Ep 707 – Levitcus 3-4

In chapters 2-3 of Leviticus, we run into a strange litany of disturbing images describing the sacrifices required by God in order for the people of Israel to experience forgiveness for their sins. These pages are filled with vivid details of the various offerings the Israelites were required to make in order to maintain a right relationship with God. There are peace offerings and sin offerings, involving the blood sacrifice of innocent and unblemished animals. And all of it seems so strange to our modern sensibilities. And yet, if we can manage to slog our way through all the graphic imagery, we will find ourselves exposed to the themes of God's holiness and man's sinfulness. Repeatedly, we read that the Israelites were to present their offerings "before the Lord." These sacrifices were to be presented to the Most Holy One, as a pleasing aroma to Him. As the Israelites obeyed the commands of God concerning the sacrifices, they would be worshiping and honoring Him for who He is: The Holy God of Israel.