Definition: And if his offering [be] a goat, then he shall offer it before the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 3:12. It’s a really important part of understanding how sacrifices were done in ancient Israel. Here's what it means in plain language: Basically, it says that if a person offered a goat as a sacrifice, they must present it to God first. Let’s unpack that a little bit: “If his offering [be] a goat…” – This is the key. It's referring to a sacrifice made for a specific purpose. “…then he shall offer it before the LORD.” - "Before the Lord" means before God himself. It’s a very important and solemn instruction. What does this mean practically? In ancient times, animals were offered as a way to show devotion and repentance to God. The offering had to be presented in a specific order: 1. First, the person must offer a regular animal. This was usually a sheep or cow. 2. Then, they must present that animal before God. It’s like showing respect and acknowledging God’s authority. Why is this important? This verse highlights several key points about how the Israelites were to worship: Respect & Reverence: Showing reverence to God by presenting a sacrifice was seen as a way to honor Him. Proper Order: It emphasized that sacrifices had to be done in a specific and controlled manner, reflecting a proper relationship with God. In short, this verse is about the order of sacrificial offerings – it's not just about what you offer, but when you offer it. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Leviticus? Give an example of a sacrifice and how this verse applies?