Why the Burnt Offering Is the Highest of All Sacrifices

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Tzav 2:2

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation: "This is the torah of the burnt offering" (Leviticus 6:2). Why is its name called olah (burnt offering)? Because it is the highest (elyonah) of all the offerings; it is the one that ascends (olah). Know this: one who brings a sin offering, the priest takes it, and so too the meal offering; and the peace offering belongs to its owners, and the guilt offering to the priest. But the burnt offering, no creature tastes of it, but all of it belongs to the Holy One, blessed be He. Therefore it is called olah, because it ascends to the Holy One, blessed be He, who is the Most High.

Themes

SacrificePriesthoodWisdomAdam EveWar

Biblical References

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