en the lay congregation and God (Gerstenberger, 1996;50). The first seven chapters in the book of Leviticus depict divine descriptions of the sacrificial system. The main types of sacrifices outlined are the whole burnt offering (olah), the grain offering (minchah), the peace offering (shelamim), and the purification offering (chattat). Although the rituals differed in presentation, many elements of structure remain consistent throughout.The Burnt offerings purpose was to be a gift to God. Usually in the form of a whole animal it was offered daily as an offering of dedication. The ritual was a method of giving something pleasing or savory to God. The ritual was performed in portions, which are allocated into categories of the offering and the residue (Leach, 1985:145). The offering consisted of the essential organs and the surrounding fat and was burnt completely upon the altar. The remaining residue was often discarded but not considered essential to the actual offering.The sacrificial animal in such offerings held great significance for Israel. The ox was a symbol of wealth because of its high importance within the community. Their milk production and value of trade made the oxen sacrifice the top of the list in ordinances of Israel (Gerstenberger, 1996;27). Other sacrificial animals included the sheep, for those who could not afford to offer the ox, and for those with even less, the turtle-dove or pigeon was acceptable.The second chapter outlines the grace offering which presents an animal offering to the Lord but not in the form of killing. Rather, a portion of a meal is ceremonially mixed with oil and flour and presented to the priest in offering. The priest then burns a portion of the offering upon the altar and partakes of the rest. Providing food for God out of feelings of gratitude and obligation is the original intention of this sacrifice (Gerstenberger, 1996;42). In times of impurity, one would make an offering ...
