Sacrifice and the Old Testament

Abstract

This article introduces the reader to ancient sacrificial rituals that the biblical authors regarded as acceptable to their God, as they are portrayed in Old Testament Hebrew texts. These texts, especially instructions in the Pentateuch regarding the system of Israelite sacrifices to be performed at the wilderness sanctuary, indicate the nature of such ritual worship, differentiate between several kinds of sacrifice and their functions, and reveal profound theological concepts. There are various scholarly approaches to the study of sacrifice and to texts concerning this practice, and scientific knowledge can enhance comprehension of some features of sacrifice. Investigation of sacrifice can yield spiritual insights that are beneficial both for the individual believer and for the community of faith. An appendix to the article considers Old Testament attestations of sacrifice apart from the pentateuchal texts concerning the Israelite ritual system.

Keywords

• sacrifice
• ancient israel
• israelite worship
• sin
• purification
• atonement