Genesis8_20

Genesis 8:20

And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

In the entire Bible, the altar symbolizes the cross on which Jesus Christ was nailed (Exodus 29:38–41). Likewise, the burnt offerings represent Christ, who died for all human beings on the cross (Leviticus 1:3). Concerning the spiritual meanings, they are difficult to understand, and it takes almost our entire life to experience the reality of the altar and the burnt offerings. There is a basic principle that a spiritual truth is often described through a detailed picture in the Old Testament. Therefore, Noah built an altar to God Elohim and took clean beasts and clean birds to offer burnt offerings on the altar, presenting a vivid picture of Christ on the cross as the true burnt offering to God Elohim.

Since Noah brought seven pairs of every clean beast and bird, he had enough to offer burnt offerings. This was similar to what Abel did. Burnt offerings were not for the satisfaction of Noah and his family, even though they had lived in the ark for more than a year. After being burned, the offerings were not food for human beings, because they became ashes and could not be eaten. While burning, the offerings produced a pleasing aroma. Therefore, they were for God Elohim.

Moreover, God Elohim is eternal; He does not need food. Since human beings have fallen, they rebel against God. When burnt offerings were offered, it indicated that human beings repented, confessed their sins, and submitted to God Elohim. It symbolized a person burning his sinful flesh to ashes and removing sin as ashes.

God Elohim did not delight in the burnt offerings themselves but in the people who repent and obey Him.