portions were
offerings of food by fire to the Deity. The ritual for a goat was the same as for a bullock.
(3) General Laws for the Priest (Leviticus 6:12 (Hebrew 5); 7:1).
The fat was to be burned on the altar of burnt offering. If it was a thank offering (zebhach ha-todhah), it
must have unleavened cakes with oil, cakes mingled with oil and fine flour soaked. Cakes of leavened
bread might be offered, and one cake was to be a heave offering to the priest. The flesh was to be eaten
that day, none was to be left till morning (Leviticus 22:30). If it was a votive offering (zebhach nedher) or a
freewill offering (zebhach nedhabhah), it might be eaten on the first and second days, but not on the third
day; it should then be an abomination (Leviticus 7:18). If eaten then by anyone, that person was to be cut
off from the community. Of all peace offerings the wave-breast and heave-thigh belong to the priest
(Leviticus 7:29-34), the remainder was to be eaten by the worshippers. At Aaron's consecration an ox and
a ram were the peace offerings (Leviticus 9:4,18,22). The priest's portion was to be eaten in a clean place
by the priest's family (Leviticus 10:14). When Israel should have a central sanctuary, all were to be
brought there (Leviticus 17:4,5). When they had no central place, the common altars would suffice. All
peace offerings must be made in an acceptable manner (Leviticus 19:5). Votive offerings must be perfect
(Leviticus 22:18-22), but certain imperfections are allowable in freewill offerings (Leviticus 22:23). At
Pentecost two he-lambs of the first year could be offered as peace offerings (Leviticus 23:19). The
Nazirite at the end of his separation must offer one ram for a peace offering with unleavened bread
(Numbers 6:14,17), and the hair shaved from his head must be burned under the peace offerings
(Numbers 6:18). This hair was regarded as a thing having life and offered as a sacrifice by other nations.
The various tribes brought peace offerings (Numbers 7, passim), and at the feast of trumpets the people
were to rejoice and blow trumpets over the peace offerings (Numbers 10:10). Some further regulations
are given (Numbers 15:9).
8. The Law of the Sin Offering:
The sin offering was a sacrifice of a special kind, doubtless peculiar to Israel and first mentioned at the
consecration of Aaron and his sons. It is not then spoken of as an innovation. It was of special value as
an expiatory sacrifice.
(1) At the Consecration of Aaron and His Sons (Exodus 29:10).
A bullock was killed before the altar, some blood was put upon the horns of the altar by Moses, the rest
was poured out at the base. The fat of the inwards was burned upon the altar, the flesh and skin were
burned without the camp. Every day during the consecration this was done (Exodus 29:36).
(2) The Law of the Sin Offering (Leviticus 4:1-35; 24-30, etc.).
(a) The Occasion and Meaning:
Specifically to atone for unwitting sins, sins of error (sheghaghah), mistakes or rash acts, unknown at the
time, but afterward made known. There were gradations of these for several classes of offenders:
the anointed priest (Leviticus 4:3-12), the whole congregation (Leviticus 4:13-21), a ruler (Leviticus 4:22-
26), one of the common people (Leviticus 4:27-35), forswearing (5:1), touching an unclean thing
(Leviticus 5:2) or the uncleanness of man (Leviticus 5:3), or rashly sweating in ignorance (Leviticus 5:4).
For conscious and willful violations of the Law, no atonement was possible, with some exceptions, for
which provision was made in the guilt offerings (see below).
(b) Ritual for the Offerer (Leviticus 4:1-5,13, etc.):
The anointed priest must offer a bullock at the tent of meeting, lay his hands upon it and slay it before
Yahweh. The congregation was also required to bring a young bullock before the tent of meeting, the
elders were to lay hands upon it and slay it before Yahweh. The ruler must bring a he-goat and do the
same. One of the common people might bring a she-goat or lamb and present it in the same manner. If
too poor for these, two turtledoves or young pigeons, one for a sin offering and one for burnt offering,
would suffice. If too poor for these, the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour without oil or flankincense
would suffice.
(c) Ritual for the Priest (Leviticus 4:1-5,13, etc.):
He must bring the bullock's blood to the tent of meeting, dip his finger into it and sprinkle blood 7 times
before the veil of the sanctuary, and put some on the horns of the altar of incense, but most of the blood
must be poured out at the base of the altar. The fat must be burned upon the altar, all the rest of the
carcass must be carried to a clean place without the camp and burned. In the case of the whole
congregation, the ritual is the same. In the case of a ruler, the blood is to be put upon the horns of the
altar of burnt offering, not the altar of incense. In the case of one of the common people, the ritual is
similar to that of the ruler. In both the latter cases the carcass belonged to the priest. If a bird, the priest
must wring off its head, sprinkle some blood on the side of the altar and pour the rest at the base. Nothing
is said of the disposal of the carcass. If of fine flour, the priest must take out a handful and burn it upon
the altar, keeping the remainder for himself. The use of fine flour for an expiatory sacrifice is evidently
exceptional and intended to be so. Though life was not given, yet necessity of life--that which represented
life--was offered.
