Why does the New Testament have such a large discussion about the Israel’s high priest and the offerings of the Tabernacle (Hebrews 4–14) in connection with Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ)? In the Torah reading ויקרא Vayikra/Vayiqra (“and He called”), covering Lev. 1:1–6:7, we have the “what” and “why” the various qorbanot (“offerings” aka “sacrifices”) in the Tabernacle services that were revealed to all the children of Israel. In the next Torah reading, God reveals to the Levites and priests how the sacrifices are to be processed and presented to HaShem (the Name).

Heaven has communicated this through the Torah, Prophets and Writings: Actions matter; obedience matters; animal offerings don’t. We were designed to be close to God, in communion with Him. Obviously, the Fall made that much more difficult, but that desire is still innate within us. And this is where we learn how to come closer to HaShem.

God doesn’t think the way men do. We think one way He thinks differently, we have to accept that and just try to understand what He is revealing to us about Himself in this process.

There are arm-chair biblical archaeology students who will say that the offerings described in Leviticus are no different than the offerings made by pagan religions to their so-called gods, but nothing could be further from the truth.

The pagans sacrificed to the gods to appease them, to placate them, to buy them off. Pagan didn’t want to have a friendship or relationship with their gods. They simply wanted to placate their gods so they would get what they wanted and for the gods to otherwise leave them alone.

The offerings God asks of His children are not to appease Him but to draw closer to Him in relationship.  It is our actions that “appease” God, not animal sacrifices. The sacrifices were not valuable to God. God wanted His people’s heart, not their animals.

5 qorbanot in Leviticus

NAMEREFERENCEELEMENTSSIGNIFICANCEBurnt OfferingLev 1; 6:8-13Bull, ram, male goat, male dove, or young pigeon without blemish. (Always male animals, but species of animal varied according to individual’s economic status.)Voluntary. Signifies propitiation for sin and complete surrender, devotion, and commitment to God.Grain Offering, also called Meal orTribute OfferingLev 2; 6:14-23Flour, bread, or grain made with olive oil and salt (always unleavened); or incense.Voluntary. Signifies thanksgiving for firstfruits.Sin OfferingLev 4:1-5:13; 6:24-30; 12:6-8Male or female animal without blemish-as follows: bull for high priest and congregation; male goat for king; female goat or lamb for common person; dove or pigeon for slightly poor; tenth of an ephah of flour for the very poor.Mandatory. Made by one who had sinned unintentionally or was unclean in order to attain purification.Guilt OfferingLev 5:14-6:7; 7:1-6; 14:12-18Ram or lamb without blemishMandatory. Made by a person who had either deprived another of his rights or had desecrated something holy.’Peace Offering, also called Fellowship Offering, includes:

 

(1) Thank Offering

(2) Vow Offering

(3) Freewill Offering

Lev 3; 7:11-36Any animal without blemish.(Species of animal varied according to individual’s economic status.)Voluntary. Symbolizes fellowship with God.

 

(1) Signifies thankfulness for a specificblessing;

(2) offers a ritual expression of a vow; and

(3) symbolizes general thankfulness (to be brought to one of three required religious services).