Definition: And they presented the burnt offering unto him, with the pieces thereof, and the head: and he burnt [them] upon the altar.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 9:13. It's a pretty dramatic and significant passage about a sacrifice. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Problem with Animals: In ancient times, animals were being sacrificed to the gods. But these sacrifices weren’t working – they weren’t bringing the gods happiness or prosperity. A Solution is Proposed: A man named Levi (which means “Levi” in Hebrew) proposes a new way to appease the gods – he suggests offering a burnt sacrifice to God himself. He believes this will be more effective. The Offering: Levi presents a special type of offering: It’s made up of pieces of an animal, and it includes the animal's head. The Burning: The key part is that this offering is burned on an altar. Burning something signifies purification and a change – it’s meant to be a symbolic act of atonement. Putting It All Together - A Simple Explanation: Levi was essentially offering a sacrifice to God, but instead of just offering a regular animal, he offered the entire animal—its head, its body, and even its pieces—to God. He believed this would make the gods happy and bring blessings to the people. What’s the Significance? This verse is important because it shows that God himself was being offered as a sacrifice. It highlights that God is involved in the lives of humans and that He is ultimately in control of our destiny. It's a powerful image representing a shift in focus from offering animals to worshipping directly with God. Important Note: This verse describes an incredibly unusual event – a human offering himself to God! It’s a testament to the idea that humanity can be a focal point for divine attention. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this verse within the larger story of the Tabernacle? Discuss the symbolism behind the burning?