(d) General Laws for the Priest (Leviticus 6:24-30):
The sin offering was to be slain in the same place as the burnt offering. It was most holy, and the priest
alone might eat what was left of the ram, pigeon or flour, in the holy place. Whatever touched it was to be
holy, any garment sprinkled with the blood must be washed in a holy place, earthen vessels used must be
broken, and brazen vessels thoroughly scoured and rinsed.
(e) Special Uses of the Sin Offering:
(i) Consecration of Aaron and His Sons:
The consecration of Aaron and his sons (Leviticus 8:2,14,15) was similar to that of Leviticus 4:11,12, only
Moses was to kill the offering and put the blood on the horns of the altar. On the 8th day a bull-calf was
offered (Leviticus 9:2), and the congregation offered a he-goat (Leviticus 9:3). In this case Aaron
performed the ceremony, as in Leviticus 4:11,12. Moses complained that they had not eaten the flesh of
the calf and goat in the sanctuary, since that was requisite when the blood was not brought into the
sanctuary (Leviticus 10:16-20).
(ii) Purifications from Uncleannesses:
Purifications from uncleannesses required after childbirth a young pigeon or turtledove (Leviticus 12:6-8).
The leper must bring a guilt offering (a special kind of sin offering), a he-lamb (Leviticus 14:12-14,19); if
too poor for a lamb, a turtledove or young pigeon (Leviticus 14:22,31). Special use of the blood is required
(Leviticus 14:25). In uncleanness from issues a sin offering of a turtledove or young pigeon must be
offered by the priest (Leviticus 15:15,30).
(iii) On the Day of Atonement:
On the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:1-28) Aaron must take a bullock for himself and house, two he-
goats for the people, present the goats at the sanctuary, cast losts, one for Yahweh, as a sin offering, the
other for Azazel, to be sent into the wilderness. The bullock was killed, sweet incense was burned within
the rail, blood was sprinkled on the mercy-seat and before it 7 times. The one he-goat was killed and a
similar ceremony was performed. Blood must be put on the horns of the altar and sprinkled 7 times about
it. The other goat was presented, hands were laid on it, the sins of all confessed and put upon the goat,
and it was sent into the wilderness. The carcass of the bullock and he-goat were burned without the
camp. At the feast of first-fruits a he-goat was offered (Leviticus 23:19).
(iv) Other Special Instances:
Other special instances were:
in the case of defilement, the Nazirite must offer a turtledove or young pigeon on the 8th day after
contraction (Numbers 6:10); when the days of the separation were fulfilled a ewe-lamb with the other
offerings (Numbers 6:14) was to be offered; the twelve tribes included in each case a he-goat for sin
offering (Numbers 7:16); at the consecration of the Levites a young bullock (Numbers 8:8,12). For
unwitting sins of the congregation a he-goat was to be offered (Numbers 15:24,25). If one person erred, a
she-goat was permitted (Numbers 15:27). A sin offering was required at the feast of the new moon
(28:15), at the Passover (Numbers 28:22), at Pentecost (Numbers 28:30), on the 1st day of the 7th month
(Numbers 29:5), and on the 10th, 15th-22nd days (Numbers 29:10-38). The ceremony of the red heifer
(Numbers 19:1-10,17) was a special sin offering for purification purposes only. It was of ancient and
primitive origin. The young cow was brought without the camp and was slain before the priest's face,
blood was sprinkled 7 times before the sanctuary, the entire carcass with cedar wood, hyssop and scarlet
was burned, the ashes gathered and laid without the camp in a clean place to be kept for the water of
impurity. It was to purify after contact with the dead. In the case of the unknown homicide (Deuteronomy
21:1-9) a young unbroken heifer was brought to a running stream, its neck was broken, the elders
washed their hands over the heifer in the presence of the priests, declaring their innocence. Thus the
bloodshed was expiated. The action was a judicial one, but essentially vicarious and expiatory and had
doubtless a primitive origin.
9. The Guilt Offering:
The guilt offering (the King James Version "trespass offering") (Leviticus 5:14-6:7) was a special kind of
sin offering, always of a private character and accompanied by a fine. It expressed expiation and
restitution. The classes of sin requiring a guilt offering with reparation in money are:
(1) a trespass in the holy things done unwittingly;
(2) anything which the Law forbade depriving God or the priest of their due;
(3) dealing falsely, with a neighbor in a deposit, or pledge, or robbery, or oppression;
(4) swearing falsely regarding anything lost;
(5) seduction of a betrothed bondmaid (Leviticus 19:20-22).
