Leviticus 1:6

And he shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into his pieces.

Leviticus 1:6 (KJV)

Context

The book of Leviticus records the laws and regulations God gave to Israel for the priesthood and the sacrificial system. Leviticus 1 focuses on the burnt offering, a voluntary sacrifice expressing complete surrender, dedication, and atonement. The worshipper brought a male animal without blemish, laid hands on it, and slew it. The priest then sprinkled its blood around the altar, and the body was consumed by fire.

Meaning

Leviticus 1:6 specifies two actions: flaying the burnt offering and cutting it into pieces. Flaying means removing the skin. The skin was the only part not burned; it became the priest’s property (Leviticus 7:8). The identity of the one performing the flaying is not entirely clear; the singular “he” may refer to the offerer, though priests and Levites could also do it (2 Chronicles 29:34). The flaying and cutting followed the sprinkling of blood, as the order in the chapter indicates.

The removal of the skin carried symbolic weight. The skin represented the outward appearance and the sinful nature of man. By stripping it away, the offerer acknowledged the need for cleansing and purification before God. Cutting the animal into pieces made it easier to arrange on the altar and signified the complete dedication of the offering. The thorough division of the animal into pieces, later arranged on the altar (Leviticus 1:8), symbolized the totality of consecration. This parallels the grain offering, which was also divided (Leviticus 2:6), signifying the same thorough consecration.

Biblical connections

The act of flaying has been seen as a type of Christ’s sufferings, when He was stripped of His garments. The priest’s portion of the skin is an emblem of Christ’s righteousness, which believers receive as a robe (Genesis 3:21). The cutting into pieces points to the broken and contrite heart that God accepts (Psalm 51:17).

Application

While the practice of burnt offerings is no longer observed in the Christian faith, the spiritual principles remain relevant. The burnt offering reminds us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, as the apostle Paul encourages in Romans 12:1, by dedicating our time, talents, and resources to God’s service. We are called to lay aside our sinful nature, humbly confessing our faults and seeking forgiveness through Christ. Just as the burnt offering was consumed by fire, our lives should be set ablaze by the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to purify and transform us into the image of Christ.

Reflection

Leviticus 1:6 underscores the costliness and totality of true worship. It points to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and His role as our High Priest. As believers, we can apply these principles by offering our lives wholly to God, seeking to be transformed by the Holy Spirit for His glory.