The Mind of a Jew

The Types of offerings

Wave offering - Were used in the consecration of Aaron and his priesthood of sons, labeled there as an ordination offering (Ex. 29:24-26; Lev 8:28-29). In the ordination process of Aaron and his sons, they were taken out of each persons’ hand and placed on top of the burnt offering as a pleasing aroma for God, and were there called a food offering to the Lord. Later, the wave offering is described as a designated section from the everyday Israelite’s peace offering. Peace offerings are carried by the hand of the Israelite rather than the priest when being presented to the Lord, which makes offering the peace all the more personal. It also important to note that while the peace, is from the Israelites to the Lord as a food offering, there it commands that a portion of that peace offering to be waved and given as a contribution to the priests so that they might be supplied in their service (Lev. 10:14-15; Lev. 7:27-36). That same rule applies for sin/guilt offerings (Lev. 14:12, 21, 24). The Israelites were also commanded to give the firstfruits of the land of Canaan they arrived as a wave offering. Mostly likely so that they would acknowledge that all the fruit was a gift from God (Lev. 23:9-14).

In summary, the wave offering can be summarized as: a portion of a sacrifice as an appeal for the approval of God in the ordination of priests in, or a section of a peace offering used as a contribution and provision for the priests.

Later, they appear to be used for the sake As the portion of animal is separated and waved before the Lord in the tabernacle, it symbolizes a seeking of God’s favor and approval.

Sin/Guilt offering - An animal sacrifice used to atone for sins

Burnt offering - An animal sacrifice used to atone for sins. These are used in the day of atonement statute, in the consecration of priests, and when someone is seeking atonement of sin.

Thanksgiving - An animal sacrifice used to express fellowship and gratitude toward the Lord. This one is offered in the outer court and is shared as a fellowship meal with the Lord.

Peace offering - An animal sacrifice used for the seeking of God’s fellowship, approval, or satisfaction

Freewill offering - The animal of this type may be defected or blemished in some type of way. A sacrifice that seems to be given for any particular reason of thanksgiving, or simply to be an act of loyalty for God.

Vow offering - An animal sacrifice made when a vow is made toward God.