The first two of these are unwitting sins, the others cannot be. The clear statement is made in another
place that sins done with a "high hand," i.e. in rebellion against the covenant and its provisions, can have
no sacrifice (Numbers 15:30). Is this a contradiction, or a later development when it was found that the
more stringent law would not work? (See J. M. P. Smith, et al., Atonement, 47 f.) Neither conclusion is
probable. These conscious sins are of a kind that will admit of full reparation because against rights of
property or in money matters. The sin offering makes atonement toward God, the restitution with the
additional one-fifth makes full reparation to man. No such reparation can be made with such sins
described as committed with a "high hand." In the case of seduction, rights of property are violated
(compare Numbers 5:5-8; Deuteronomy 22:29).
(1) The Ritual (Leviticus 5:14-6:7).
A ram proportionate in value to the offense and worth at least two shekels is required. The ritual is
probably the same as that of the sin offering, though no mention is made of the laying on of hands, and
the blood is not brought into the sanctuary, but sprinkled about the base of the altar, the fat and inside
parts being burned, and the flesh eaten by the priests in a holy place.
(2) Special Laws:
Leper, Nazirite, etc.
The leper, when cleansed, on the 8th day must bring a guilt offering of two he-lambs and one ewe-lamb;
the priest must wave one he-lamb before Yahweh, kill it, and smear blood on the right ear, thumb and toe
of the leper. The guilt offering belongs to the priest (Leviticus 14:12-20). If the leper were too poor for two
lambs, one sufficed, with a corresponding meal offering, or one turtle-dove and a young pigeon (Leviticus
14:21,22). The Nazirite, if defiled during his period of separation, must bring a he-lamb for a guilt offering
(Numbers 6:12). All guilt offerings were the priests' and most holy (Numbers 18:9).
10. The Wave Offering:
The wave offerings were parts of the peace offerings, and the custom was seemingly initiated at the
consecration of Aaron and his sons (Exodus 29:24-27), when the breast and bread were waved before
Yahweh. Leviticus 7:30,34 fixes the law. It must be brought from the peace offerings of the offerer himself.
At Aaron's consecration Moses put the breast, etc., on Aaron's hands and waved them before Yahweh
(Leviticus 8:27). On the 8th day Aaron did the waving (Leviticus 9:21). The priests were to eat it in a clean
place (Leviticus 10:14) . The leper's he-lamb was to be waved by the priest, before being offered
(Leviticus 14:12); the lamb of the guilt offering also (Leviticus 14:24). At the feast of first-fruits the sheaf
must be waved before Yahweh (Leviticus 23:10,11,15); two loaves also (Leviticus 23:17,20). Of the
Nazirite the priest took the boiled shoulder, a cake and a wafer, put them on the Nazirite's hand and
waved them before Yahweh (Numbers 6:19).
11. The Heave Offering:
Heave offerings also are parts of the peace offerings, and refer particularly to what is lifted up, or
separated unto the service of Yahweh. They are first mentioned at the consecration of Aaron (Exodus
29:27,28). The offering consisted of the right shoulder or thigh and was the fixed due of the priest
(Leviticus 7:32,34) One cake of the peace offering must be heaved (Leviticus 7:14). The offering must be
eaten in a clean place (Leviticus 7:14) by the priest's family only (Leviticus 10:14,15). Of the Nazirite's
offering the heave thigh also went to the priest (Numbers 6:20). When the Israelites should come into the
promised land to eat bread, they must offer a heave offering of the dough, a cake (Numbers 15:19,20,21).
The law is repeated in Numbers 18:8,11,19, and the Levites are to receive a tithe of the heave offerings of
the people (Numbers 18:24). They were in turn to offer up a tithe of this to the priests (Numbers 18:26-
32). A portion of the spoil of Midian was a heave offering (Numbers 31:29,41). Deuteronomy commands
that all heave offerings be brought to the central sanctuary and eaten there (12:6,11).
12. Drink Offerings:
Jacob poured oil on the stone he had set up (Genesis 28:18) in honor of the Deity and consecrated the
spot. Jacob later (Genesis 35:14) set up a pillar where God had revealed Himself and poured drink
offerings and oil upon it. Probably wine was used. Drink offerings accompanied many of the sacrifices
(Exodus 29:40,41). None could be poured upon the altar of incense (Exodus 30:9). At all set feasts the
Drink offerings must be presented (Leviticus 23:13,18,37). The Nazirite was not exempt (Numbers
6:15,17). Wine and oil must accompany all votive and freewill offerings (Numbers 15:4,5,7,10,24); the
continual burnt offering (Numbers 28:7,8); sabbaths (Numbers 28:9,10) and all the other set feasts
(Numbers 28:14-31; 29:6-39, passim). That drink offerings were common among the heathen is shown
by Deuteronomy 32:38.
