The burnt offering was always to be a male
animal: a ram, a goat, a bullock or
a pigeon; and it had to be without blemish.
The worshiper placed his hands on the animal
to show that it was a sacrifice for his own
shortcomings.
The burnt offering symbolized the entire surrender
to God, therefore the whole animal, except for the skin,
which went to the priests, was offered to God.
It was left smoulder all night into ashes,
and the ashes were removed in the morning.
The blood of the animal was
thrown on the corners of the altar
as a further sign that the life of the animal
given in death had been dedicated to God.
The burnt offering formed the daily morning
and evening service in the Temple, while on
sabbaths, new moons, and festivals additional burnt
offerings followed the ordinary worship.
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