The entrails and legs must be washed with waterIn the sacrificial system, the washing of the entrails and legs symbolizes purification and the removal of impurities. This act reflects the need for cleanliness and holiness before God, as seen in other purification rituals throughout Leviticus. The washing signifies the internal and external purity required of the offering, pointing to the holiness God demands from His people. This practice also foreshadows the cleansing work of Jesus Christ, who purifies believers from sin (
Hebrews 10:22).
and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar
The complete burning of the offering signifies total dedication and surrender to God. The priest acts as a mediator between the people and God, highlighting the role of Christ as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). The altar, central to the tabernacle and later the temple, represents the place where God meets with His people. The act of burning the entire offering underscores the concept of atonement and the seriousness of sin, requiring a complete sacrifice.
as a burnt offering
The burnt offering, or "olah" in Hebrew, is one of the oldest and most significant offerings, symbolizing atonement and reconciliation with God. It is entirely consumed by fire, representing the worshiper's total devotion and the complete acceptance of the offering by God. This offering prefigures Christ's ultimate sacrifice, who offered Himself wholly to God on behalf of humanity (Ephesians 5:2).
a food offering
Though not consumed by the priests or worshipers, the burnt offering is described as a "food offering" to God, indicating that it is a gift or tribute to the Lord. This terminology emphasizes the relational aspect of the sacrifice, as it is presented to God as an act of worship and fellowship. It reflects the idea that God is pleased with the offerings of His people when given with a sincere heart.
a pleasing aroma to the LORD
The phrase "a pleasing aroma" signifies God's acceptance and satisfaction with the offering. It is a metaphorical expression indicating that the sacrifice is agreeable to God, aligning with His will and purposes. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Christ's sacrifice is described as a fragrant offering to God (Ephesians 5:2). The pleasing aroma underscores the idea that true worship and obedience are delightful to the Lord.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PriestThe individual responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals, acting as a mediator between God and the people.
2.
AltarThe sacred place where offerings are made to God, symbolizing His presence and the place of atonement.
3.
Burnt OfferingA type of sacrifice in which the entire animal is consumed by fire, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication to God.
4.
Entrails and LegsParts of the sacrificial animal that are specifically mentioned to be washed, indicating the importance of purity and preparation.
5.
Pleasing AromaA metaphorical expression indicating that the offering is acceptable and pleasing to God.
Teaching Points
Complete Dedication to GodThe burnt offering symbolizes total surrender to God. Believers are called to dedicate every aspect of their lives to Him.
Purity and PreparationThe washing of the entrails and legs signifies the need for purity. Christians should strive for holiness in their walk with God.
Role of the PriestThe priest's role in the offering process points to Jesus as our High Priest, who mediates on our behalf.
Pleasing AromaOur lives, like the burnt offering, should be a pleasing aroma to God, characterized by obedience and faithfulness.
Symbolism of FireFire represents purification and the presence of God. Believers are refined through trials and the Holy Spirit's work in their lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Leviticus 1:9?
2.How does Leviticus 1:9 illustrate the importance of offering a pure sacrifice?
3.What does "a pleasing aroma to the LORD" signify in our worship today?
4.How can we apply the concept of "washing with water" in our lives?
5.What New Testament connections can be made with Leviticus 1:9's sacrificial system?
6.How does Leviticus 1:9 encourage us to offer our best to God?
7.What is the significance of the burnt offering in Leviticus 1:9 for modern believers?
8.How does Leviticus 1:9 reflect God's holiness and requirements for worship?
9.Why is the washing of the entrails and legs important in Leviticus 1:9?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 1?
11.In Leviticus 1:9, why is a “pleasing aroma” significant to an omnipotent, immaterial God?
12.What is the meaning of Aroma of the Sacrifice?
13.What is the meaning of the Aroma of Christ?
14.How could Isaiah 1:13–15 condemn divinely commanded sacrifices (see Leviticus) without contradicting earlier instructions for worship?What Does Leviticus 1:9 Mean
The entrails and legs must be washed with water“The entrails and legs must be washed with water” (Leviticus 1:9).
•Before anything touched the altar, every hidden or soiled part of the animal was rinsed clean. This underscores that God sees what is inside as clearly as what is outside (Psalm 139:1–4).
•Washing pointed to purity, a theme carried into the priestly basin inExodus 30:17-21 and Jesus’ cleansing of His church “with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26).
•It reminds us that worshipers approach God on His terms, not their own; internal corruption must be dealt with (Psalm 24:3-4;1 John 1:9).
and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar“and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar” (Leviticus 1:9).
•The whole animal, once prepared, was consumed by fire—nothing held back. This pictures complete surrender (Romans 12:1).
•Priests mediated the act, foreshadowing the perfect High Priest who would offer Himself completely (Hebrews 10:10-14).
•Fire symbolized God’s holy presence (Deuteronomy 4:24). What the worshiper placed on the altar was transferred wholly to God’s domain.
as a burnt offering“as a burnt offering” (Leviticus 1:9).