13. Primitive Nature of the Cultus:
The cult is thoroughly in keeping with and adapted to the age, and yet an ideal system in many respects.
The ethical side is in the background, the external has the emphasis. No sacrifices will avail for a breach
of the covenant between God and the people. The people thoroughly believed in the efficacy of the blood.
It secured atonement and forgiveness. Their religious life found expression in the sacrifices. God was fed
and pleased by the offerings by fire. Many of the customs are ancient and crude, so that it is difficult to
imagine how such a primitive system could have been arranged and accepted afterward by the people
who had the lofty ethical teachings of the prophets in their hands.
VI. Sacrifices in the History of Israel.
1. The Situation at Moses' Death:
The tribes were outwardly consolidated, and a religious system was provided. Some of it was for the
rulers, much for the people and much for the priests alone. The various laws were given in portions and
afterward compiled. No one expected them to be observed until the nation had a capital and central
sanctuary. Even then not every detail was always possible. They were not observed to any extent in the
wilderness (Amos 5:25), as it was impracticable. Even circumcision was neglected until the wanderers
crossed the Jordan (Joshua 5:2). The body of the system was not in full practice for 300 or 400 years.
The ritual, as far as it could be observed, served as an educational agency, producing in the minds of the
worshippers proper conceptions of the holiness of God, the sinfulness of man, and the proper spirit in
approaching God.
2. In the Time of Joshua:
Lay or common altars were in accordance With Exodus 20:24; Deuteronomy 16:21; 27:7. In the days of
Joshua, the Passover was celebrated (Joshua 5:10). At Ebal an altar was erected, burnt and peace
offerings were presented (Joshua 8:30-32). The tabernacle was set up at Shiloh with a horned altar
doubtless (Joshua 18:1), and the cult was observed to some extent. Concerning the altar on the east side
of the Jordan, see ALTAR.
3. The Period of the Judges:
Canaanitish altars were abundant with their corrupt and licentious cults of the Nature-gods. Israelites with
their common altars would naturally use the high places, when possible. The stationary altars of the
Canaanites were of course unlawful. The inevitable tendency would be to imitate the worship of the
Canaanites. They were rebuked and threatened for this, and, weeping, offered sacrifices at Bochim
(Judges 2:1-5). Gideon rebuilt an altar of Yahweh and offered a bullock as a burnt offering (Judges
6:25,26). The kid prepared for the angel was not first a sacrifice, but its acceptance as a gift was indicated
by its being burned (Judges 6:19). Jephthah offered up his daughter as a burnt offering, believing such a
sacrifice well-pleasing to Yahweh (Judges 11:31,39). Manoah and his wife prepared a kid for a burnt
offering, a meal offering accompanying it (Judges 13:16). At the time of the civil war with Benjamin the ark
and statutory altar seemed to be at Beth-el, where they offered burnt and peace offerings (Judges 20:26).
The feasts at Shiloh imply at least peace offerings (Judges 21:19).
4. Times of Samuel and Saul:
Common lay altars and customary sacrifices were still much in use. The official altar with the statutory
individual and national offerings appears to be at Shiloh. El-kanah sacrifices and feasts there yearly
(1 Samuel 1:3). Such feasts were joyous and tended to excesses, as drunkenness seemed common
(1 Samuel 1:13). All Israel came thither (1 Samuel 2:14); the priests claimed their portion, seizing it in an
unlawful manner before the fat had been burned, or the flesh had been boiled (1 Samuel 2:13-17). This
shows that such ritual as was prescribed in Le was practiced and considered by the people the only lawful
custom. Was it in writing? Why not? Guilt offerings were made by the Philistines when smitten by tumors
(1 Samuel 6:3,1,8,17). There were five golden mice and five golden tumors. Crude as were their ideas of
a guilt offering, their actions show familiarity with the concept. Burnt offerings were used on special
occasions and in great crises, such as receiving the ark (1 Samuel 6:14), going to war (1 Samuel
7:9; 13:9-12), victory (1 Samuel 11:15), etc. Saul met Samuel at a sacrificial feast in a small city
(1 Samuel 9:12,13) on a high place. At Gilgal there were burnt and peace offerings (1 Samuel
10:8; 15:15,21). Saul offered burnt offerings himself (1 Samuel 13:9-12), but his fault was not in offering
them himself, but in his haste and disobedience toward Samuel. "To obey is better than sacrifice," etc.,
says Samuel (1 Samuel 15:22), recognizing the fundamental principle of the covenant and realizing that
ceremonies are in themselves worthless without the right spirit. The same truth is reiterated by the
prophets later. To prevent the eating of flesh with the blood Saul built a special altar (1 Samuel 14:32-35).
