Burnt Offering vs. Fellowship Offering

Attribute	Burnt Offering	Fellowship Offering
Purpose	atonement for sin	expression of thanksgiving and fellowship with God
Animal Sacrificed	usually a male animal without blemish	usually a male or female animal without blemish
Parts Burned	entire animal	portions of the animal
Offered By	individual seeking forgiveness	individual or community offering thanks

Introduction

When studying the Old Testament, one encounters various types of offerings that were prescribed by God for the Israelites to perform. Two common types of offerings are the Burnt Offering and the Fellowship Offering. While both offerings were meant to be a form of worship and sacrifice to God, they had distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will compare and contrast the Burnt Offering and the Fellowship Offering to gain a better understanding of their significance in the Israelite religious practices.

Meaning and Purpose

The Burnt Offering, also known as the Olah, was a sacrifice that was completely consumed by fire on the altar. It symbolized total surrender and dedication to God. The animal offered had to be without blemish, representing purity and perfection. The Fellowship Offering, on the other hand, was a shared meal between the worshipper, the priests, and God. It symbolized communion and fellowship with God and others. The animal offered for the Fellowship Offering could have blemishes, emphasizing the communal aspect of the sacrifice.

Procedure and Ritual

When it came to the Burnt Offering, the worshipper would bring a male animal to the entrance of the tabernacle or temple. The animal would be slaughtered, and its blood would be sprinkled on the altar. The entire animal, except for the hide, was then burned on the altar. The Fellowship Offering, on the other hand, involved a more elaborate ritual. The worshipper would bring a male or female animal to the tabernacle, where it would be slaughtered. The blood would be sprinkled on the altar, and the fat and certain organs would be burned. The rest of the animal would be shared as a meal with the priests and the worshipper's family.

Symbolism and Meaning

The Burnt Offering symbolized atonement for sin and the worshipper's desire to draw near to God. It represented the worshipper's acknowledgment of God's holiness and their need for forgiveness. The Fellowship Offering, on the other hand, symbolized peace, thanksgiving, and celebration. It was a way for the worshipper to express gratitude to God and to share in the joy of fellowship with others. Both offerings were meant to deepen the worshipper's relationship with God and the community.

Frequency and Occasions

The Burnt Offering was a daily sacrifice that was offered in the morning and evening. It was also offered on special occasions such as the Sabbath, the New Moon, and the annual feasts. The Fellowship Offering, on the other hand, was not a daily sacrifice but was offered on specific occasions such as the completion of a vow, the consecration of a priest, or as a gesture of thanksgiving. It was a voluntary offering that allowed the worshipper to express their devotion and gratitude to God in times of joy and celebration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Burnt Offering and the Fellowship Offering were both important forms of worship and sacrifice in the Israelite religious practices. While the Burnt Offering symbolized total surrender and atonement for sin, the Fellowship Offering symbolized communion and fellowship with God and others. Both offerings had specific procedures, rituals, and meanings that were meant to deepen the worshipper's relationship with God and the community. Understanding the differences between these two offerings can help us appreciate the richness and complexity of the Israelite sacrificial system and its significance in the worship of God.