•The burnt offering (ʿolah) was voluntary and signified total dedication and atonement (Leviticus 1:3-4).
•It traces back to Noah (Genesis 8:20-21) and Abraham’s tested faith with Isaac (Genesis 22:2-8), showing continuity in God’s redemptive plan.
•This sacrifice pointed forward to Christ, who “gave Himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:2) as the ultimate fulfillment.
a food offering“a food offering” (Leviticus 1:9).
•While God has no physical need, the term pictures Him receiving and being satisfied (Psalm 50:12-13).
•The altar served as God’s table (Malachi 1:7). What burned became His “portion,” underscoring His rightful ownership of all.
•For worshipers it affirmed fellowship; sharing a meal in the ancient world sealed relationship (Exodus 24:9-11).
a pleasing aroma to the LORD“a pleasing aroma to the LORD” (Leviticus 1:9).
•The fragrance of obedience rose to heaven and God accepted it (Genesis 8:21).
•In Christ the phrase gains fuller meaning: His self-offering is “a fragrant aroma and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2), and believers, united to Him, become “the aroma of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15).
•The stress falls on God’s pleasure, not human merit. When the sacrifice met His standards, He was pleased; the same is true today when we come by faith in Jesus (Hebrews 11:6).
summaryLeviticus 1:9 portrays wholehearted, purified worship that God delights in. Every part is washed, placed on the altar, and wholly consumed, signaling total devotion. Labeled a burnt offering and food offering, it pictures fellowship with a holy God who receives it as a pleasing aroma. Ultimately the verse anticipates the perfect sacrifice of Christ and calls believers to offer themselves, cleansed and completely, for God’s pleasure.
(9)
But his inwards.--Before, however, the cut-up victim was thus arranged to be burnt, the stomach, the bowels, and the feet had to be thoroughly cleansed. In the time of the second Temple, the washing had to be repeated three times before the ablution was deemed complete.
And the priest shall burn.--The word here used is not the one generally used to denoteconsuming by fire,but it originally signifiesto make a fumeorvapour by incense.It is used in connection with all sacrifices (Leviticus 2:2;Leviticus 2:9;Leviticus 3:5;Leviticus 3:11;Leviticus 4:10;Leviticus 4:19;Leviticus 6:8;Leviticus 7:5, &c.) and the idea intended to be conveyed thereby is, that man upon earth fitly brought his gift to God in heaven, by causing the odour emitted from the burning sacrifice to ascend in a sweet-smelling savour to heaven. . . .
Verse 9. -
The priest shall burn all on the altar, etc. The fourth and last part of the sacrifice. The word employed is not the common term used for destroying by fire, but means "make to ascend." The life of the animal has already been offered in the blood; now the whole of its substance is "made to ascend" to the Lord. Modern science, by showing that the effect of fire upon the substance of a body is to resolve it into gases which rise from it, contributes a new illustration to the verse. The vapour that ascends is not something different from that which is burnt, but the very thing itself, its essence; which, having ascended, is of a
sweet savour unto the Lord, that is, acceptable and well-pleasing to him. The burnt offering, the meat offering, and the peace offering, are sacrifices of sweet savour (
Leviticus 2:2;
Leviticus 3:5); the expression is not used with regard to the sin offering and trespass offering. St. Paul applies it to the sacrifice of Christ, in
Ephesians 5:2, "As Christ also loved us, and gave himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour;" thus indicating, in an incidental manner, the connection between the Jewish sacrifices and the sacrifice of Christ, as type and antitype.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The entrailsוְקִרְבּ֥וֹ(wə·qir·bōw)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7130:The nearest part, the centerand legsוּכְרָעָ֖יו(ū·ḵə·rā·‘āw)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3767:The leg, of men, locustsmust be washedיִרְחַ֣ץ(yir·ḥaṣ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7364:To wash, wash off or away, bathewith water,בַּמָּ֑יִם(bam·mā·yim)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325:Water, juice, urine, semenand the priestהַכֹּהֵ֤ן(hak·kō·hên)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548:Priestshall burnוְהִקְטִ֨יר(wə·hiq·ṭîr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6999:To smoke, turn into fragrance by fireall of itהַכֹּל֙(hak·kōl)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyon the altarהַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה(ham·miz·bê·ḥāh)Article | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4196:An altaras a burnt offering,עֹלָ֛ה(‘ō·lāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5930:Whole burnt offeringan offering made by fire,אִשֵּׁ֥ה(’iš·šêh)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 801:A burnt-offering, a sacrificea pleasingנִיח֖וֹחַ(nî·ḥō·w·aḥ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5207:A quieting, soothing, tranquilizingaromaרֵֽיחַ־(rê·aḥ-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7381:To smell, perceive odorto the LORD.לַֽיהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
Links
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OT Law: Leviticus 1:9 But its innards and its legs he (Le Lv Lev.) 