Family and clan sacrifices and feasts were evidently common (1 Samuel 16:2-5).
5. Days of David and Solomon:
The common altars and those on the high places were still in use. The central sanctuary at Shiloh had
been removed, first apparently to Gilgal, then to Nob, and later to Gibeon. David's and Saul's families kept
the feast of the new moon, when peace offerings would be sacrificed (1 Samuel 20:5,24-29). The
sanctuary at Nob had the shewbread upon the table (1 Samuel 21:4) according to Exodus 25:30. When
the ark was brought up to Jerusalem, burnt offerings and peace offerings were offered according to the
Law (2 Samuel 6:17,18; 1 Chronicles 16:2,40). Ahithophel offered private, sacrifices at Shiloh (2 Samuel
15:12). David offered up burnt offerings, meal offerings, and peace offerings when purchasing the
threshing-floor of Araunah (1 Chronicles 21:23-26). The statutory horned altar at this time was at Gibeon
(2 Chronicles 1:6; 1 Chronicles 21:29), but was soon removed to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 22:1). In the
organized sanctuary and ritual, Levites were appointed for attendance on the shewbread, meal offerings,
burnt offerings, morning and evening sacrifices, sabbaths, new moons and set feasts (1 Chronicles 23:28-
31), attempting to carry out the Levitical laws as far as possible. At the dedication of the temple, Solomon
offered burnt offerings, meal offerings, and peace offerings in enormous quantities (1 Kings
8:63;2 Chronicles 7:4-7); also burnt offerings and peace offerings with incense triennially (1 Kings 9:25).
The ritual at the regular seasons, daily, sabbaths, new moons, set feasts, etc., was observed according to
the Levitical Law (2 Chronicles 2:4; 8:13). Was it written?
6. In the Northern Kingdom:
The golden calf worship was carried on at Da and Beth-el, with priests, altars and ritual (1 Kings 12:27).
The high places were in use, but very corrupt (1 Kings 13:2). A common altar was in use on Mt. Carmel
(1 Kings 18:30,32). Many others were known as Yahweh's altars (1 Kings 19:10). The system was in full
swing in Amos' time (Amos 4:4,5) at Beth-el and Gilgal and probably at Beer-sheba (Amos 5:5). Amos
bitterly satirizes the hollow, insincere worship, but does not condemn the common altars and sacrifices,
as these were legitimate. With Hosea the situation is worse, the cult has been "canonized," priests have
been fed on the sin or sin offerings of the people, and the kingdom soon perished because of its
corruption.
The high places were still in use and not denounced yet by the prophets (1 Kings 3:2; 2 Kings
14:4; 15:4,35). Worship was not fully centralized, though tending in that direction. In the days of Abijah the
temple cult was in full operation according to Moses' Law (2 Chronicles 13:10). Asa removed many
strange altars and high places because of their corruption (2 Chronicles 14:3), but not all (2 Chronicles
15:17; 20:33).
7. In the Southern Kingdom to the Exile:
In the days of Jehoiada priests and Levites were on duty according to Moses (2 Chronicles
23:18;24:14; 2 Kings 12:4-16). Sin and guilt offerings were in sufficient numbers to be mentioned, but the
money went to the priests. Kautzsch (HDB, V) and Paterson (HDB, IV), with others, think these offerings
were only fines and altogether different from those of Leviticus 4; 5. Such a statement is wholly gratuitous.
The guilt offerings must be accompanied by fines, but not necessarily the sin offerings. The passage
speaks of both as perfectly familiar and of long standing, but details are lacking and there can be no
certainty in the matter, except that it proves nothing regarding a ritual of sin and guilt offerings existent or
non-existent at that time. Kautzsch's and Paterson's motives are obvious. Having reversed the history and
put the ritual law late, they must needs make adjustments in the records to have them agree. In the days
of Ahaz, the regular offerings were observed for priests, kings and people (2 Kings 16:13-15). Hezekiah
destroyed many high places (2 Kings 18:4). When repairing the temple, many sin offerings were
presented to expiate the terrible sins of the previous reigns and the desecration of the temple
(2 Chronicles 29:21-24); and so, also, burnt offerings (2 Chronicles 29:27), peace offerings and thank
offerings, etc., in large number (2 Chronicles 29:31-35; compare Isaiah 1:10-17). The Passover was
celebrated with peace offerings (2 Chronicles 30:1,2,15,22), oblations and tithes (2 Chronicles 31:12);
courses of Levites were established (2 Chronicles 31:2), and the king's portion (2 Chronicles 31:3). All the
common altars were abolished as far as possible, and worship centralized in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles
32:12). Reversed by Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33:3), the high places were again used (2 Chronicles
33:17). Josiah purged Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 34:3), and on the discovery of the Book of the Law, with
its rule regarding a central sanctuary, that law was rigidly enforced (2 Chronicles 35:6-14). The
reformation under Josiah did not change the hearts of the people, and the rule followed in spite of all the
efforts of Jeremiah and other prophets.
