Leviticus 1:13
But hee shall wash the inwards and the legs with water, and the Priest shall bring it all, and burne it vpon the altar: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet sauour vnto the Lord. Leviticus 1:13 (KJV)
This verse is part of the instructions given by God to Moses concerning the various offerings and sacrifices to be made by the Israelites. Leviticus primarily deals with the laws and regulations related to worship and rituals in the tabernacle.
In Leviticus 1 God establishes the guidelines for burnt offerings, which were voluntary sacrifices offered by individuals as an act of worship and dedication to God. These burnt offerings involved a clean, unblemished animal such as a bull, sheep, or goat.
“And he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water” (or “entrails and the legs”). After the animal is slaughtered and prepared, the priest is to wash the entrails and the legs with water. This washing was a ceremonial act of cleansing and preparation, emphasizing the importance of purity and sanctification in worship.
“And the priest shall bring it all, and burn it upon the altar: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.” The priest is responsible for bringing the prepared animal, including the washed inwards and legs, to the altar. The altar was the designated place of sacrifice, symbolizing the meeting point between God and humanity. The entire animal was completely consumed by fire, signifying total surrender and devotion to God. The fire produced a sweet savour, a pleasing aroma to the Lord, indicating that the offering was acceptable when offered according to His instructions.
Overall, Leviticus 1:9‑13 emphasizes ceremonial cleanliness, the priest’s mediating role, the complete surrender of the offering through burning, and the acceptability of the offering as a sweet savour to God. These rituals were a crucial part of Israelite worship under the Mosaic Law.
It is worth noting that in the New Testament, with the coming of Jesus Christ, the sacrificial system of the Old Testament is presented as fulfilled and therefore no longer required. Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). His sacrifice brought forgiveness and redemption for all who believe, establishing a new covenant between God and humanity (Hebrews 9:11‑14).
