Leviticus 1:10 - Meaning and Application

Here we have the laws for burnt offerings from the flock or from birds. People of moderate means who could not afford a bull would bring a sheep or a goat. Those who could not afford even that could still be accepted by God if they brought a turtle-dove or a pigeon. In his law, as in his gospel and his providence, God has special regard for the poor.

It is also worth noticing that God chose animals for sacrifice that were mild, gentle, harmless, and inoffensive. These pointed to the innocence and meekness of Christ, and they also teach the innocence and meekness that should mark Christians.

Instructions are then given for the burnt offerings of the flock, in verse 10. The way they were handled was much the same as with the bullocks, except that the animal was to be killed on the north side of the altar. Though this is mentioned here only, it was probably to be followed with the earlier sacrifices as well. Perhaps that side of the altar had the most open space, with room for the priests to move around. It was also an old saying that fair weather comes from the north, since the north wind drives away rain. In the same way, by these sacrifices the storms of God’s wrath are turned away, and the light of God’s favor is gained, which is more pleasant than the brightest weather.

The instructions for birds are these. The offering must be either a turtle-dove, and if so, it must be an older one, or a pigeon, and if so, it must be a young one. What people valued most at their own tables was to be brought to God’s altar. In offering these birds: first, the head was to be wrung off, or completely separated. Second, the blood was to be pressed out at the side of the altar. Third, the crop and feathers were to be thrown onto the ash heap. Fourth, the body was to be opened, salted, and then burned on the altar.

The Jews say this bird offering was one of the hardest tasks for the priests, and that teaches ministers to care as much for the salvation of the poor as for the rich. It also shows that the offerings of poor people are just as pleasing to God, if they come from an honest heart, as the offerings of the rich. He accepts people according to what they have, not according to what they do not have (2 Corinthians 8:12). The poor man’s turtle-doves, or young pigeons, were a sweet-smelling offering to God, just as much as an ox or bullock with horns and hoofs. Yet even so, to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves is better than all burnt offerings and sacrifices (Mark 12:33).