8. In the Exilic and Post-exilic Periods:
That the cult was entirely suspended in Jerusalem from 586 to 536 BC seems certain. There is no support
for G. F. Moore's statement (EB, IV) that an altar was soon rebuilt and sacrificing was carried on with
scarcely a break. On the return of the exiles an altar was soon built and the continual burnt offerings
began (Ezra 3:2), and likewise at the Feast of Tabernacles, new moons and set feasts (Ezra 3:4-7).
Darius decreed that the Israelites should be given what was needed for the sacrifices (Ezra 6:9). The
band under Ezra offered many sin offerings on their return (8:35). At the dedication of the temple many
burnt and sin offerings were made for all the tribes (6:17). Those who had married foreign wives offered
guilt offerings (10:19). The firman of Artaxerxes provided money for bullocks, rams, lambs, with meal
offerings and drink offerings (7:17). Under Nehemiah and after the formal acceptance of the Law, a more
complete effort was made to observe it. The shewbread, continual burnt and meal offerings, sabbaths,
new moons, set feasts, sin offerings, first-fruits, firstlings, first-fruits of dough, heave offerings of all trees,
wine and oil, etc., were carefully attended to (Nehemiah 10:33-37) and were in full force later (Nehemiah
13:5,9). There is no hint of innovation, only a thoroughgoing attempt to observe laws that had been
somewhat neglected.
9. A Temple and Sacrifices at Elephantine:
At the time of Nehemiah and probably two or three centuries previous, there existed a temple on the
island of Elephantine in the Nile. It was built by a Jewish military colony, and a system of sacrifices was
observed. Just how far they copied the laws of Moses, and what were their ideas of a central sanctuary
are uncertain.
Several Semitic tribes or nations practiced human sacrifices. It was common among the Canaanites, as is
shown by the excavations at Gezer, Taanach, etc. They seemed to offer children in sacrifice at the laying
of cornerstones of houses and other such occasions.
10. Human Sacrifices in Israel's History:
Among the Carthaginians, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans human sacrifices were all too common.
The custom was not unknown to the Israelites. Abraham felt called upon to offer up Isaac, but was
stopped in the act, and a lesson was given for all time. The abominable practice is forbidden by Moses
(Leviticus 18:21), where it is spoken of as a passing through the fire to Moloch, referring to Moabite and
Ammonitish practices. Anyone practicing it was to be stoned (Leviticus 20:2-5; Deuteronomy
12:31; 18:10). The rash vow of Jephthah resulted in the immolation of his daughter, but the incident is
recorded as something extraordinary (Judges 11:31). The execution of Zebah and Zalmunna is a case of
blood revenge, not sacrifice (Judges 8:18). Nor is the slaughter of Agag in any sense a sacrifice
(1 Samuel 15:32). The death of Saul's sons because of his breach of covenant with the Gibeonites was
an expiatory sacrifice, to atone for the father's perfidy (2 Samuel 21:9). The Moabite king in desperation
offered up his firstborn and heir to appease the anger of Chemosh, and the effect was startling to the
Israelites (2 Kings 3:27). Ahaz practiced the abomination in times of trouble (2 Kings 16:3). Such
sacrifices were intended to secure favor with the Deity or appease His wrath. Hiel's firstborn and youngest
sons were probably sacrificed at the rebuilding or fortifying of Jericho (1 Kings 16:34; compare Joshua
6:26). Manasseh practiced the custom (2 Kings 21:6), but it was stopped by Josiah (2 Kings 23:10).
Micah's words were probably applicable to those times of Ahaz or Manasseh, when they thought to obtain
God's favor by costly gifts apart from ethical conditions (Micah 6:6-8). Isaiah refers to a heathen custom
practiced by Israel of slaying the children in secret places (Isaiah 57:5), and Jeremiah represents it as
practiced in his time (Jeremiah 7:31; 19:5). Ezekiel denounces the same practice (Ezekiel
16:20,21; 23:37).
