A Goat Being Pushed off a Cliff on the Day of Atonement

Marty Lockshin has an interesting post here regarding the supposed practice of a goat being pushed off a cliff related to the Day of Atonement (Lev 16).

Sacred Space

Baruch Levine has an interesting discussion here on the issue of sacred space, sacrifices, the temple in Jerusalem, and Judaism today.

Child Sacrifice

Daniel Vainstub has a sobering but good examination of child sacrifice to Molekh (also spelled  Molech) here.

Burnt Offerings and the Bible

Tim Little provides a nice summary here.

Leviticus Meme

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Leviticus and the Syntax of Sacrifice

Joe Rigney has a helpful piece here on how sacrificial language works in Leviticus.

Journey into God's Presence through the Offerings

Using Leviticus 9 primarily, L. Michael Morales suggests a "procedural order" in the sacrifices ([1] the purification offering, [2] the whole burnt offering, and [3]) the peace offering that represent a "cultic exodus" into fellowship with God (see diagram below). That is, not only do the offerings represent what is necessary to enter into God's presence but the order itself matters. Frankly, I had not ever considered this before. Very interesting.

L. Michael Morales, Exodus Old and new: A Biblical Theology of Redemption (Downers Grove, InterVarsity, 2020), 91-98.

Tabernacle, Sacrifices, and Judaism: Maimonides vs. Nahmanides

This is a very interesting discussion related to how two important Jewish scholars and teachers (Maimonides and Nahmanides) viewed the purposes of the tabernacle and sacrifices. The author, Menachem Kellner argues that basically that, "for Nahmanides and thinkers like him, the purpose of the mishkan (as well as many other aspects of Judaism) is to bring God, as it were, down to earth. For Maimonides, on the other hand, it is the point of all Jewish practices to assist human beings in their striving to raise themselves, as it were, in the direction of God."

Four Reasons to Study the Old Testament Sacrificial System

One of the least popular areas of Bible study appears to be the Old Testament sacrificial system. For many Christians these passages seem alien at best and embarrassing at worst. Yet there are at least four reasons why we should study the Old Testament sacrificial system.

1. The Old Testament sacrificial system is part of the Bible.
2. The Old Testament sacrificial system provides insight into important theological concepts such as sin, sanctification, faith, forgiveness, imputation, restitution, restoration, etc.
3. The Old Testament sacrificial system sheds light on worship that is acceptable to God.
4. The Old Testament sacrificial system contributes part of the background necessary for understanding and appreciating the person and work of Christ.

The Heart of the Old Testament

I have recently begun reading Ronald Youngblood's The Heart of the Old Testament: A Survey of Key Theological Themes, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998). Youngblood identifies and discusses the following nine themes that he believes is the heart of the Old Testament.

1. Monotheism
2. Sovereignty
3. Election
4. Covenant
5. Theocracy
6, Law
7. Sacrifice
8. Faith
9. Redemption

Passover Sacrifice

Todd Bolen on his Bible Places blog has a video link to a Passover sacrifice performed in Jerusalem this month. I think Todd's explanation is worth reading even if you elect not to watch the video. The video might be difficult for some to watch.