Leviticus 1: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Leviticus 1 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh calls to Moses from the Tent of Meeting and instructs him to tell the children of Israel about offerings (vv. 1-2). If a person offers a burnt offering from the herd, it must be a male without defect, presented at the Tent of Meeting (vv.

Key verse

“He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.”
Leviticus 1:4 (WEB)

Outline

Leviticus 1:1–2 God's Call to Moses
Leviticus 1:3–4 Burnt Offering Instructions
Leviticus 1:5–9 Sacrificial Process for Bulls
Leviticus 1:10–13 Flock Offerings
Leviticus 1:14–17 Bird Offerings

Discussion questions

In v5, who presents the blood and what do they do with it?
In v9, what is described as 'a pleasant aroma to Yahweh'?
The phrase 'without defect' in vv. 3 and 10: why is this condition so emphasized in the offerings?
In v17, why are the birds to be torn 'by its wings' but not divided?
When have you had to make a personal investment, as in bringing 'your best' to God?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Leviticus 1: Leviticus 3, Leviticus 4, Leviticus 22.

Before next time: read Leviticus 2.