11. Certain Heathen Sacrifices:
Heathen sacrifices are hinted at in the later books, such as swine, a mouse, a horse, a dog (Isaiah
65:4; 66:3,17; Ezekiel 8:10; 2 Kings 23:11). All such animals were unclean to the Hebrews, and the
practice had its roots in some form of primitive totemism which survived in those heathen cults. They were
little practiced among the Israelites.
See TOTEMISM.
VII. The Prophets and Sacrifices.
The prophets were reformers, not innovators. Their emphasis was on the ethical, rather than the ritual.
They based their teachings on the fundamentals of the covenant, not the incidentals. They accepted
sacrifices as part of the religious life, but would give them their right place. They accepted the law
regarding common altars, and Samuel, David and Elijah used these altars. They also endorsed the
movement toward a central sanctuary, but it is the abuse of the cult that they condemned, rather than its
use. They combated the heathenish idea that all God needed was gifts, lavish gifts, and would condone
any sin if only they bestowed abundance of gifts. They demanded an inward religion, morality, justice,
righteousness, in short, an ethical religion. They preached an ethical God, rather than the profane,
debasing and almost blasphemous idea of God which prevailed in their times. They reminded the people
of the covenant at Sinai, the foundation principle of which was obedience and loyalty to Yahweh. If Joe is
early, the cult is in full practice, as he deplores the cutting-off of the meal offering, or minchah, and the
netsekh or drink offering, through the devastation of the locusts. He does not mention the burnt offerings,
etc., as these would not be cut off by the locusts (Joel 1:7,13; 2:14). Joe emphasized the need for a
genuine repentance, telling them to rend their hearts and not their garments (2:13).
Amos condemns the cult at Beth-el and Gilgal, and sarcastically bids them go on transgressing (4:4,5),
mentions burnt offerings, peace offerings, thank offerings, and freewill offerings (4:4; 5:22), reminds them
of the fact that they did not offer sacrifices in the wilderness (5:25), but demands rather righteousness and
justice. There is nothing here against the Mosaic origin of the laws.
In Hosea's time the hollow externalism of the cult had become worse, while vice, falsehood, murder,
oppression, etc., were rampant. He utters an epoch-making sentence when he says, "I desire mercy, and
not sacrifice," etc. (Hosea 6:6). This is no sweeping renunciation of sacrifices, as such; it is only putting
the emphasis in the right place. Such sacrifices as Hosea speaks of were worse than worthless. It is
somewhat extravagant for Kautzsch to say, "It is perfectly futile to read out of Hosea 6:6 anything else
than a categorical rejection of sacrifices." Hosea recognizes their place in religion, and deplores the loss
during exile (3:4). The corrupt cults he condemns (4:13 f), for they are as bad as the Canaanitish cults
(4:9). Yahweh will spurn them (8:13; 9:4). The defection of the nation began early (11:2), and they have
multiplied altars (12:11; 13:2). He predicts the time when they shall render as bullocks the "calves" of their
lips (14:2 the King James Version).
Micah is as emphatic. The sacrifices were more costly in his day, in order the more surely to purchase the
favor of the Deity. Human sacrifices were in vogue, but Micah says God requires them "to do justly, and
to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God" (6:8). This does not in the least affect sacrifices of the
right kind and with the right spirit.
Isaiah faces the same situation. There are multitudes of sacrifices, burnt offerings, blood of bullocks and
goats, oblations, sweet incense, beasts, etc., but no justice, morality, love, truth or goodness. Thus their
sacrifices, etc., are an abomination, though right in themselves (1:11-17; 61:8). The same is true of all
pious performances today. It is probable that Isaiah worshipped in the temple (6:1,6). In his eschatological
vision there is freedom to offer sacrifices in Egypt (19:19,21). The people are to worship in the holy
mountain (27:13). Ariel must let the feasts come around (29:1).
Jeremiah maintains the same attitude. Your "frankincense from Sheba, and the sweet cane," burnt
offerings and sacrifices are not pleasing to God (6:20; 14:12). They made the temple a den of robbers, in
the streets they baked cakes to the Queen of heaven, etc. He speaks sarcastically, saying, "Add your
burnt-offerings unto your sacrifices, and eat ye flesh. For I spake not unto your fathers .... concerning ....
sacrifices:
but .... commanded .... saying, Hearken unto my voice," etc. (7:21-23). This was literally true, as we have
seen above; the covenant was not based on sacrifices but on obedience. Such a statement does not
deny the institution of sacrifices for those within the covenant who are obedient. It is no "subterfuge," as
Kautzsch calls it, "to say that the prophets never polemize against sacrifice per se, but only against
offerings presented hypocritically, without repentance and a right disposition, with blood-stained hands;
against the opera operata of the carnally-minded, half-heathen mass of the people." This is exactly what
they do, and they are in perfect harmony with the covenant constitution and with their own ethical and
spiritual functions. Kautzsch can make such an extravagant assertion only by ignoring the fact that
Jeremiah himself in predicting the future age of righteousness and blessedness makes sacrifice an
important factor (33:11,18). Picturing possible prosperity and glory, Jeremiah speaks of burnt offerings
and meal offerings, frankincense, thank offerings, etc., being brought into the house of Yahweh (17:26).
(We are aware of the harsh and arbitrary transference of this passage to a later time.)
Ezekiel is called by Kautzsch "the founder of the Levitical system." He is said to have preserved the
fragment of the ritual that was broken up in the exile. But his references to the burnt offerings, sin
offerings, and trespass offerings presuppose familiarity with them (40:38-42).
He assigns the north and south chambers for the meal, sin and trespass offerings (Ezekiel 42:13). The
cleansing of the altar requires a bullock and he-goat for a sin offering, with burnt and peace offerings with
a ritual similar to Leviticus 8:1 f (Ezekiel 43:18-27). The Levites are to be ministers and slay burnt
offerings and sacrifice for the people (Ezekiel 44:11). The priest must offer his sin offering before he
ministers in the sanctuary (Ezekiel 44:27). They are to eat the meal, sin, and trespass offerings as
in Ezekiel 44:29. In Ezekiel 45, the people are to give the wheat, barley, oil and lambs for meal, burnt and
peace offerings, while the prince shall give the meal, burnt and drink offerings for the feasts, the new
moons, sabbaths and appointed feasts. He is to prepare them to make atonement (45:13-17). In
cleansing the sanctuary the Levitical ritual is followed with added details (45:18-20). The Passover
requires the burnt offerings, sin offerings, and meal offerings with an extra amount of cereal. The priests
prepare the prince's burnt offerings and peace offerings (46:2-4,6,9-12) for the sabbaths, new moons, etc.
The daily burnt offerings (46:13-15) must have a sixth instead of a tenth part of an ephah, as in Leviticus
1. The sin and guilt offerings are to be boiled in a certain place, and the meal offering baked (1:20,26).
Ezekiel varies from the Levitical Law in the quantity of the meal offering, picturing the ritual in a more ideal
situation than Moses. The people are all righteous, with new hearts, the Spirit in them enabling them to
keep the Law (36:26 f), and yet he institutes an elaborate ritual of purification for them. Does this seem to
indicate that the prophets would abolish sacrifices entirely? It is strange reasoning which makes the
prophets denounce the whole sacrificial system, when one of the greatest among them seeks to conserve
an elaborate cult for the blessed age in the future.
In the second part of Isaiah, God declares that He has not been honored by the people with burnt
offerings and meal offerings, etc., and that He has not burdened them with such offerings, but that He is
wearied with their sins (43:23 f). Those foreigners who respect the covenant shall offer acceptable
sacrifices (56:7) in the blessed age to come. The Servant of Yahweh is to be a guilt offering (53:10) to
expiate the sins of Israel. Sacrifice is here for the first time lifted out of the animal to the human sphere,
thus forging the link between the Old Testament and the New Testament. In the glorious age to come
there are to be priests and Levites, new moons, sabbaths and worship in Jerusalem (66:21,23).
Daniel speaks of the meal offering being caused to cease in the midst of the week (9:27).
Zechariah pictures the golden age to come when all nations shall go up to Jerusalem to keep the Feast of
Tabernacles, which implies sacrifices. Pots are used, and all the worshippers shall use them in the ritual
(14:16-21).
In Malachi's age the ritual was in practice, but grossly abused. They offered polluted bread (1:7), blind,
lame and sick animals (1:13 f). Yahweh has the same attitude toward these as toward those in the times
of Amos, Hosea, and Isaiah (Malachi 1:10). The Gentiles offer better ones (Malachi 1:11). The Israelites
covered the altar of Yahweh with tears by their hypocritical, non-ethical actions (Malachi 2:13). They
robbed God in withholding tithes and heave offerings (Malachi 3:8). It is the abuse of the cult that is
denounced here, as in all the other Prophets.
A special use of the term "sacrifice" is made by Zephaniah (1:7 f), applying it to the destruction of Israel
by Yahweh. Bozrah and Edom are to be victims (Isaiah 34:6); also Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 39:17,19).
In summing up the general attitude of the prophets toward sacrifices, even G. F. Moore in Encyclopedia
Biblica admits:
"It is not probable that the prophets distinctly entertained the idea of a religion without a cult, a purely
spiritual worship. Sacrifice may well have seemed to them the natural expression of homage and
gratitude." He might have added, "and of atonement for sin, and full fellowship with God."